Alternative Education

WHAT WE BELIEVE

We believe in the Starfish Legend that proclaims the inestimable worth of each child. The legend tells us that, if only one child could be saved from all our efforts, then, all our efforts would be time well spent. We are not a program that exists to rescue children collectively; we will salvage them one by one, knowing them as individuals with unique needs and singular dreams.

“THEY DON’T CARE UNTIL THEY KNOW WE CARE.”

VISION STATEMENT

Everyone in this program is deserving of dignity. Committed to this, we strive to assist in the assurance of graduation by providing quality education in a challenging and supportive environment.

MISSION STATEMENT

The faculty and staff of Alternative Education, working together with area schools, families and community stakeholders, will meet the educational needs of all students by providing academic instruction through challenging and differentiated curriculum. Alternative Education will provide a safe and positive learning environment in order to ensure all students have an opportunity for academic success during their transition.

AN OVERVIEW

The Alternative Education Program offers educational opportunities at six (6) different sites. The educational program(s) are staffed with certified teachers and are operated and supervised by the Volusia County School Board. Many of the sites operate through a collaborative agreement and/or contract agreement between Volusia County Schools and various community agencies, including the Department of Juvenile Justice and Department of Corrections. The program provides educational opportunities for approximately 2000 students/clients per year. Components of effective alternative education programs are utilized in the design and operation of the program. The components include lower student-to-staff ratio, highly trained and carefully selected staff, stable leadership, a vision and set of objectives that are shared by all staff, innovative presentation of materials, working relations with all parts of the school system and with other collaborating agencies that provide critical services, and intensive counseling and social skills development. A description of each program can be found under the corresponding Alternative Education page