The Circle of Courage Learning Community provides alternative educational programs for students in the Poughkeepsie City School District. Programs housed at the Circle of Courage Learning Community include:

• Alternative Middle School Program
• Alternative High School Program
• GED Program
• Home Instruction

The Circle of Courage Learning Community is dedicated to giving students the opportunity to grow and learn in a small environment. We believe that all students can achieve and find satisfaction in learning. Our mission is to assist each and every student academically, behaviorally and morally so that they may rejoin their fellow students in the mainstream educational settings. The Circle of Courage learning Community works with faculty, students and families to provide the maximum educational opportunities so students can achieve and succeed.

In 2000, the Poughkeepsie city School District invested in developing its own special educational program within the district. Our former superintendent envisioned a new school with a focus on reclaiming Poughkeepsie students who were at the time receiving educational services outside of the district. In the winter of 2002, a building at 160 Union Street became available. By the fall of 2002, a ninth school within the Poughkeepsie District, now known as The Circle of Courage Learning Community, was opened.

• ASSET BUILDING

  All aspects of the school program are generated by persistent emphasis on student strengths and abilities rather than difficulties. The developmental assets of each student are identified and strengthened by the staff to build confidence and to help students to overcome obstacles to learning.

• THERAPEUTIC BEHAVIOR MANAGEMENT

  Students at the Circle of Courage Learning Community are provided with supports to learn respect for self and respect for others. Group counseling and individual counseling are provided on-site to teach students the art of relaxation, conflict resolution and options for self-management. The program teaches students to "talk out instead of act out".

  Consistency in discipline and fair but firm boundaries keep this learning community safe and inviting for students and staff alike. All staff at the Circle of Courage Learning community are trained to understand that negative behavior is a response to frustration and not a classification of a child's intentions or personality.

• THE CIRCLE OF COURAGE PROGRAM

  The Circle of Courage philosophy is the core of our character development program, deeply embedded in the school culture. Students are provided with the opportunities to help them understand their own gifts and talents, to foster independence, to appreciate their connections to family and community, and to learn and practice generosity in action.

  "We meet students at their gifts and support their needs", is the school creed. This is an accomplished by working with each student through a variety of diagnostic tools to establish areas of strength and areas that need to be strengthened. Goals are then established.

  Academic assessment also includes all required standardized test results along with New York State and district standards appropriate for the student's grade level.

• Academic Improvement - in each curricula content area.
• Improved Social Skills - in peer interactions and self-management strategies.
• Successful Transitions - within the learning community and back to a traditional mainstream educational environment.
• Positive Community Involvement - increased involvement of the family as well as community resources to enhance each student's education.
• Character Development - through participation in Circle of Courage activities and completion of a portfolio assessment.

• Students recommended for the Circle of Courage Learning Community must be eligible for kindergarten through eighth grade.
• Students with IEPs are referred through the Office of Pupil Personnel.
• At the recommendation of the Superintendent of Schools, an Administrative Team will interview students and their families at the Circle of Courage Learning Community prior to acceptance for enrollment. There must be an appropriate class placement available at the Circle of Courage Learning Community.

• After School Programs
• FAST Program
• Homebound Tutoring Program
• Parent Training
• Professional Development Seminars

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