New Delisle Center provides an alternative learning environment

The Deborah S. Delisle Options Center at the corner of Taylor and Superior roads is designed to give students an alternative to Heights High. “Our goal is to reach students who have not achieved their greatest success in a traditional setting and help them graduate,” said Brain Williams, building coordinator. “The students here can succeed in school, and we think we can offer the right environment and structure to make that happen.”

The key to both the building and the schedule is flexibility-–aimed at providing what the students need to focus and learn.

Four classrooms, the school office, and the "Sky Room”–a bright, multi-purpose room–are grouped together on the second floor. Each classroom is staffed by a subject-area teacher, but after an initial daily check in, students can choose the classroom that best suits their needs for that day.

The work space is geared to student needs. The classrooms feature a combination of small and large work tables. Some include more traditional school desks, but with foot-swing bars that invite movement. A few of the desks are high, designed for standing.

Most of the student work is done on laptops, through Aventa, an online program that meets Ohio education standards. Teachers can monitor student progress and provide individual and small-group instruction based on what students need. This “blended” instruction model is self-passed and individualized, but also directed by a teacher.

Half of the 80 students attend school in the morning and half in the afternoon. This leaves time for independent work, jobs and family obligations.

“We believe that a new and different environment will help students get back on the right track and do what we know they can do,” Williams said. During a recent visit, the classrooms were very quiet, with students working independently or conferring quietly over their laptops with other students or teachers.

For three students, the first few weeks of school have been exciting and motivating.

Courtney Wallace-Miller likes completing class work online. “It is just easier for me to find information online than in a textbook,” she said. Her government class was researching the attributes of the various American colonies, and she found the web-based information easy to access.

Michael Nicoletti was not sure about the school at first, but after just a few weeks, says he really likes it. “I like that I can work at my own pace,” he said. “The videos that explain things are a good way for me to learn.” He also noted that the staff members are very helpful and said they “act like parents.”

Isaiah Flowers likes the location, and said “It is a cool building. It is quiet and that makes it easier for me to concentrate.” Flowers was working on a physical science unit (his favorite subject) and said it was a “huge advantage for me to be able to review the sections I need.” He also said he feels that the staff is very nonjudgmental and supportive.

This alternative high school experience offers a flexible and personal education, helping students develop the skills they will need to graduate and pursue additional education.