Burlington County Alternative School hosted open house on Feb. 11

The Burlington County Board of Chosen Freeholders, Burlington County Special Services School District Board of Education, and administration held an open house for the Burlington County Alternative School, on Feb. 11. The event will took place at the new facility located at 1000 Briggs Road, Mt. Laurel.

On August 1, 2014, the Burlington County Special Services School District (BCSSSD) acquired the Burlington County Alternative School (BCAS). The School was previously administered by Rancocas Valley Regional High School District, whose Board of Education took action on July 22, 2014 to transfer the program to BCSSSD.

“Through our shared services agreement and the collaboration of those involved, the project was completed quickly and inexpensively in-house,” Freeholder Deputy Director Bruce Garganio stated. “With expanded space and access to college resources, we look forward to all the amazing opportunities the future has in store for these students.”

Previously housed on the Pemberton Campus of Burlington County College, on January 5, 2015, the program opened its doors for students to a new nearly 10,000 square foot school at 1000, Briggs Road, Mt. Laurel, on the campus of BCC Mt. Laurel, nearly doubling its space. The new facility offers our students 5 upgraded classrooms, upgraded technology and other resources, a new cafeteria and kitchen, ample counseling spaces, and small group counseling and instructional spaces, all in a picturesque setting.

“We are fortunate to have strong support from our County Governing Body; and, this project is evidence of our extraordinary partnership,”Board President Bob Silcox said.

In January, 2015 BCAS began accepting Middle School students, grades 7–8. In addition the school now offers additional programs for:

- English Language Learners

- Pregnant Teens and Teen Parents

- Credit Recovery/Course Completion; full or shared time during the school year

- Summer credit recovery and course completion

Enrollment is currently approximately 75 students with new intakes and enrollment occurring daily.

The school’s capacity is approximately 100 students, and spaces are filling.

“BCSS is pleased to serve the students and families of the Burlington County Alternative School,” Dr. Christopher Manno, Superintendents of Schools for BCSSSD, said. “The important work of this school is consistent with BCSS’s Mission to provide programs adapted to each student’s unique needs and abilities.”

The Mission of BCAS is to challenge, instruct and guide students to develop the abilities to:

- Achieve academically through individualized learning;

- Build resiliency by strengthening mental and emotional health; and

- Become self-sufficient, well-adjusted, socially-responsible members of society

BCAS is a proficiency-based program for students who experience difficulty achieving their potential at their traditional high schools. Students at BCAS meet or exceed state and local graduation requirements through highly individualized programs provided by state certified school teachers and college instructors. Instruction encourages experiential learning and student-driven projects. Students have the opportunity to earn college credits by taking courses on the BCC campus at no cost to families. In addition to the academic component, students are provided opportunities for individual, family and group counseling, as well as vocational training and counseling.