new library, a new student services center, and a new band room were added, and halls and offices were modernized. Benson is undergoing a $216.6 million modernization, which started in 2021 and is scheduled to end in 2024. During the renovation, Benson classes will take place at the campus of the former John Marshall High School in Portland's Lents neighborhood. Academics In 2008, 88% of the school's seniors received a high school diploma. Of 271 students, 239 graduated, 27 dropped out, and five stayed for a fifth year. Oregon moved to the Cohort System the next year to identify graduates, which yields a lower rate than years previous. 76% of students graduated from Benson in 2009, which was higher than the district average of 66%. Benson is the only school in the Portland Public School district to graduate more minorities than white students. Student profile As a magnet school, Benson was highly selective in the Portland area until fairly recently. Students were once required to complete an application for admissions, but this is no longer the case due to the requirements of the No Child Left Behind Act; instead a lottery is used to determine which students are admitted. As of the fall of 2008, there were 1134 students enrolled in Benson, and 61.7% qualified for free or reduced lunch. As of 2022, school lunch is free for all students in Benson High School. In the 2017–2018 school year, Benson's student population was 38.7% White, 25.5% Hispanic, 15.1% African American, 9.6% Asian, 0.6% Native American, 0.6% Pacific Islander, and 9.8% mixed race. Curriculum In addition to a standard high school curriculum, students specialize in a self-selected major during the final two years of enrollment. Students may specialize in the following areas, provided by a partnership with SkillsUSA and Health Occupations Students of America (HOSA): Arts & Communications Academy Computer Science Digital Media Productions KBPS Radio Broadcasting Health Occupations Academy Dental Assisting Medical Assisting Nursing Assisting Emergency Medicine Industry & Engineering Academy Automotive Technology Building Construction Technology Electrical Technology Manufacturing Technology Homebuilding program Benson is one of four Portland-area high schools (as well as Canby High School, Sherwood High School, and Forest Grove High School) that builds a single-family home in the community. Athletics Benson's athletic teams are known as the "Benson Techmen", or "Techsters" for women's teams. The school competes in a variety of sports, and has won numerous district