Alternative Education

Alternative Education Programs

Blandford Manor Regional Alternative Education Program

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

Focus: The school systems have contracted with a private-sector company, Specialized Youth Services of Virginia, Inc., 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: Deborah Morgan, Director of Education
Specialized Youth Services of Virginia, Inc.
230 S. Crater Rd.
Petersburg, Virginia 23803
Phone: 804-733-2180
Fax: 804-733-8502
E-mail: dmorgan@sysva.com

Breaking Barriers -- A Regional Alternative Education Program

Henry and Patrick Counties; Martinsville City

Focus: The program focuses on the total student and addresses such issues as family problems, lack of motivation, peer pressures, academic, and legal troubles. It is designed to provide strong emphasis on behavior modification, teamwork, enhanced decision-making abilities, and work and study habits. Comprehensive counseling, job training, parent and community involvement are key elements of the program. Up to 29 high-risk youths, grades 6-12, can be accommodated.
Contact: Sandy Strayer, Director of Secondary Education
Henry County Public Schools
P. O. Box 8958
Collinsville, Virginia 24078
Phone: 276-634-4721
Fax : 276-638-2925
E-mail: sstrayer@henry.k12.va.us

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 through Student Assistance Professional services. 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: Wade Meredith, Coordinator of Alternative Education
Carroll County Public Schools
605-9 Pine Street, Hillsville, Virginia 24343
Phone: 276-728-9055
Fax: 276-728-2562
E-mail: wmeredit@ccpsd.k12.va.us

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: Rex Gearheart, Assistant Superintendent
Bristol City Public Schools
222 Oak Street
Bristol, Virginia 24201
Phone: 276-821-5600
Fax: 276-821-5601
E-mail: rgearheart@bvps.org

Enterprise Academy

Newport News and Hampton Cities

Focus: The school offers a rigorous academic and intensive behavior modification program in a business setting for 185 long-term suspended and expelled students in grades 4-12. The program is based on a projects-oriented curriculum with computer use as an integral part of the instructional program. Students work in study teams to facilitate inquiry-based academic work. Conduct rules require students to conform to a strict dress code.
Contact: Dr. Cynthia Cooper, Executive Director of Student Leadership
Newport News City Public Schools
12465 Warwick Blvd.
Newport News, Virginia 23606
Phone: 757-591-7850
Fax: 757-595-2017
E-mail: Cynthia.Cooper@nn.k12.va.us

Genesis Alternative School

Staunton, Harrisonburg, and Waynesboro Cities; Augusta County

Focus: The project offers a regional off-site alternative program for up to 92 targeted students in grades 6-12. The program uses a non-confrontational, consequence-based decision making model to help students develop attitudes and work habits required for academic and work success, to improve achievement and attendance, to reduce the incidence of school board policy violations, and to empower the students with skills to manage conflict in acceptable ways. Parent involvement is strongly encouraged. The program provides counseling services that seek to assist students in coping with their home and school issues. While students are encouraged to seek a return to their home school, the program also offers sufficient curriculum options so that requirements for graduation can be met while they are placed in the program. Students who qualify for graduation may participate in their home school's senior class and graduation exercise. All official records bear the name of the home school.
Contact: Greg Ciszek, Program Director and Principal
Genesis Alternative School
1751 Shutterlee Mill Road
Staunton, Virginia 24401
Phone: 540-213-6507
Fax: 540-213-8870
E-mail: gciszek@staunton.k12.va.us

Metro-Richmond Alternative Education Program

Richmond City; Hanover and Henrico Counties

Focus: The participating school divisions have established a regional alternative education program serving 41 students in grades 6-12. The facility is located at St. Joseph's Villa, a local private educational agency in Richmond. The goals of the program are to improve deficient academic skills, help students with positive decision-making and social skills, improve educational progress, and positively engage the students with the community.
Contact: Dana Hawes, Alternative Education
Metro Academy-Dooley School
St. Joseph's Villa
8000 Brook Rd.
Richmond, Virginia 23227
Phone: 804-553-3306
Fax: 804-553-3306
E-mail: dhawes@sjvmail.net

