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PHILADELPHIA ALTERNATIVE EDUCATION PROGRAM

In partnership with the Philadelphia Area School District, Abraxas Education Group provides alternative education and social services to up to 195 students in grades 3, 4, and 5 throughout Philadelphia.

The program is intended to substantially improve academic achievement and attendance for students through academic, emotional and social support within a safe, nurturing and supportive school setting.

CONTACT

3121 West Hunting Park Ave.
Philadelphia, PA 19132
215-223-8437
215-223-8906 (FAX)

PROGRAM SUMMARY

Located at 11 different sites at public schools throughout Philadelphia, the program focuses on academics while also addressing behavior and emotional issues the students are dealing with on a daily basis.

Abraxas staff, consisting of a certified teacher and two intervention specialists, work within each classroom to provide:

• Daily academic curriculum following the Philadelphia School District standards
• Individual and group sessions
• Family contacts including phone contacts, behavior sheets and daily journals

Transportation is provided to students.

REFERRAL PROCESS

Students with qualified need are referred through the Philadelphia School District.

FAQs

1. How are students referred to this program?
   All students are referred through the Office of Transition and Alternative Education within Philadelphia School District. Home schools must make the initial referral to this office in order for the request to be processed appropriately. Parents/guardians and other persons may not place their child into the program on a random request basis.
2. How long is the student required to participate in the programs?
   Students are expected to stay for a minimum of 18 weeks to maximize the impact of the program.
3. Can parents remove their children from the program at any time?
   Once enrolled, the student must complete a minimum of 18 weeks or two marking periods and successfully complete the program expectations to exit the program.
4. How will parents be involved in the child’s education while they are in the program?
   Parents/guardians are included in the written plan development and updates for their child. This plan involves developing goals and actions for the student to accomplish while in the program. In addition, we have an open door policy for parents to contact us at anytime with concerns, communication regarding events or progress, and general involvement and support of their child’s education.
5. Will students receive individualized support?
   Yes, each student receives individualized support that includes a complete school orientation and primary intervention specialist/personal development coach. This IS/PDC staff acts as a mentor for the child and provides guidance and structure during the program as well as in the child’s transition back to their home school.
6. Will students receive a service plan or goals?
   Yes, each student has a written plan which includes a social and academic summary. The plan is reviewed with the family and any outside agencies involved with the student. Goals are also established and reviewed regularly with each student.
7. Do you collaborate with outside agencies?
   Yes, as necessary, special needs such as behavioral health support, family or individual counseling, and general assistance requests are considered for outside agency referrals. The program can assist the student and family in locating services outside of the program and establishing contacts.
8. Who employs your staff?
   In our Philadelphia program, all staff are employed by Abraxas Education Group, a subsidiary of the private company, Cornell Companies, Inc. Our staff are not Philadelphia School District staff.

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