Alternative Education Programs

Carroll-Galax Regional Alternative Education Program (The RAE Center)

Carroll County and Galax City

• Focus: Two school systems, Carroll County Public Schools and Galax City Public Schools, have joined in a partnership to establish an off-campus regional alternative education program for 45-55 students in grades 7-12. Innovative features include an integrated hands-on academic curriculum, cooperative learning, applied computer technology, mentoring, and career and self-esteem counseling. The Jobs for Virginia Graduates academic courses in job readiness skills are available to all eligible RAE Center and ISAEP-GED students as a fully accredited elective class. Family preservation day treatment services are also available to eligible students.
  
  
• Contact: Shane Woods, Principal and Truancy Officer
  Carroll County Public Schools
  605-9 Pine St.
  Hillsville, Virginia 24343
  Phone: 276-728-9055
  Email: jdwoods@ccpsd.k12.va.us
  

Computer-Based Instruction Program Independence Nontraditional School

Prince William County; Manassas, and Manassas Park Cities

• Focus: Both the middle school program at Independence Nontraditional School and the middle school Computer-Based Instruction (CBI) program work with students who have had egregious violations of the Code of Behavior. Both programs are housed on the Independence Nontraditional School campus. The programs are partnerships with Manassas City Public Schools and Manassas Park City Schools to determine the root cause of the behavior, create a plan to address the behavior of concern and provide students with the social-emotional support needed to return to their base school. Students receive structured support in both programs including behavioral intervention, substance use disorder support, a positive behavior point system, and increased academic support to get back on track academically as well as behaviorally. Student recognition and partnerships with the community are integral components of these programs. 
  
  
• Contact: Gregory S. Hood , Associate Superintendent forHigh Schools
  Prince William County Schools
  P.O. Box 389
  Manassas, Virginia 20112
  Phone: 703-791-1238
  Email: hoodgs@pwcs.edu

Crossroads Alternative Education Program

Bristol City and Washington County

• Focus: The program, located at two sites, will serve up to 24 high-risk students in grades 7-12. Academic instruction, individual and group counseling, and a transition component are key elements. The program will help students become more self-directed learners, abstract thinkers, collaborative workers, and contributors to the community. The students will be provided instruction in technology.
  
  
• Contact: Gary Ritchie, Assistant Superintendent
  Bristol City Public Schools
  222 Oak St.
  Bristol, Virginia 24201
  Phone: 276-821-5600
  Email: gritchie@bvps.org

Enterprise Academy

Newport News, Hampton Cities, and Poquoson Cities; York and Williamsburg/James City Counties

• Focus: Enterprise Academy offers a regional alternative/transition program for students in grades 6-12 from Newport News, Hampton, York County, Williamsburg/James City County and Poquoson. Students that attend the program are either long term suspended/expelled from the traditional school setting, transitioning from juvenile correctional facilities or facing community charges. The instructional staff provides a well-balanced learning approach for all students that utilizes traditional teaching methods as well as technology options to meet the academic needs of a diverse population of students.  Goals include but are not limited to:: preparing students to return to the traditional school setting, modifying any negative student behaviors/habits, increasing student academic achievement, exposing students to various college and career options, promoting the development of positive self-esteem as well as personal and community responsibility. Academic and behavior management programs are designed to create a learning environment that prioritizes safety, structure and becoming ''smart''. A school dress code adds a dimension of commitment to the program. An incentive program has been designed to reward students for good behavior and to encourage academic success. The staff works collaboratively with the parents to ensure a positive and impactful school experience.
  
  
• Contact: Mr. William Taylor, Principal
  813 Diligence Drive, Suite 110
Newport News, Virginia 23606
Phone: 757-591-4971
Email: william.taylor@nn.k12.va.us

Middle Peninsula Academic Center (iMPACt)

King William, Gloucester, Mathews, Middlesex, New Kent, Essex, and King and Queen Counties; Town of West Point

• Focus: iMPACt provides an alternative approach to education for students who are not successful in the traditional school setting. An after school program, operating four days per week, has been established at the Gloucester site. The program components include small-group instruction with individualized assistance. Strong emphasis is placed on reading, writing, and behavior modification. Middle School students receive direct instruction from licensed/provisionally licensed teachers. High school students use an online program with support from teachers in the program for all classes. This program serves at risk, expelled, and long-term suspended students with chronic behavior problems in grades 6-12.