Middle Peninsula Regional Alternative School Program

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

Focus: The program serves over 200 expelled or long-term suspended students with chronic behavior problems in grades 6-12. An after school program, operating four days per week, has been established at two sites. Program components include small-group instruction with individualized assistance. Strong emphasis is placed on reading, writing, and behavior modification. An extensive partnership between the school divisions, local businesses, and community-based organizations has been established.
Contact: Dianna Cappellanti, Director of Alternative Education
King William County Schools
80 Cavalier Drive
King William, Virginia 23086
Phone: 804-769-3434, ext. 615
Fax: (804) 769-1822
E-mail: dcappellanti@kwcps.k12.va.us

New Dominion Alternative School

Prince William County; Manassas, and Manassas Park Cities

Focus: New Dominion Alternative Center is a community-based educational program that serves 190 students in grades six through eight. The school provides innovative instruction to meet student’s individual needs in the four core subject areas. Instruction is based on the Prince William County curriculum and the Virginia Standards of Learning objectives. Students who earn additional classes through their positive behavior may also participate in career and technical education, computer program instruction, and physical education. Teachers work in small groups to provide grade level academic instruction and instructional support and remediation. An alternative education plan is developed for every student with emphasis on developing the student both academically and socially. Once improvements are shown, the school, student, and parents meet to discuss the possibility of transitioning to the student’s base school. In addition to addressing the academic needs of students, the program focuses on self-esteem and social skills development. Students receive ongoing counseling and support services. Student recognition and partnerships with the parents and community are integral parts to the program.
Contact: Michael Lint, Principal
New Dominion Alternative Center
Prince William County Schools
8220 Conner Drive
Manassas, Virginia 20111
Phone: 703-361-9808
Fax : 703-361-2864
E-mail: lintmp@pwcs.edu

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: Randy Long, Principal
Northern Neck Regional Alternative Education Program
P. O. Box 787
Warsaw, Virginia 22572
Phone: 804-333-4940
Fax: 804-333-0538
E-mail: hrlong70@aol.com

Piedmont Alternative School

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

Focus: The program, located at the Southside Skills Center in Nottoway, provides an alternative setting for up to 77 students, ages 15 or older. Main objectives of the program are to increase opportunities for each student for academic success through educational interventions and teaching methods; 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.
Contact: Allen Vernon, Director
Amelia-Nottoway Technical Center
148 Vo-Tech Rd.
Jetersville, Virginia 23083
Phone: 434-645-7854
Fax: 434-645-1044
E-mail: vernon.allen@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
1461 Dry Fork Road
Dry Fork, Virginia 24549
Phone: 434-432-8185
Fax: 434-432-8186
E-mail: deborah.powell@pcs.k12.va.us

PROJECT BRIDGE

Russell and Tazewell Counties

Focus: The program serves approximately 270 students in kindergarten through grade 12 who chronically disrupt regular classes; 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 a variety of teaching and learning methods including the use of technology to meet the needs of students so they can maintain scholastic achievement to proceed toward a high school diploma or a GED certificate. While at school some students receive counseling services from a private counseling group on a daily 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 classes at one of the county's career centers. The day program, an after school program, and Saturday school are all options in creating a successful program.
Contact: Steve Banner, Administrator of Alternative Programs
Russell County Public Schools
P. O. Box 8
Lebanon, Virginia 24266
Phone: 276-889-6521
Fax: 276-889-6527
E-mail: sbalted@yahoo.com

Project Renew

Northampton and Accomack Counties

Focus: Located at two sites, the program accommodates up to 20 students in grades 6-12.
Targeted are skills associated with goal setting, parental involvement, decision-making, counseling, and instructional progress. The program involves outside agencies as the school division addresses instructional needs of students, helps work toward improved behaviors, and ensure medication needs are appropriately managed. The goal is to transition students for re-entry into the school and entry into the world of work.
Contact: Annette Gray, Assistant Superintendent
Northampton County Schools
7207 Young Street
Machipongo, Virginia 23405
Phone: (757) 678-5151
Fax: (757) 678-7267
E-mail: agray@ncpsk12.com

Project RETURN

Fluvanna, Alleghany Highlands, Bath, Botetourt, Buchanan, Charles City, Clarke, Craig, Culpeper, Floyd, Franklin, Giles, Grayson, Greene, Halifax, Highland, Lancaster, Madison, Orange, Shenandoah, and Smyth 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, 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: Brenda Gilliam, Director of Secondary Education
Fluvanna County Public Schools
14455 James Madison Highway
Palmyra, Virginia 22963
Phone: 434-589-8208
Fax: 434-589-2248
E-mail: bgilliam@mail.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: Randy Watts, Director of Pupil Personnel Services
Powhatan County Schools
2320 Skaggs Road
Powhatan, Virginia 23139.
Phone: 804-598-5700
Fax: 804-598-5705
E-mail: randy.watts@powhatan.k12.va.us

