Since the Francis Howell School District recognizes that every student is not able to thrive educationally in a large school with about 2,000 students, the District provides alternative programs.
Alternative education is for students needing a different environment than is offered through the regular high school schedule. The programs have limited enrollment making for a closer school community.
Alternative Intervention Program
The Alternative Intervention Program (AIP) was instituted by the Francis Howell School District in order to address student substance use and possession related suspensions. The program is intended to serve Level 3 offenses and is only for students who have no other previous drug or alcohol related offenses. Click here for more information.
Alternative Learning Center
The Alternative Learning Center (ALC), formerly the ACE Program, is an alternative setting and style of learning for sixth through twelfth grade students who have been removed from school on a long term suspension. Students are referred to the ALC following a Committee on Conduct Hearing resulting in a long-term suspension. Some students who have experienced success in the Alternative Learning Center may appeal to the Francis Howell School District Superintendent of Schools to remain at the ALC through graduation.
ALC students spend three hours each day receiving individualized computer based instruction in one of two classrooms located at Francis Howell Union High School. The ALC has a daily 7:30-10:30 a.m. session and an 11:30 a.m. -2:30 p.m. session. The ALC core curriculum is aligned with the district’s high school graduation requirements with some elective courses available. Courses in the ALC are taken on the computer using the A+ Anywhere Learning System software (A+ LS). This computer based program provides core curriculum and assessment tools to match skill levels of all students, whether on a developmental, remedial, or enhanced learning track. A maximum of 3.5 high school credits may be earned each semester. Students who are referred to the ALC from Francis Howell Union High School may receive up to 4 credits. The district does not provide transportation or food services to students in the ALC.
Individuals interested in learning more about The Alternative Learning Center should contact Kandy Worley at (636) 851-5000 or by email at krisandra.worley@fhsdschools.org.
Francis Howell Union High School
Francis Howell Union High School (FHU) is an alternative high school that provides a smaller learning environment for students who are considered credit deficient. FHU is designed to meet the needs of At-Risk students. At-Risk students are students whose educational outcomes are in jeopardy because they are experiencing academic deficits, have become disillusioned with school and learning, or are impacted by other factors which impede educational and social development.
Students at FHU follow the same curriculum as other district high schools. However, a variety of instructional strategies are used to enhance student success. Students have a blended curriculum where some courses are taken on the computer using the A+ Anywhere Learning System software (A+ LS). This computer based program provides core curriculum and assessment tools to match skill levels of all students, whether on a developmental, remedial, or enhanced learning track. The school day is also structured differently than a conventional high school. School hours are from 8:00 a.m. to 1:50 p.m. and the day runs on a four block schedule. Students also have the opportunity to earn their credits back at a faster pace than the traditional highs school setting.
Breakfast and lunch are available to Francis Howell Union students on a daily basis. Students can utilize accounts and pin numbers to purchase food.
Students may apply to attend FHU through their home school and can receive an application from their high school counselor.
For more information about Francis Howell Union High School, please contact Kandy Worley at 636-851-5000 or at krisandra.worley@fhsdschools.org.
Click here to view the Francis Howell Union Website.
Heritage Landing Alternative Program
The Heritage Landing Alternative Program was created by the Francis Howell School District to provide a supportive educational environment for students who have been diagnosed with significant emotional and behavioral issues and have not been successful in their local high schools and middle schools. Historically, these students have been served in private agencies. The students who attend Heritage range from grades 6-12. The program has expanded and is accepting students from other districts on a contractual basis.
The goals for the program include:
1. To provide a positive, supportive environment in which students are directly taught replacement behaviors relating to their areas of concern.
2. To teach students techniques to handle their anger and deal appropriately with conflict.
3. To provide a systematic, structured behavior management system in which all staff participate and all students are taught.
All students enter the program through the IEP process. All schools follow a specific referral procedure. This procedure is in place to make sure that all students are appropriate for this program.
Click here to visit the Heritage Landing Alternative Program website.
Missouri Options
The Missouri Options program, sponsored through the Department of Elementary and Secondary Education, is for students, ages 17 and older, who have the capabilities to complete Missouri high school graduation requirements, but for a variety of reasons lack the credits needed to graduate with their class and are at risk of leaving school without a high school diploma. Click here to read more.