CALC: Offering Students a Second Chance at Success

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.

Prospective students are identified by a team of teachers and their guidance counselor and are referred to CALC for the following year. Throughout the year, parents are involved in discussions regarding a possible referral to CALC. At a September orientation for students and their families, the CALC staff explains how they will work diligently to develop a comprehensive plan that focuses on individual academic success, self-esteem and social development.

CALC students are engaged in a full day program which maximizes individual attention on student development across the domains of academic performance, self-esteem and citizenship. The program also fosters a "re-connection" with parents and families. CALC has a 95 percent promotion rate for students to the next grade level.