Renaissance Program

Scott and Lee Counties

Focus: Located at two sites, the program accommodates up to 53 students in an after-school program in Lee County and 30 students in the day program in Scott County. Serving high-risk pupils in grades 7-12, students are offered a combination of academic activities and vocational training. An Individual Education Plan (IEP) is developed for each student upon entrance into the program. Computer-assisted instruction augments both the academic and vocational components of the program. The program involves parents and community agencies.
Contact: John Ferguson, Assistant Superintendent
Scott County Public Schools
340 E. Jackson St.
Gate City, Virginia 24251
Phone: 276-386-6118
Fax: 276-386-2684
E-mail: john.ferguson@scott.k12.va.us

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 have been long term suspended or expelled from school can be offered educational services and will not be at-large and unsupervised during the school day. A counseling component is an important part of the program that also includes community outreach and involvement. A vast majority of students take core academic courses to meet Standards of Learning (SOL) and graduation requirements. In addition an Individual Student Alternative Education Plan (ISAEP) and General Educational Development (GED) component are available for students aged 16 and 17 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 intake meeting is required, and students and parents are required to sign an agreement stating that they will abide by the rules and guidelines of the program.
Contact: Dr. Christopher Quinn, Assistant Superintendent for Instruction
Stafford County Public Schools
31 Stafford Ave.
Stafford, Virginia 22554
Phone: 540-658-6000
Fax : 540-658-6061
E-mail: quinner@staffordschools.net

Regional Alternative Education Program

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

Focus: The program provides an alternative setting for up to 54 students in grades 6-12 at three locations. The key to the program consists of intervention strategies to change both academic and social behavior and collaboration among the schools, public agencies, and the juvenile judicial system. The goal is to move students from externally managed behavior to the internalized self-control for success in school. Staff use individualized and small group instruction, incorporating technology into all aspects of the program.
Contact: Gloria C. Preston, Director of Student Services
Lynchburg City Public Schools
915 Court Street
P. O. Box 2497
Lynchburg, Virginia 24505-2497
Phone: 434-522-3700 ext. 147
Fax: (434) 846-0459
E-mail: prestongc@lcsedu.net

Regional Program for Behaviorally Disturbed Youth

Montgomery and Pulaski Counties

Focus: The Regional Program for Behaviorally Disturbed Youth provides a comprehensive alternative education program for behaviorally disordered middle and high school youths at two program sites: Independence Secondary School, in Christiansburg; and the Pulaski County Achievement Center located at Pulaski County High School. Both programs are therapeutic educational programs. The Pulaski County Achievement Center serves students in grades 6-12 while the Independence Secondary School serves students in grades 8-12. In addition to small group and individual instruction, all of these programs provide counseling and assessment services.
Contact: Larry Lowe, Coordinator
Independence Secondary School
208 College Street
Christiansburg, VA 24073
Phone: 540-381-6100
Fax: 540-381-6185
E-mail: llowe@mcps.org

Roanoke/Salem Regional Alternative Education Program

Roanoke County, Roanoke and Salem Cities

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: Dr. Asia Jones, Executive for Student Services
Roanoke City Public Schools
40 Douglas Avenue, NW
Roanoke, Virginia 24012
Phone: 540-853-1393
Fax: 540-853-1250
E-mail: ajones@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: Dr. Judith Green, Director
Southeastern Cooperative Educational Program
Smithfield Building
6160 Kempsville Circle, 300B
Norfolk, Virginia 23510
Phone: 757-892-6100
Fax: 757-892-6111
E-mail: green.judith@secep.net

Southside LINK

Brunswick, Greensville, and Mecklenburg Counties

Focus: The day program has the potential to serve 60 expelled students in grades 8-12. Four teachers provide a non-traditional academic program offering English, mathematics, social studies, and vocational education. Technology is integrated into the curriculum. Individual and group counseling services are available on a regular basis.
Contact: Dr. Jerry Congleton, Assistant Superintendent
Brunswick County Public Schools
1718 Farmers Field Road
Lawrenceville, Virginia 23868
Phone: 434-848-6212
Fax: 434-848-6039
E-mail: Jerry.congleton@brun.k12.va.us

