High School

Little River’s High School program provides a variety of options for students to make choices and work at their own pace, in their own way. Students are prepared to be life long learners, solve problems and nurture their own inner voice. Students can do their work on or off campus, take college classes (including free classes at St. Lawrence University), and do internships. Our small classes are alternative in form and content. Student curriculums are individualized and the requirements are flexible enough to meet the student’s needs. The teachers are supportive and nurturing.

The school works best for students who are awed and energized by the opportunities of the most alternative, least authoritarian high school in the North Country, and will use those opportunities.

The Basics

*Grades 9-12, ages 14-19

*Up to 8 full time equivalent students

*Classes and overall approach tailored to the individual needs, interests and goals of each student.

*Students have say in forming their curriculum and the day to day school activities.

*Non-regents program

*20 ½ credits needed to graduate

*Internships

*Community Service

*Opportunity for college classes

*Equip students for college or work, life long learning, and problem solving

Options

*Core academic classes at Little River

*Homeschool options

*College Classes – Students may take classes at local colleges, including free classes at St. Lawrence University through the High School Enrichment Program

*Internships

*Independent Study

*Design your own program

*Compu-Serve classes – These are on-line high school classes that one can do at their own pace

*Possible exchanges with other schools in the National Coalition of Alternative Community Schools

Priorities

*Responsibility for one’s own learning

*Open ended program that adapts to the changing needs of the students

*Family participation

*Strong student participation into form, content and process of their education

*Development and use of communication skills

*Social awareness and connections with other students at the school and the larger community

*Solid academic skills

*Problem solving skills

*Trust in students; trust in teachers

*Take part in a caring and nurturing environment

*Starting where the student is at (academically, socially, motivationally)

*Understanding that these priorities can create positive change in the world beyond high school.

Who is this program for?

If you find some of these items to be true for you, then this may be the program you are looking for.

High school age students that want to design their own program

Students of diverse interests and abilities

Students with a clear sense of purpose

Students seeking a clear sense of purpose

Students concerned about peace and justice

Students who thrive in a small group environment

Dreamers

Students who want to change the world

Students who are looking to prepare themselves for college, apprenticeships, or life

Students who may not have fit into the traditional school structure because they were different

Students who live in families with alternative lifestyles or values

Students who want to be in a mixed age setting

Students who are looking for mentors or guidance

Creative students

Students who are willing to try a variety of activities

Students who thrive on a hands-on approach

Students who are honest with themselves and others

Students who are willing to explore themselves

Students who work best at their own pace

Students who are seeking a holistic approach to education and life

Students who work cooperatively in a group

Students who work independently