  The King William site has implemented a day program operating 5 days per week during regular school hours and will continue to provide small group instruction with individualized assistance in core academic subjects. In addition, this site offers an alternative approach to academics for students who may not be experiencing success in the traditional school setting or may be at risk for dropping out of school prior to graduation. Qualified students may also select to study and prepare for their GED through this program. The use of online curriculum will assist with accelerating or remediating learning as needed and will provide additional elective courses as students work to transition back to their home school. Emphasis will be placed on reading, writing, math, behavior modification, character education/conflict resolution, and credit recovery to increase student achievement. An extensive partnership between the school divisions, local businesses, and community-based organizations has been established. A dress code is followed and serves as another aspect of commitment to our program. Parents are expected to be involved in their student's education and are expected to attend an intake meeting, sign an agreement with their child stating they will follow the rules and guidelines of the program, and attend conferences to discuss their child’s academic future.

Montgomery/Pulaski Counties Regional Alternative Education Program

Montgomery and Pulaski Counties

• Focus: The program provides a comprehensive alternative education program for at-risk middle and high school youths in Montgomery and Pulaski counties. The program at Montgomery Central provides an alternative to out-of-school suspension for middle and high school students and a therapeutic education program for at-risk students in grades 6-12.  The alternative program site in Pulaski County is called the Cougar Center, and it offers a variety of programs including in-school suspension and an at-risk program serving high school students who are in danger of dropping out of school prior to graduation.

• Contact: Mike Stanley
  Principal of Alternative Programs
  208 College St.
  Christiansburg, VA 24073
  Phone: 540-381-6100
  Email: mstanley@mcps.org

Northern Neck Regional Alternative Education Program

Westmoreland, Northumberland, and Richmond Counties, Town of Colonial Beach

• Focus: The program is designed for 36 students in grades 6-12 and establishes options for students who no longer have access to school. An accelerated, individualized instructional program, offering a small pupil teacher ratio, is a key element of the program that is housed at the Northern Neck Regional Vocational Center. Goals include preparing students to return to the traditional school setting, promoting the development of self-esteem, personal and community responsibility, and family involvement.
  
  
• Contact: Todd H. Davis, Assistant Principal
  Northern Neck Regional Alternative Center
  13946 Historyland Highway
  Warsaw, Virginia 22572
  Phone: 804-333-4940
  Email: tdavis@northernnecktech.org  

Petersburg Regional Alternative Education Program, DBA Keys Academy

Petersburg, Colonial Heights, Hopewell Cities; Dinwiddie, Prince George, and Sussex Counties

• Focus: The school systems have contracted with a private-sector company, Health Connect America / DBA Keys Academy, to establish a regional alternative education program which accentuates opportunities for academic success and improvement of social skills. A "whole person" approach, addressing behavioral, cognitive, emotional, physical, familial, and social skills, is used to meet the development of each student. Employment readiness instruction is integrated into the program, and job placement assistance is available for students of appropriate age. The program can accommodate 28 students, grades 6-12.
  
  
• Contact: Kimberly Lindblad, Director
  Specialized Youth Services of Virginia, Inc.
  455 Old Wagner Road
  Petersburg, Virginia 23805
  Phone: 804-733-2180
  Email: klindblad@sysva.com

Piedmont Alternative School

Nottoway, Amelia, Buckingham, Charlotte, Cumberland, Lunenburg and Prince Edward Counties

• Focus: The program, located at the Amelia-Nottoway Technical Center jointly governed by a Joint Board of Amelia and Nottoway Counties physically located in Nottoway, provides an alternative setting for up to 77 students, grades 6-12. The main objectives of the program are to increase opportunities for each student for academic success through educational interventions and teaching methods; prepare students to return to the traditional educational setting; assess students vocationally and match them with a vocation area; empower the student through consistent behavior management; provide conflict resolution strategies; and create opportunities for team building. Parental involvement is strongly promoted and recommended.
  
