Alternative Education
Unlocking Potential
Personalized Paths to Success
Fort Smith Public Schools offers educational options designed to meet the needs of students who may not excel in traditional programs, aligning with our mission to support every student in achieving success. These options include classrooms that cater to diverse learning styles and incorporate a range of teaching methods and materials. Specifically tailored alternative learning classrooms provide crucial support for students encountering challenges in traditional settings, addressing their social, behavioral, and academic needs. Each alternative setting includes counseling, behavioral guidance, and academic support, aiming to facilitate a smooth transition for students back into mainstream classroom environments.
Empowering At-Risk Students
Belle Point Center
Belle Point Center offers specialized opportunities for at-risk students in grades 6-12. Providing a traditional high school curriculum within a closely supervised environment, Belle Point maintains small class sizes to ensure personalized attention. Additionally, Belle Point offers a dedicated study skills class tailored for 17-year-old students interested in pursuing a GED. This comprehensive approach supports academic growth and success for students facing unique challenges in their educational journey.
Supporting Success
Early Intervention Kindergarten and Opportunity Center
Early Intervention Kindergarten (EIK) and Opportunity Center classes are tailored for elementary students who have faced challenges in traditional classroom settings, often due to behavioral issues. These specialized programs—EIK, Opportunity Center I (grades 1 and 2), Opportunity Center II (grades 3 and 4), and Opportunity Center III (grade 5)—are housed at Sutton Elementary School. Here, students receive targeted support and intervention to help them thrive academically and socially in a supportive environment.
Encouraging Positive Change
PAR Program
The Positive Attitude Renewal (PAR) Program, situated at Fairview Elementary, serves as a proactive alternative to suspension for elementary students. It offers a supportive environment where students can address behavioral challenges through targeted interventions and positive reinforcement strategies. The PAR Program emphasizes fostering a constructive mindset and cultivating responsible behavior, enabling students to stay engaged in their education while receiving the support they need to succeed both academically and socially.
Transformative Learning
Sebastian County JDC's Educational Program
At the Sebastian County Juvenile Detention Center (JDC), our classroom implements the PACE Learning System, integrating the Individualized Reading Instructional System (IRIS). This approach emphasizes personalized instruction, complemented by an accelerated learning lab and a transitional skill lab focusing on work-readiness and work-maturity skills.
