Choices High School serves Stark County young adults between the ages of 16 and 21 who have left high school without a diploma or are at-risk of not earning a diploma if they stay in a traditional high school setting. Through small group instruction and project-based learning, students have the opportunity to earn their high school diploma in an alternative setting. Courses are scheduled much like college – two to three days a week for 90-minute blocks. The program typically takes nine to twelve months to complete, depending on student attendance and work habits.
History
Choices High School opened in 2000. Six school districts (Canton City, Canton Local, Jackson Local, Lake Local, North Canton, and Plain Local Schools) formed a collaborative to encourage their at-risk under-age (16-17 years old) students to succeed.At this time, over 200 young adults have earned their high school diploma, enabling them to enter post-secondary programs or seek better employment.
Key Elements
Choices is in a non-traditional setting, and coursework and success is based on “showing what you know,” not earning credits based on seat time. Low student-teacher ratio and strong student and staff relationships are key to student success. The ability to schedule classes on alternate days and at a variety of times based on students’ needs is also critical to student success.Annual Budget
Budget is based on student enrollment and Canton City Schools budget.Staffing Needs
Staffed is handled by Canton City Schools and Stark County Educational Service Center.Outcomes
Young adults, ages 16 – 21, from throughout Stark County are earning their high school diploma. In doing so, they are entering the workforce and post-secondary educational opportunities better prepared to learn and earn.Areas of Improvement
We always feel the need to reach out to more students. We know there are over 500 young adults in the county without diplomas and continue to strive to reach them.Wish List Items
Bus passes – Many students attending Choices ride SARTA (Stark Area Regional Transit Authority) daily to and from school. Fare each way is $1.15. Choices High School is able to provide one pass per week; most students ride two to three days per week (some all five). Additional funds earmarked for passes would be appreciated.Gift cards – Gift cards for area stores (Fisher’s, Wal-mart, etc.) in small denominations ($10 - $20) can be used for incentives and/or student emergencies (food, clothing, diapers, etc.).
Computers – The computers at Choices are seven years old and are showing their age. We are losing the ability to access some websites/programs due to out-of-date processors. Additionally, replacement parts are getting more difficult to find. We would like to replace all forty computers in the building at a cost of $1000 per computer. (Total cost of $40,000.)