  
• Contact: Marcia Martin, Assistant Superintendent of Instruction & Federal Programs
  Nottoway County Public Schools
  PO BOX 47
  Nottoway, Virginia 23955
  Phone: 434-645-9596
  Email: Martin.marcia@nottowayschools.org

Pittsylvania County/Danville City Regional Alternative School

Pittsylvania County and Danville City

• Focus: The school is designed to assure that students receive an opportunity to change behavior and return to the "real school world." The program provides a setting that has high expectations for both academic and behavioral success. These expectations are communicated to teachers, parents, and students. The school follows the 180 day year calendar and offers individual instruction as needed for students in all core courses including those students placed with an individual education plan. The faculty and staff have created a schoolwide discipline plan to help students focus on positive behaviors. A school dress code adds a dimension of commitment to the program. An incentive program has been designed to reward students for good behavior and to assure academic success. All students are expected to pass the Virginia Standards of Learning and to complete course work and return to their school in both good academic standing and with a new approach to positive conduct in a regular school environment. Parents are expected to be involved in the education of their children, provide transportation on a daily basis, and attend conferences to discuss and plan their child's academic future.
  
  
• Contact: Deborah Powell, Principal
  Pittsylvania County Public Schools
  956 Woodlawn Academy Road
  Chatham, Virginia 24531
  Phone: 434-432-8185
  Email: deborah.powell@pcs.k12.va.us

PROJECT BRIDGE

Russell and Tazewell Counties

• Focus: The program serves approximately 500 students in grades 4-12 who chronically disrupt regular classes, considered at-risk of becoming a drop-out, intentionally injure another student, are truant, have returned from a correctional facility, need credit recovery, or have drug, weapon, or alcohol charges. The program provides alternative teaching and learning methods including the use of online curriculum to meet the needs of students so they can transition back into the regular school or earn a diploma and transition into the world of work.  While at school, some students receive counseling services on a daily basis from a private counseling group.  A research-based program is used to create teamwork, improve focus and concentration, and build self-esteem and leadership skills.  Career and character building programs are also offered to the students on a weekly basis.  School facilities are used except in instances where it is necessary to separate students and instruct them at home.  Students may elect to take career and technology classes.  The day program, after-school program, and recovery program are used in creating “alternative methods to success.”
  
  
• Contact: Brian Hooker, Regional Administrator of Alternative Programs
  Russell County Public Schools P. O. Box 8
  P.O. Box 8 Lebanon, Virginia 24266
  Lebanon, Virginia 24266
  Phone: 276-889-6521 Email: mroberson@russell.k12.va.us

Project Renew

Northampton and Accomack Counties

• Focus: Located at two sites (Northampton and Accomack), the program in Northampton can accommodate up to 20 students in grades 7-12; while the program in Accomack County can accommodate up to 15 students in grades 9-12. The instructional targets for both programs focus on skills associated with goal setting, parental involvement, decision-making, counseling, and instructional progress. Collaboration with community agencies to assist in appropriately addressing the varied needs of the students served is a significant component of both programs. Additional supports may include academic and behavioral support and assistance with medication management as warranted. The ultimate goal for students served in the programs is to transition to their home school or transition successfully into the world of work after achieving their diploma which may include successful completion of a GED.
  
  
• Contact: Laura Lemke, Coordinator of TECH Center
  Northampton County Public Schools
  7207 Young St.
  Machipongo, Virginia 23405
  Phone: 757-678-5151 Ext.3015
  Email: llembke@ncpsk12.com

Project RETURN

Fluvanna, Alleghany Highlands, Bath, Botetourt, Buchanan, Charles City, Clarke, Craig, Culpeper, Floyd, Franklin, Giles, Grayson, Greene, Halifax, Highland, Madison, Orange, and Shenandoah Counties; Radford City

• Focus: Project RETURN was formed to assist school divisions in addressing the educational, social, and emotional needs of students who require an alternative educational program. Selected students from each locality receive instruction through the Project RETURN model. The model allows the locality to provide instruction at home or within the local alternative education center using the best in available software and online curriculum. The mentor teacher, in collaboration with the sending home school staff, develop an individualized academic program based on the student's ability level and the appropriate Virginia Standards of Learning. The ultimate goal is the student's successful transition into the regular academic setting. The program can involve up to 75 students in grades K-12.
  
