Overview – The Collaborative Alternative School
The Collaborative Alternative School is a therapeutic educational program for “at-risk” youth, grades 6-12, who are currently unable to make effective progress in the regular school setting because of their emotional, behavioral, and academic needs. By providing intervention, safety, and structure, students are encouraged to learn how to make responsible choices and the value of self-control. Experienced staff works to engage students who have failed in more traditional settings through using a high interest, hands-on curriculum that correlates to the Massachusetts Curriculum Frameworks. The staff at CAS believes that all students have strengths and are committed to working with students to find ways to build on these strengths to allow them to reach their educational goals.
CAS students speak of their
experiences….
“I am learning how to deal with my anger and I used to say that I would never change, but I am changing thanks to the staff at CAS.”
“….I never knew how to read or do math. This school has changed my whole life around….(my) class is like a family.”
“In my whole family, everybody has dropped out of school and they regret it. I am the only one who will graduate.”
“I know I’m safe thanks to my counselor and the rest of the staff at CAS.”
Program Highlights at a Glance
Suspension alternative provides temporary academic support services and counseling to students who must be excluded from their school community.
CAS Pre-Vocational/Vocational Training
- Small, structured classes where instruction is differentiated to meet
the needs of diverse learners - Vocational training in culinary arts, carpentry, computer literacy, and apprenticeship or school-to-work opportunities
- Integration of the arts into the curriculum through an expressive arts and music studio
- Individual, group and family counseling based on individual need
- Bilingual (Spanish speaking) support staff
Page Last modified: February 09 2012 13:29:35.