Overview

This program option offers core curricula and electives for youth who have difficulty succeeding in the traditional school environment to earn a high school diploma. Direct instruction is enhanced with a multi-media approach and computer assistance. In addition to required courses, several elective courses and vocational programs are available to meet the student's’ individual needs and graduation requirements.

Eligibility Requirements

Applicants must be enrolled in a Wise County Public School and meet the following criteria: have reading and math skills at or above fifth grade level, have repeated failure of courses, have inability to succeed in the general school setting, have completed at least three semesters in high school, be at-risk of dropping out of school, and must be at least 15 years old and not over 21 years old. (As enrollment is limited, older students have first priority). In addition, please be aware that AEC/RLA does not currently teach a driver's education course and students should have already completed their Health & PE 10, which includes the classroom portion of driver's education, before applying for admission to the AEC diploma program.

Because of the COVID-19 pandemic and its related academic issues for students, the diploma program may be limited for the 2021-2022 and 2022-2023 school years to those students who are in their junior or senior year of high school and would have difficulty completing their required courses for graduation otherwise. AEC will make every effort to help these students graduate on time.

Admission Procedures

The student, parent, home school counselor, and principal must complete an application for the Wise County Alternative Education Center. Appropriate students will be scheduled for achievement testing and an interview. The AEC school counselor will make recommendations for acceptance or denial, and the Wise County Alternative Education Center principal must grant approval.

For Additional Information

Contact the AEC principal, Dr. Daniel Roop, or School Counselor, Mr. Ed Slemp, at (276) 321-0051.