Alternative Center for excellence
September 2006
This year the Alternative Center for Excellence is beginning its 30th year as an optional program for high school students and their families. It is also the 110th year that the building, originally the Locust Avenue School, has been in existence. It is the oldest continuously operating school building in the city and is one of Danbury’s historical landmarks.
The school has always been a school of choice. Students come voluntarily because they are looking for a new start, want a family atmosphere, enjoy adventure, seek to make a difference and would like a smaller setting to showcase their talents. The dedication of the staff and the size of the school help to create a unique Danbury learning environment and place to shine. Focus on individual goals and concerns are at the heart of the program. Our mission statement is, “At the Center we take care of ourselves, each other, our space and our future.”
Our significant success rate comes from the dedication of the staff, partnerships with families, unique learning opportunities and our commitment to serve the city of Danbury. At ACE relationships are the foundations for success. Classes are geared toward relevant learning, learning that is personally meaningful and valuable. There is also the expectation for rigorous, quality work. All students create Personal Excellence Plans focused on developing as readers, writers, thinkers, problem solvers and self-directed learners. The plans are reviewed and revised quarterly. Goal setting and work ethic are considered as essential ingredients for success. Our goal is that all students increase their competence and confidence as they prepare for the next steps after graduating from the Alternative Center.
Working with the whole child is essential for growth and learning. There is a high tolerance for dealing with the challenges students offer and the staff is skilled at pursuing students beyond what they present. The investment of giving kids 3rd and 4th 2nd chances pays off. Joe Hall said, “The most profound thing we do is show people the high expectations we have for their greatness without being drawn into the low vision reality the rest of the world may have for them or they may have for themselves. The goal is to create engaged, alert, self-aware and conscientious citizens, life-long learners.” As kids feel the caring, own aspects of the program and are viewed as resources, there is increased student participation, ownership and leadership.
We are proud of our commitment to young people, our unique learning environment and opportunities, and our history of success with young people.
