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Lake Forest Academy Update

Lake Forest Academy opened in January 2007 as an elementary alternative school (K-6) and day treatment center designed to provide behavioral and academic support to students in New Hanover County Schools.

Principal Kristin Jackson said parent satisfaction with the program is high. Participating parents have called it “absolutely successful - the saving grace for their children,” she said.

“This program is critical because we need to recognize that students with mental health disabilities deserve services to make them successful. It’s very important to teach these children coping skills at a young age so they will become well-adjusted and contributing members of society as adults. Students with mental health issues can and do achieve academically,” the principal said.

Currently, the school serves 32 students and it has the capacity to serve up to 48 students. Fluctuation in the enrollment is common and there could be as many as 40 students within the next few weeks, according to Mrs. Jackson. The numbers fluctuate because students are always completing the 6-18 month program or are just entering it. After students leave Lake Forest Academy, they are given extensive support as they transition back to their originally assigned school.

One recent enrollment change is students re-entering New Hanover County Schools following discharge from a psychiatric residential treatment facility are now eligible to enroll in Lake Forest Academy. Previously, those students were either put on homebound instruction or placed directly back into traditional school. Allowing them the opportunity to attend classes in Lake Forest’s nurturing and supportive environment helps the students make smoother transitions.

With a small teacher-student ratio, (an average of 8 students per classroom), Lake Forest operates like a typical school providing access to curriculum, transportation and meals. The difference at Lake Forest is, in addition to instruction by NHCS teachers, students are offered daily mental health services by professional mental health care providers.

Each classroom has a teacher and a teacher assistant. Teachers integrate character education and behavior modification into academic instruction so that every moment is an opportunity for learning to make appropriate choices. Parent participation is expected in the placement process, development of the academic and behavioral plans and development of the transition plan. For more information, please contact Lake Forest Academy at (910) 772-2515. Principal Kristin Jackson can also be reached at kjackson@nhcs.net
 

 

News/Announcements

4/29/08