  
• Contact: Dr. Don F. Stribling II, Executive Director
  Human Resources, Operations, and Student Services
  Fluvanna County Public Schools
  14455 James Madison Highway
  Palmyra, Virginia 22963
  Phone: 434-589-8208
  Fax Number: 434-589-5393
  Email: dstribling@apps.fluco.org

Project Return

Powhatan, Goochland, and Louisa Counties

• Focus: Existing alternative programs in the three school divisions have been expanded to work with expelled and suspended students or those in the stages before referral for long-term suspension or expulsion. These programs serve a potential of 55 high-risk students in grades K-12. Each program offers a different instructional approach. One program targets study skills, character education, employment skills, and also offers after school tutoring. The second offers an after-school program, and the third program provides home instruction or Saturday school. The outcome for all three programs is for students to progress satisfactory and be able to re-enter the regular school program, or obtain a General Educational Development (GED), or certificate of completion from the alternative education program.
  
  
• Contact: Katie Wojcicki, Director of Pupil Personnel Services
  Powhatan County Schools
  2320 Skaggs Road
  Powhatan, Virginia 23139.
  Phone: 804-598-5700
  Email: katie.wojcicki@powhatan.k12.va.us

R.E.A.C.H. Program

Scott, Lee, and Smyth Counties

• Focus: Located at three sites, the program accommodates up to students in the day program in Scott County. Smyth County serves up to 46 high-risk students during the academic day and after-school hours.  All sites serve high-risk pupils in grades 6-12. Computer-assisted instruction augments both the academic and career/technical components of the program. The program involves parents and community agencies.
  
  
• Contact:  Jason Smith, Assistant Superintendent
  Scott County Public Schools 340 E. Jackson St.
  Gate City, Virginia 24251
  Phone: 276-386-6118 ext. 32
  Email: jason.smith@scottschools.com

Regional Alternative Education Program

Stafford, Caroline, King George, and Spotsylvania Counties; Fredericksburg City

• Focus: 

  The school divisions within Planning District 16 have created a regional program at an off-school site so that students who are at risk of long-term suspension, have been long-term suspended or expelled from school, or have pending exclusionary charges through court services can be offered educational services. A counseling component is an important part of the program that also includes career exploration through opportunities in the community. All students take academic courses to meet graduation requirements to include end of course testing. In addition, an Individual Student Alternative Education Plan (ISAEP) and General Educational Development (GED) component are available for students aged 16 through 18 who meet appropriate entrance requirements. The program can serve approximately 150 students in grades 9-12 during the course of the school year. A family enrollment meeting is required, and students and guardians are required to sign an agreement stating that they will abide by the rules and guidelines of the program.

• Contact: William Boatwright, Principal
  Stafford County Public Schools
  125 University Blvd..
  Fredericksburg, Virginia 22406
  Phone: 540-286-8985
  Email: boatwrightwr@staffordschools.net

Regional Alternative Education Program

Lynchburg City; Amherst, Appomattox, Bedford, and Nelson Counties

• Focus: 

  Fort JI ill Community School is an educational program that serves approximately 200 students in grades 6-12 during the school year. Located in Lynchburg, this alternative program includes Amherst, Appomattox, Bedford, and Nelson counties. Students may be placed in this regional program for a variety of needs including. but not limited to, parental request, disciplinary concerns, as well as academic needs. Fort Hill Community School focuses on the individual needs of each student in all four core subject areas as well as electives. Teachers in the middle school program provide both direct and virtual (blended) instruction for students. Teachers in the high school program will also utilize both direct and virtual (blended) instruction approaches. Direct instruction is provided in the

  core areas. Collaboration between families, base schools, and public agencies is essential to this program as well as community partnerships. "Every child, by name and by need, to graduation and beyond" is the program's mission statement.

• Contact: Jennifer Crews, Director of Instruction & Programs Lynchburg City Public Schools
  Lynchburg City Public Schools
  915 Court St.
  P. O. Box 2497
  Lynchburg, Virginia 24505-2497
  Phone: 434-515-5098
  Email: crcwsjm@lcscdu.net

Regional Learning Academy

Wise and Dickenson Counties; Norton City

• Focus: Three school systems participate in the Regional Learning Academy (RLA) in Wise County. The RLA offers an off-campus educational program to violent and disruptive youth in grades 8-12. Most students are scheduled to attend the RLA program for one semester or one year, depending on the severity of the behavior and improvements made while in the program. The program can accommodate at least 59 students during the school year. The RLA program maintains a low teacher-pupil ratio for individualized instruction to help students work toward a standard diploma. Character education is integrated into the program and we work on training skills via computer courses. The RLA utilizes an in-school guidance counselor as well as outside counselors and mentors to address students’ behavioral and social needs. After a successful predetermined placement time in the RLA program, a student may return to his/her home school or transition via another educational county program (AEC) if the student has achieved a successful evaluation on his/her academic and behavioral progress.
  
