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HAMILTON — Students must pass the Ohio Graduation Test to leave high school, but the Hamilton City School District has found a way to break up the anxiety some students may have about taking the test.

For many Hamilton Freshman School students the Enjoying Student Clubs, Activities, Partners and Education program is a chance to prep for next year's test.

It's also an opportunity to meet new friends and get involved in a variety of activities.

And, Hollie Powell will tell you, "there is the free food."

The program kicked off March 5 and the more than 100 students who attend signed up for different reasons.

"I have test anxiety and I get real nervous," Powell said. "So anything helps, and it's actually a fun way to learn."

In 2007, 85 percent of sophomores in the Hamilton district passed the reading test, 83 percent mathematics, 89 percent writing, 66 percent science and 76 percent social studies the first time they took it. The results of the OGT are one of the categories the district is graded on in its state report card. The state requires that 75 percent or more students must pass to earn credit for the test.

From 2:20 to 3 p.m. students attend different classes — English, history, math and science — to learn skills and strategies for the OGT, which they will take next year for the first time.

After a pizza break, they can participate in basketball, chess, dance, video club origami, leadership challenge, basketry, scrap booking, weight lifting, ceramics, wrestling or martial arts for the last hour of the program.

Powell attends Bible study which she said "is really cool and a big plus" to the program.

Fourteen-year-old Larry Galloway said he comes for the homework help but also enjoys playing basketball with his friends.

However, for the last two weeks of the program, Galloway said he has opted to take part in the chess club.

"I've always wanted to learn how to play chess," he said.

The ESCAPE program is a fun way to build academic skills, meet new people and get involved in an after-school activity, said Patty Gibbons, an assistant principal at the freshman school.

"Some students play sports, some just go home and we are really just trying to get them involved in after-school activity. This also helps them feel connected to the school and builds relationships."

Contact this reporter at (513) 820-2158 or lebbing@coxohio.com.