About Whittier Alternative School

March 2008

First, let me tell you a bit about our school.  We’ve been in existence for about ten years.  Our enrollment varies a bit, but we normally have 60-65 students enrolled.  We actually accept new students to fill vacancies at the beginning of each quarter.  The vacancies are created by completion, relocation, poor attendance, disciplinary action, or other circumstance. 

We have a very low student:teacher ratio, about 8 to 1.  Our facility is a remodeled elementary building addition consisting of a kitchen area (science lab), a small library (now the Language Arts room), a Stage (now a divided room for Math / Social Studies), and a gymnasium (portions of which have been walled off for a Practical Arts classroom, a Computer Lab, and PE/Health alcove).  The balance of the gym space is used as a student commons for lunch / assembly / PE activity.  We have two ping-pong tables and have quite a crew of proficient players!  The physical closeness and inclusive environment promote a “family” atmosphere.

The staff members meet as a group every day from 7:45 to 8:15, during which time we strategize about program aspects and individual students.  We get to know them very well!  Some of the students will be here for nearly three years…

One of our elective credits involves providing community service.  All students are encouraged to participate.  However, none is required – all hours are voluntary.  We work alongside Clubs and charitable institutions quite often.  Sometimes we do entire projects on our own.  Some examples would include Reading Buddies for Elementary Students, elderly visits, Veteran’s Day recognition, cemetery reclamation and beautification, raising funds for Habitat for Humanity ($4,000), raising funds for the Community Café Meals ($1000), mentoring middle school at-risk students, working at the food pantry, assisting Salvation Army throughout the year, food drives, Kids With Cancer, building improvements at Whittier, and many others.  As a school, Whittier students/staff have performed over 2000 man hours of service in each of the past three years.  Many of our students have over 50 hours, some over 100, a couple over 200, and one over 300!

Kim Graves