TUCSON, Ariz. (13 News) - In southern Arizona, where dropout rates exceed the national average , a newer school in Cochise County is helping students who drop out get diplomas.

New Crossroads Academy addresses a critical problem facing the region, where between 7% and 9% of students drop out compared to the national rate of just over 5% -- according to data from the Arizona Department of Education .

When students drop out, they face higher rates of unemployment, poverty, and incarceration -- placing a burden on taxpayers and local communities.

“We have a lot of students who are dropping from school, and what happens next? They end up in a youth facility – in juvenile detention. Or even worse – in Cochise County jail,” said Alicia Buckhanan, the New Crossroads Academy Operational M

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