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 four alternative learning programs at the Fauquier Southeastern Alternative School. Two of the four programs include students who are long-term suspended or expelled and are recommended by the superintendent and/or school board. The first, Middle School Alternative Learning Day Program, includes seventh and eighth grade students with discipline problems. They are placed in classes with low student to teacher ratios. A hands-on, interactive instructional approach is used. The second program, Afternoon REFOCUS Discipline Program, serves students that have been placed on long-term suspension (under 365 days) or expulsion (365 days or more). This program is held after school hours in the same building as the day program. Students work towards completion of class credits through an accredited online learning curriculum. 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, Principall
Southeastern Alternative School
Fauquier County Public Schools
4484 Catlett Road
Midland, Virginia 22728
Phone: 540-788-1054
Fax: 540-788-1207
E-mail: sneibauer@fcps1.org

The Regional Learning Academy

Wise and Dickenson Counties; Norton City

Focus: Three schools 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 7-12. Most students are scheduled to attend the RLA program for one-half day. The program can accommodate up to 59 students during the school year. The RLA maintains a low teacher-pupil ratio for individualized instruction for a regular diploma or GED option for the students. Training skills and character education are integrated into the program, and a vocational component is available to qualified students. The RLA utilizes in-school guidance counselors as well as outside counselors and mentors to address students’ behavior and social needs. After a successful predetermined placement time in the RLA, a student may return to his or her home school if the student has achieved a successful evaluation on his or her academic and behavior progress.
Contact: Ed Conley, Principal
Regional Learning Academy
Wise County Public Schools
515 Hurricane Rd.
Wise, Virginia 24293
Phone: 276-328-8612
Fax: 276-328-4456
E-mail: econley@wis.12.va.us

Three Rivers Project-Enterprise Academy

York and Williamsburg/James City Counties; City of Poquoson

Focus: The program builds upon and expands the goals of the Newport News and Hampton Enterprise Academy Alternative Education Program. Established at a second site and housed in an office building, the program is a school for students in grades 6-12. It offers a rigorous academic program that can accommodate up to 46 students during the year. The program is based on a projects-oriented curriculum with computer use as an integral part of the instructional program.
Contact: Manuel Dillard, Associate Director for School Administration
York County Public Schools
302 Dare Rd.
Yorktown, Virginia 23692
Phone: 757- 898-0468
Fax: 757- 833-5225
E-mail: mdillard@ycsd.york.va.us

Transition Support Resource Center

Fairfax County and Alexandria City Schools

Focus: Targeted middle and high students are provided with individualized and small-group instruction and support services for up to one year. This year-round program is located at Bryant Alternative High School in Alexandria. Staff and community resources are used to meet the needs of the students while at the program and to facilitate transition to the next school site. A maximum of 44 students can be served at any one time.
Contact: Shannon Matheny, Administrator
Interagency Alternative Schools
Gatehouse Administrative Center
3877 Fairfax Ridge Rd., 1-1607
Fairfax, Virginia 22030
Phone: 571-423-4360
Fax: 571-423-4367
E-mail: smmatheny@fcps.edu

Turnaround Academy

Buena Vista and Lexington Cities; Rockbridge County

Focus: The regional alternative school accommodates students in grades 9-12. The program is a computer-based program combined with direct teaching by a highly-qualified teacher. Each student is provided with an educational plan with emphasis on academic, behavior, and attendance requirements.
Contact: Dr. Mary Holm, Director of Instruction, Instructional Administrator
Buena Vista City Public Schools
100 Bradford Avenue
Buena Vista, Virginia 24416
Phone: 540-261-2120
Fax: 540-261-2967
E-mail: mary.holm@bvcps.org

Wythe/Bland Alternative Education Program

Wythe and Bland Counties

Focus: An off campus alternative education program has been established in a non-traditional school setting, characterized by a low teacher-pupil ratio, diploma alternatives, and a high expectation academic program with a strong vocational component. The program can accommodate 25 students in grades 9 through 12.
Contact: Jeff Noe, Director of Instruction
Wythe County Public Schools
1570 W. Reservoir Street
Wytheville, Virginia 24382
Phone: 276-228-5411
Fax: 276-228-9192
E-mail: jeff.noe@wythek12.org

Updated August 2011

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