Alternative Education

Middle Settlement Academy Alternative Education Program

GRADES 7-12  |  COSER 408

The Alternative Education Program is designed to offer specialized educational opportunities for students whose learning interests and unique learning styles differ from those typically found in a traditional school setting. In accordance with the New York State Alternative Education Guidelines, this program is structured to meet the individual needs of each student by offering smaller class sizes, assigned learning communities and individualized learning plans. The program provides a supportive learning environment that takes into account the fundamental need for social and emotional growth to occur in order for the academic objectives to be met. The instructional delivery model is in keeping with the NYS Learning Standards allowing students to work toward obtaining a high school diploma.

The main goal of the Alternative Education Program is to provide a positive school climate that will allow students to focus on improving academics, attendance and attitude. Students are generally referred to this program for additional support to improve their attendance, academic engagement and social-emotional well-being. Based on the complexity of the student’s needs, each student is assigned to a social worker who will monitor their progress in the program and make appropriate referrals and recommendations when necessary.

This program is designed for students in grades seven through 12. The program provides students with a supportive family-like atmosphere that, in turn, allows students the opportunity to succeed in an educational setting. The Alternative Education faculty recognizes the potential of the students being referred for programming and are committed to bringing out the best in each individual. Some defining characteristics of Alternative Education, as defined by the New York State Alternative Education Association, are as follows: an awareness that success in school goes beyond academics; a student-centered environment that is conducive to learning, including smaller classes and a climate that fosters innovation; instructional methods that include not only direct instruction, but also allow for an individually paced curriculum and content that has personal relevance to students; the building of relationships with staff; a model that values and builds on the strengths of each student; and programs and support services that promote a student’s academic and personal development.

Upon entry into the program, students will develop their educational goals with their guidance counselor and their personal goals with their social worker. High school students will earn credits for diploma requirements by taking courses that are in alignment with New York State Standards.

The program also features a behavior modification component that allows students to work collaboratively with faculty to enhance their social skills, their attitude toward school and their overall social and emotional well-being. As a result, many students learn to value education and often plan to pursue post-secondary education after graduating.

High school students also may enroll in a half-day program at the Career and Technical Education Center to pursue vocational training. Job shadowing, counseling and tutoring are other program components that are available to interested students.

Middle Settlement Academy (MSA) / Mohawk Valley Community College (MVCC) Pathways Partnership

COSER 408

The Middle Settlement Academy/Mohawk Valley Community College Pathways Partnership began in fall 2023. A component of the Alternative Education Program, it is designed specifically for students completing their senior year of high school.

The program, held on the MVCC Campus, allows students to immerse themselves in the community college experience while being supported by the MSA faculty and staff.

Through purposeful engagement with pathways to careers during their final year of high school, students will work to complete high school graduation requirements and engage in post-high school education, training and work opportunities. This program also allows for a soft transition to employers and/or higher education partners post-high school completion.

Students will work collaboratively with their teachers, school counselor and school social worker on the transitional planning that is necessary to ensure the high and sustained level of student support needed for success.

The partnership with MVCC will allow MSA students to complete educational training that can lead to high-tech careers in advanced manufacturing, and to also participate in certificate programs that can lead to employment in the areas of education, healthcare, and the skilled trades. 

Students enrolled in this program need to maintain good attendance. All students will be enrolled in the MSA Senior Seminar course in order to enhance and support their social-emotional well-being and adequately prepare them for the opportunities made available to them through this partnership.