Alternative school graduates to new location
An area alternative high school that provides a fresh start for at-risk students from Whiteland High School is getting a new beginning of its own. On Oct. 28 at 6 p.m., Clark-Pleasant Community School Corporation and Indianapolis-based non-profit Simon Youth Foundation will unveil the new site of Clark Pleasant Academy (CPA).
After the school quickly outgrew its original location, the district set out to build a school that could meet the enrollment needs as well provide a setting designed specifically for its students and staff. The district partnered with Indianapolis-based nonprofit Simon Youth Foundation (SYF) to build the new school.
“The academic achievement of our students remains the top priority for Clark-Pleasant School Corporation,” said Howard Young, Board President. “By partnering with Simon Youth Foundation we have the opportunity to provide high school students with the means to overcome various situational barriers to obtain their high school diplomas and learn career skills necessary for the future.”
The new school enhances the learning environment, and is eco-friendly. Throughout the school, a green touch can be found in the building’s materials. The carpeting used has received the Carpeting and Rug Institute’s green label rating and does not use glue, the tile is made with recycled materials, and the paint is part of Sherwin William’s GreenSure line that uses sustainable materials and reduces vapors.
In addition, Trane donated and installed a state-of-the-art, high-efficiency heating, ventilation and air conditioning (HVAC) system for the school and will provide free maintenance for three years. The system is designed to provide an environmentally responsible and enhanced leaning environment. Trane will also provide a curriculum called “the BTU Crew,” instructing students on how to make and keep buildings more energy efficient.
Through its partnership with SYF, CPA joins a network of 24 schools SYF has established in collaboration with school districts in 11 states. SYF schools, called Education Resource Centers, have graduated 5,000 students and maintained a 90 percent graduation rate nationwide, despite serving a population of solely at-risk students.
SYF’s schools are primarily located in malls but CPA, located on the grounds of Whiteland High School, is one of its first non-mall sites. The school will, however, have ties with Greenwood Park Mall, including an office located inside the mall and the opportunity for students to gain employment and mentors.
CPA will also benefit from student and teacher enhancement opportunities through its partnership with SYF. Graduates will be eligible for SYF’s post-secondary scholarships, staff will have access to its annual conference, and enrichment funds for students and teachers will be provided on an annual basis.
“Simon Youth Foundation could not be more pleased about the collaboration with Clark Pleasant Community School Corporation on this very important project” said SYF Executive Vice President, Dr. Richard Markoff. “Any time we are able to extend our reach here in Indiana by opening another ERC is a special occasion, and I’m confident this school will be looked to as a model for quality alternative education not only in Indiana, but across the country.”
