FCPS Makes Changes in Alternative Learning Centers, Adult High School Program

Fairfax County Public Schools will adjust the levels of instruction at the sites of the four secondary alternative learning centers (ALC), effective with the 2012-13 school year, and is also making changes to the Woodson Adult High School program, which will be renamed Fairfax Adult High School.

The ALC provide continued educational opportunities in core classes for students, a majority of whom are placed by the FCPS Hearings Office or at the recommendation of their parents or school counselors due to behavioral or academic difficulties. The ALC follow the FCPS Program of Studies and use a range of intervention strategies in a highly supported environment.

The changes, effective in September, include:

  • Full-day programming is now available at all ALC sites.
  • Montrose Alternative Learning Center, which provided services for students in grades 7 through 10, will now offer instruction for students in grades 7 and 8 only.
  • Mountain View Alternative Learning Center and Bryant Alternative Learning Center, which also provided
    services for students in grades 7 through10, will now offer instruction for students in grades 9 and 10 only. Because these centers are adjacent to alternative high schools, students will have the opportunity to access additional high school elective courses.
  • Pimmit Alternative Learning Center will close.

No changes will occur at Mountain View Alternative High School or Bryant Alternative High School. The alternative high schools provide instruction for older students who have not been successful in traditional high school settings or whose life circumstances require additional flexibility and support available in the alternative high school setting. Students in grades 11 and 12 who are placed by the Hearings Office will continue to attend either Mountain View or Bryant Alternative High Schools. Transportation will be available this year for all students
attending the alternative high schools.

FCPS’ decision to close one ALC center reflects the successful implementation of a systematic positive behavior program over the last five years, leading to a reduced need for this level of intervention. Data showed lower student enrollment and shorter stays by ALC students, indicating that three program locations could meet the needs of the students. The reorganization of the three remaining ALCs provides more typical age groupings, while reducing the number of grade levels taught by the core teachers and improving the alignment between teacher
endorsement and courses taught.

The Woodson Adult High School Program will move its day program to the Pimmit Hills site, 7510 Lisle Avenue, Falls Church, while retaining its night program at its current location in the City of Fairfax. FCPS will rename the program Fairfax Adult High School.

The adult high school program offers students over 18 years old—who have not completed high school in the United States or another country—the chance to earn a high school diploma. Most students in the program have full‐time jobs and study with FCPS on a full‐time or part‐time basis.

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