CAS News

CAS students put discipline and trust lessons to the test at the rock climbing gym.

Staff keeps Matt D of Methuen safe as he climbs high

Luis H of Lawrence shows off his skill

Overview – The Collaborative Alternative School

The Collaborative Alternative School provides a co-educational learning/treatment environment for special needs middle and high school aged students. Our students have experienced significant behavioral or psychological problems in regular public schools. Educating our students is our primary goal. However, successfully managing and modifying the challenging behaviors presented by the students at our school is a major treatment priority for the Collaborative Alternative School as we recognize that these behaviors often interfere with learning. By providing discipline, safety and structure we encourage our students to make responsible choices, learn self-control and make academic gains.

Through a consistent, non-coercive discipline policy, which includes third party mediation, conflict resolutions and individual therapy, we attempt to empower students to take control of their lives. The Collaborative Alternative School’s (CAS) experienced and highly trained staff delivers academic and therapeutic resources to at-risk middle and high school aged students in a safe educational setting.

A hike at the Basin in Franconia Notch; letting students learn by experience.

CAS PIVOT Program

PIVOT is a short-term diagnostic assessment program (up to 45 days) for at risk middle and high school aged students. This program provides the students with academic support and counseling to help the sending school district determine appropriate services.

CAS Suspension Alternative Program

Suspension alternative provides temporary academic support services and counseling to students who must be excluded from their school community.

CAS Pre-Vocational/Vocational Training

Through career exploration, on-the-job training and in-house vocational opportunities, students in the transitional group at CAS are encouraged to develop marketable life skills.

CAS Culinary Arts Program

This program is designed to engage students in a hands-on work setting, which allows students the opportunity to explore possible career choices within the food service industry.