  
• Primary Contact: Dr. Daniel Roop, Principal  
  Regional Learning Academy                                 
  Wise County Public Schools                                
  515 Hurricane Road, Building B                            
  (P.O. Box 660)                                                    
  Wise, VA 24293                                                   
  Phone: (276) 321-0051                                         
  Fax: (276) 328-4456                              
  Email: droop@wisek12.org                                  

• Secondary Contact: Mrs. Jennifer Fleming, Teacher
  Regional Learning Academy                                 
  Wise County Public Schools                                
  515 Hurricane Road, Building B                            
  (P.O. Box 660)                                                    
  Wise, VA 24293      
  Phone: (276) 328-7138
  Fax: (276) 328-4456
  Email: jfleming@wisek12.org

Roanoke/Salem Regional Alternative Education Program

Roanoke and Salem Cities, Roanoke County

• Focus: The project focuses on the total student and includes the following components: curriculum content, teaching techniques, computer integration, counseling programs, parental participation, staff development, and evaluation. A major goal of the program is that students will not commit new acts of misconduct during or following exit from the program. Students who are academically delayed have the opportunity to participate in an accelerated academic program. Achievement in academics and behavior are required for students to return to their home schools. A community service component permits students to improve social development. High-risk youths in grades 7-12 and the General Education Development (GED) program can be placed in the program.

• Contact: Lori Wimbush, Assistant Superintendent of Secondary Education
  Roanoke City Public Schools
  40 Douglass Ave., NW
  Roanoke, VA  24012
  Phone: 540-853-2890
  Email:  lwimbush@rcps.info 

Southeastern Cooperative Education Program

Norfolk, Chesapeake, Franklin, Portsmouth, Suffolk, and Virginia Beach Cities; Isle of Wight and Southampton Counties

• Focus: The Tidewater Regional Alternative Educational Program is an academic program for students in grades 6-12. A core curriculum of English, social studies, math and science are linked to the Standards of Learning (SOL’s) as established by the Virginia Department of Education. Credit-bearing classes, GED instruction and literacy remediation provide a continuum of educational options to the student. Elective courses are available as part of a state approved computer-based curriculum. Students receive daily social skills training.  This training is provided in a group setting and utilizes the Skillstreaming Curriculum. Students are required to model, practice, and role-play a range of pro-social skill behaviors that will help them to successfully reintegrate to the regular school setting or community.
  
  
• Contact: Laura Armstrong, Executive Director
  Southeastern Cooperative Educational Program
  Smithfield Building
  6160 Kempsville Circle, 300B
  Norfolk, Virginia 23502
  Phone: 757-892-6100
  Email: armstrong.laura@secep.net

Southside LINK

Brunswick, Greensville, and Mecklenburg Counties

• Focus: The alternative learning center is an alternative day program for students in grades 6 through 12 who, due to behavior issues, are unable to attend their regular or base school.  The center has the capacity of serving 43 students using a non-traditional academic program offering English, mathematics, social studies, science, and vocational education following a diploma track plan. Technology is integrated into the curriculum, and individual or group counseling services are available.
  
  
• Contact: Tracey Rogers, Assistant Superintendent
  Brunswick County Public Schools
  1718 Farmers Field Road
  Lawrenceville, Virginia 23868
  Phone: 434-848-3138
  rogerst@brunswickcps.org

The Regional Continuum of Alternative Education Services

Fauquier and Rappahannock Counties

• Focus:Fauquier and Rappahannock school systems are regional partners in their alternative education programs. There
  are two (2) alternative learning programs in Fauquier located at Southeastern Alternative School. The first program serves students in grades 6 -12 who have been long-term suspended, expelled, or disciplinarily sanctioned on alternative placement as recommended by the superintendent / designee and/or school board. Students complete courses using asynchronous, online curriculum and receive counseling services, as appropriate, as immediate intervention. The second program serves similar students in grades 7-12 who require face-to-face, hands-on, interactive instructional approach and are placed in classes with low student to teacher ratios. Located in Rappahannock County, a third alternative program is designed to meet the needs of students on long- term suspension or expulsion. The program is a school within a school model where students work on an online curriculum to continue credit accumulation.
  
