I teach at an alternative high school that receives most of its students from the largest comprehensive high school in New Haven. The students have a multitude of problems (i.e., absenteeism, lack of academic credit and discipline issues). Our school is about teaching and learning in a small environment, providing team-taught courses, and creating an environment where it is hard for students to fall through the cracks. The program promotes education through academic and personal development change.
The focus of the school is to have the students make up credit. Students earn credit in four course subjects: English, math, science and social studies/history. They earn credit by the semester. Most classes are taught in 90-minute blocks to help meet the variety of learning styles in the classroom. We offer seven credits per academic year some students return to the main high school to graduate with their classmates; others complete their credits at our program
Team-taught classes promote teamwork, problem solving and active learning, with an emphasis on writing and literacy. Teachers are willing to work with students and their families and to be advocates for the student, when necessary.