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. 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, Supervisor of Student Services
Carroll County Public Schools
605-9 Pine Street, Hillsville, Virginia 24343
Phone: 276-728-9055
Fax: 276-728-2562
E-mail: jdwoods@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, Hampton Cities, and Poquoson Cities; York and Williamsburg/James City Counties

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: Michael Evans, Executive Director of School Leadership
Newport News City Public Schools
12465 Warwick Blvd.
Newport News, Virginia 23606
Phone: 757-591-7850
Fax: 757-595-2017
E-mail: michael.evans@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 Dooley School 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. The academic program for the center has been designed with the intent of providing a guaranteed and viable academic curriculum to middle and high school students. Additionally, a social development curriculum helps students to effectively manage behaviors and interactions with peers, parents/guardians, and other figures of authority. A learning environment is maintained that prioritizes safety, security, order, and structure. Instructional materials are current, age- and grade-level appropriate, and aligned with the Standards of Learning. A behavioral management system rewards desired behaviors and discourages actions that are inconsistent with program standards.
Contact: Dana Hawes, Alternative Education
Metro Academy-Dooley School
St. Joseph's Villa
8000 Brook Rd.
Richmond, Virginia 23227
Phone: 804-553-3291
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 212 students throughout the school year from Prince William County Schools, Manassas City Public Schools, and Manassas Park City Public Schools. The students range from the fifth grade through the eighth grade. New Dominion provides innovative instruction that fits the student’s individual needs in all four core subject areas (language arts, mathematics, science, and social studies). Students who earn additional classes through their behavior may also participate in a social skills class and physical education. Students receive instruction based on the Prince William County Curriculum and the Virginia Standards of Learning objectives. Teachers work in small groups to provide grade level academic instruction and on-going instructional support and remediation. An Alternative Education Plan (AEP) is developed for students who struggle with their academic and/or behaviors, with emphasis on developing the student academically and socially. Once improvements are shown, the school, student, and parents will 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 on-going counseling and support services. Student recognition and partnerships with the parents and the 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: Priscilla Salley, Director
Amelia-Nottoway Technical Center
148 Vo-Tech Rd.
Jetersville, Virginia 23083
Phone: 434-645-7854
Fax: 434-645-1044
E-mail: salley.parcilla@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 350 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 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 daily counseling services from a private counseling group. A research-based program is used to build teamwork, improve focus and concentration, build self-esteem and leadership skills. 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 the county's career center. The day program and after school program are used in creating a successful program.
Contact: Sandra Justice, 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: sjustice@russell.k12.va.us

Project Renew

Northampton and Accomack Counties

Focus: Located at two sites, the program can accommodate up to 20 students in grades 6-12. Targeted are skills associated with goal setting, parental involvement, decision-making, counseling, and instructional progress. There is collaboration with community agencies to assist in appropriately addressing the varied needs of the students served. These needs may include additional instructional supports for students, behavioral supports, and assistance with medication management as warranted. The ultimate goals for students served in the programs are to transition them back to their home school and/or transition them for successful entry into the world of work after achieving their diploma.
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@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: 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: Jason Smith, Supervisor of Personnel and Middle Schools
Scott County Public Schools
340 E. Jackson St.
Gate City, Virginia 24251
Phone: 276-386-6118
Fax: 276-386-2684
E-mail: jason.smith@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: Joseph Soldan, Project Director
Stafford County Public Schools
31 Stafford Ave.
Stafford, Virginia 22554
Phone: 540-658-6000
Fax: 540-658-6061
E-mail: soldancj@staffordschools.net

Regional Alternative Education Program

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

Focus: The program provides an alternative setting for up to 67 students in grades 6-12 at two locations: Fort Hill Community School and the Amelia Pride Center. The program uses intervention strategies to help students improve both their academic performance and social behavior. The Regional Alternative Education Program encourages collaboration between families, schools, public agencies, and the juvenile judicial system in an effort to move students from externally managed behavior to internalized self-control to foster their success in school. Staff use individualized and small group instruction and incorporate 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 Montgomery/Pulaski regional alternative education program provides a comprehensive alternative education program for at-risk middle and high school youths in Montgomery and Pulaski counties. Independence Secondary School and Phoenix Program are located in Christiansburg. The Phoenix program provides an alternative to out-of-school suspension for all county middle and high school students. Independence Secondary and the Endeavor program in Pulaski provide a therapeutic education program for at risk students in grades 8-12 and 6-12 respectively. In addition to small group and individual instruction, all of the programs provide counseling and assessment services. School-based counseling services including case management and intensive day treatment, as appropriate, are made available through the New River Valley Community Services. Technology is incorporated in all areas of the programs for remediation as well as credit recovery.
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: Hallie A. Carr, Director for School Counseling Programs
Roanoke City Public Schools
40 Douglas Avenue, NW
Roanoke, Virginia 24012
Phone: 540-853-1393
Fax: 540-853-2090
E-mail: hcarr@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: Ronald Fairheart, Executive Director
Southeastern Cooperative Educational Program
Smithfield Building
6160 Kempsville Circle, 300B
Norfolk, Virginia 23510
Phone: 757-892-6100
Fax: 757-892-6111
E-mail: Fairheart.Donald@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: Sandra Swingler-Jones, Alternative School Assistant Principal
Mecklenburg County Public Schools
P. O. Box 190
Boydton, Virginia 23917
Phone: 434-738-6111
Fax: 434-738-6679
E-mail: swingler-jones@mcpsweb.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 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, Principal
Southeastern Alternative School
Fauquier County Public Schools
4484 Catlett Road
Midland, Virginia 22728
Phone: 540-422-7390
Fax: 540-422-7409
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: Dr. Fay Garrison, Principal
Regional Learning Academy
Wise County Public Schools
515 Hurricane Rd.
Wise, Virginia 24293
Phone: 276-328-8612
Fax: 276-328-4456
E-mail: fgarrison@wise.k12.va.us

Transition Support Resource Center

Fairfax County and Alexandria City Schools

Focus: Transition Support Resource Centers (TSRC) serve as a short-term (approximately one semester to one school year) program designed to provide individualized instruction. Content, taught by three teachers, is implemented through an independent study model, small group instruction, and online learning. The TSRC focus is to improve student’s academic performance and to help them with successful re-entry into his or her next educational placement. Special education accommodations and supports are available. Parents and school staff members from Fairfax County or Alexandria City may recommend a student for TSRC to help gain previously failed credit, to transition back to school after a prolonged absence or to intervene in a pattern of poor academic and behavioral performance. Students may also be placed at TSRC by the Hearings Office following a recommendation for expulsion. 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 by a Lead Teacher. 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 2012

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