  
• Contact: Dr. Michelle Neibauer, Principal
  Southeastern Alternative School
  Fauquier County Public Schools
  4484 Catlett Road
  Midland, Virginia 22728
  Phone: 540-422-7390
  Email: sneibauer@fcps1.org

Transition Support Resource Center

Fairfax County and Alexandria City Schools

• Focus:  Fairfax County Public Schools hosts the Transition Support Resource Center (TSRC) programs at several locations throughout the county. The TSRC programs use a blended instructional model. The learning environment consists of Schoology and Edmentum, a Virginia Department of Education approved online curriculum aligned with the Virginia Standards of Learning, combined with direct instruction following the Fairfax program of studies for each course. These programs are designed to provide continued educational opportunities for = students in grades 9-12 and on an individualized basis for students in middle school. In addition, supplemental texts, project-based learning, cross-curricular tasks and materials are designed to enhance the learning experience for each student. Through the use of success-oriented teaching methods and materials, small class size, a modified school day, and a structured environment, these programs facilitate the students ‘positive growth and development in both academic and social skills. Special education accommodations are available at all sites, and individual plans are developed to determine and meet the needs of students with disabilities to access instruction in the small group TSRC setting. Placement recommendations to the TSRC program are made by school counselors, parent request, or by the school board, the Hearings Office, or by an IEP team following a hearing. Referral students must provide their own transportation, and transportation may be provided for Hearings Office placed students. Alexandria City Public Schools students attend the Bryant Alternative High School location.
  
  
• Contact: Michael Salaita, Administrator
  Fairfax County Public Schools 
  8270 Willow Oaks Corporate Drive, 3rd Floor
  Fairfax, Virginia 220
  Phone: 571-423-4360
  Email: MNSalaita@fcps.edu

Turnaround Academy

Buena Vista and Lexington Cities; Rockbridge County

• Focus: The regional alternative school accommodates students in grades 8-12. The program is a computer-based program combined with direct teaching by a highly-qualified teacher and special education teacher. Each student is provided with an educational plan with emphasis on academic, behavior, and attendance requirements.
  
  
• Contact: Sherrie Wheeler, Director of Administration and Secondary Education
  Buena Vista City Public Schools
  2329 Chestnut Ave., Suite A
  Buena Vista, Virginia 24416
  Phone: 540-261-2129
  Email: anna.graham@bvcps.org

Valley Academy Regional Alternative School (VARAS)

Harrisonburg and Waynesboro Cities; Augusta County

• Focus: The goal of Valley Academy is to provide a non-traditional school experience in an environment that encourages both the academic and personal growth of all students.
  
  
• Contact: Wayne “C.J.” Van Devander, Director
  Waynesboro Public Schools
  59 John Lewis Road
  Fishersville, VA 22939
  Phone: 540-886-0573
  Email: wvandevander@waynesboro.k12.va.us

Wythe/Bland Alternative Education Academy

Wythe and Bland Counties

• Focus: Wythe County and Bland County school divisions are regional partners providing two alternative learning programs at the Wythe County Technology Center for grades 6-12. Both programs provide access to the core curriculum of English, mathematics, science, and social studies, as well as some online electives and GED instruction. The “New Horizons” daytime program objectives are to increase the number of students staying in school, improve attendance, reduce the number of suspensions, increase the passing rate in academic classes, provide credit recovery opportunities, and provide an accelerated academic program for students who have fallen behind their graduation cohort. The “Alternative Night School” program is an alternative education program established in a non-traditional school setting. It provides a low teacher-pupil ratio, setting high expectations in academic and behavior modifications, while meeting the needs of a diverse population of students. The ultimate goal of both programs is to successfully transition students into the regular academic setting or acquire a diploma and/or other credentials to be college or career ready.
  
  
• Contact: Dr. Rebecca James, Executive Director of Curriculum and Instruction
  Wythe County Public Schools
  1570 W. Reservoir St.
  Wytheville, Virginia 24382
  Phone: 276-228-5411
  Email: bjames@wythek12.org