ACE (Youth program)
ACE - Program Information
McLain High School provides the ACE (Alternative Cooperative Education) program, a program designed to prevent at-risk students who have not experienced success at a traditional high school from dropping out of school, to students ages 16-20 years old. This program provides standards-based, CAP aligned curriculum that is relevant to student needs and interest.
Students are provided with opportunities to make up lost credit and to continue toward their goal of earning a high school diploma. The opportunities provided include traditional academics, experiential education, social and vocational opportunities. Students enrolled in the ACE program are required to participate in one or more Pathway options each quarter. Pathway options include On-the Job Experience (OJE), Warren Tech classes, a Friday class, volunteer work, or a variety of other options. Each course successfully completed earns .25 credit.
Who are our students?
ACE students did not experience success in their traditional high school setting due to personal and/or academic challenges. Our students respond best to a traditional class schedule with specific guidelines for attendance, performance, and behavior. While most acquire jobs after graduation, many continue their education at technical schools, community colleges, and four-year universities.
What are Our Expectations?
ACE students are expected to complete their regular classes and maintain attendance at 90% or better from week to week. In addition, students must complete 1.5 credits each quarter, based on their schedule. Students not meeting these expectations will be placed on attendance and/or performance contracts.
Sample Classes
The ACE program offers a wide variety of unique classes such as Crime Lab, Natural Disasters, Digital Camera, Job Shadowing, Yearbook, Video Editing, Accelerated Reader, and many more.
Social & Experiential Activities
There are numerous activities that help make ACE special. These activities are a great way for students and staff to interact with each other in a positive, educational environment. Many great bonds are formed through these activities.
Examples include:
Snowboard / Ski trips
Weekend Field Studies
Volunteer Day (ringing bells for Salvation Army & helping at the homeless shelter)
Holiday parties (Thanksgiving Potluck lunch, Valentine's day, etc...)
Senior Award Ceremony
Special Block in May
May is a special month in the ACE program. Throughout the month there are numerous special activities designed to earn a 1/4 credit, both in and out of the building. Some examples include: fishing trips, Disney and Utah trips, model building, golf outings, fitness classes, and full time job opportunities.
Application Process
Please contact the program secretary at 303.982.7468.
