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South Colonie Alternative Education Programs

 

The commitment more than a decade ago by the South Colonie educational community to introduce and develop Alternative Educational programs continues to successfully reach a growing population of students who bring challenge and often disruption to the day-to-day school environment. These programs are tailored to students' individual needs so they get the academic support necessary to meet the demands of earning a Regents diploma. Below is a list of some of the Alternative Education programs offered to South Colonie students.

Central Avenue Learning Center

The Central Avenue Learning Center, better known as CALC, was established in the fall of 1997 to meet the needs of seventh and eighth graders from Lisha Kill and Sand Creek Middle Schools who were not academically successful. Before CALC, these students would have been required to repeat the same courses in the same environment. CALC offers students another chance to succeed. For more information on CALC, click here.

William K. Sanford Colonie Town Library Home Instruction Program

The Home Instruction Program is for students in grade 7-12 serving long-range external suspensions from school due to behavior and other problems. It is offered in two shifts: 9 a.m. - noon and 12:30 - 3:30 p.m. A transitional option can be combined with a regular high school schedule.

Downstairs Unit

The Downstairs Unit, a branch of the Home Instruction Program (described above) was first introduced in the 2007-2008 school year. The program serves students primarily in grades 9-12 who are on long-range external suspension from school due to behavior and other problems. The program is offered in two shifts: 7:30 - 10:30 a.m. and 11 a.m. - 2 p.m. Students attend for a minimum of three hours a day instruction. Students are grouped by grade, course schedule and individual needs. The program may be combined with a regular high school schedule. Age-eligible students are encouraged to have part-time employment.

The 2:30 - 5 p.m. After School Program

This four-day, Monday through Thursday program, is a primary resource available for Special Education students placed on long-term suspension from school due to behavior and other problems.

GED Program

The GED program was introduced in the spring of 2007 as an alternative to earning a high school diploma. The semester-long program is limited to eight students and is coordinated through the high school Counseling Center.