Below is a summary of local programs offered in the area. 

BEST HIGH SCHOOL

 425-828-3289 

www.lwsd.org/best

Degree offered:  High School Diploma

FUTURES SCHOOL

 425-823-7613 

www.lwsd.org/fut

Degree offered:  High School Diploma

LAKE WASHINGTON TECHNICAL ACADEMY

 425-739-8107 

www.lwtc.ctc.edu

Degree offered:  High School Diploma, Two Year College Technical Degree

GED @ LAKE WASHINGTON TECHNICAL COLLEGE

 425-739-8115  – Testing info.

 425-739-8100  x363 – GED Prep Course

www.lwtc.ctc.edu

Degree offered:  GED

GED @ BELLEVUE COMMUNITY COLLEGE

 425-564-2243 

www.bcc.ctc.edu

Degree offered:  GED

CAREER EDUCATION OPTIONS (CEO) @ BELLEVUE COMMUNITY COLLEGE

 425-564-4035 

www.bcc.ctc.edu/ceo/

Degree offered:  Certificate or AA degree in a professional-technical program

JOBCORPS

1-800-733-JOBS

http://jobcorps.doleta.gov (national)

http://cascades.jobcorps.gov/ (Washington State

Degree offered:  GED or High School Diploma

HOME SCHOOLING – FAMILY LEARNING CENTER

 425-702-3331 

http://schools.lwsd.org/flc/

Degree offered: contact FLC for info.

Benefits

	Open entry -­- students enroll by choice.
	Shorter grading periods --­ eight five-week sessions.
	Students and teachers are partners in education.
	Eleven teachers know and care about every student.
	Rules are enforced to ensure that each person is respected and valued.
	Students work at their own pace and can plan to graduate on time or early.
	Small and personal atmosphere, a family feeling among students and staff.
	All-school events - field trips, enrichment days, and celebrations.
	Professional guidance and counselor available - support classes are offered.
	Daycare center and parenting classes available.

BEST High School is unique in the Lake Washington School District for its small size and educational focus. The school accepts a maximum of 190 students in grades nine through twelve, which allows us to emphasize individual student learning styles and tailor educational opportunities to specific student goals. The focus of BEST is to provide a unique educational program that helps students be the best people they can be academically, emotionally, and socially. Thus, BEST provides a place that starts with the student and builds his or her ability to perform academically while shaping a positive view of self.

It is a school of choice, which is to say that no students are assigned to BEST High School, the students apply, and they are all here because they want to be here. With the school’s unusual ability to provide high levels of one-on-one instruction, students are able to design their own learning programs, whether it is to pick up missed credits or forge ahead of regular classes and accelerate their education.

BEST is an acronym for Better Education for Students and Teachers. The results of the program have born out the advantages of the program for students who do not thrive in a more conventional school environment.

Our Students
BEST High School serves a very diverse mix of people. Most of our students are very creative, have unique learning styles, and need to move forward in their own way. They are looking for a different experience, a new start, a smaller school that can help them better cope with the present and find hope and solutions for their future. There’s the student who has a gap in his or her education, behind in credits, and feels disconnected, disinterested, or discouraged. There’s the straight A student who wants to work in an open-minded and accepting environment that provides aide for troubled teens. Other students have the capacity to work at a faster pace and wish to graduate early.

Applying to BEST
BEST High School is an open-entry choice program with an application process. This process requires an application form, information meeting, and a student orientation. The student, along with a parent or guardian, attends one of the information meetings, which are scheduled once a month throughout the school year, to learn about the nature of the school. Students can apply anytime; and provided there are openings, they will enroll on one of the seven start dates in the school year. New students first attend a two-day orientation to learn about the program in depth, build their class schedule, and meet their staff advisors and student mentors.

Our Philosophy
No student is invisible at BEST High School. All students are known, and they know they are accepted in a caring environment. No person will be permitted to interfere with the work of the school or compromise our community feeling, safety, or the integrity of our program. Because BEST students accept the family philosophy and operating principles, they model this at school, out in the neighborhood, and in the greater community. Parents and community members volunteer in the school, providing more adult interaction with students. Together all adults in the school provide the young people building blocks that enhance their health and well-being and build resilience. Thus, they are less likely to engage in all types of risk-taking behaviors. Included in this positive adult partnership is the police department that is located minutes away from the school.

Unique Program
To address student guidance, our program is built around the Core class. Each student is a member of a Core that meets every day for one class period. Every Core teacher is the advisor and is responsible for working with their Core students to develop a plan for graduation and beyond. Core is the heart of the BEST program. It is a class in personal and social development. It teaches students skills essential to a rewarding, responsible life such as communicating effectively with others, setting goals and participating in their community.

Core Congress is the BEST student leadership group. Each Core is required to elect two representatives. The purpose of this leadership group is to help facilitate communication between students and staff. Student representatives work together as a governing body that participates in creating school policy and procedures and modifying and enforcing school rules. Core Congress also manages the ASB budget and helps plan and lead all-school meetings and enrichment activities. Elected Core Congress members will be randomly assessed by peers concerning the effectiveness of their representation.

Students and staff together develop our policy, which is reviewed annually to make sure that the rules still serve students and program needs. The philosophy that supports the rules is that each student is ultimately responsible for his or her behavior. Students demonstrate their ability to meet this responsibility through both self as well as group monitoring of expectations. Behavior is corrected as needed and intervention strategies are used when warranted, which include behavior and probation contracts, and parent meetings. If an all-school problem is perceived by the students or staff, the issue is brought to the student leadership, Core Congress. They will meet to discuss the concerns and send their recommendations to the staff and Core students they represent.

Academic Initiatives
Two classes were developed at BEST for students who did not reach the proficient level in specific skills on the WASL (Washington Assessment of Student Learning). These students will be ready to take the WASL a second time.

We also have developed a "teaming format" of teaching, where two classes are integrated and credit may be earned in both subjects at the same time.  Biology/Math, Material Science/Math, Physics/Math, English/Pacific Rim, and World History/Computer Applied Applications are classes currently being offered.  Students talk about how this has helped them use concepts from one course to understand the other.

Students also simulate an Energy and Natural Resources Senate Hearing. This school-wide effort includes students role-playing senators, physicists, university professors, research officials, local dairy farmers, lobbyists, and media.

BEST High School has implemented a process that integrates the use of technology in a student-centered, project-based approach in all curriculum areas to access, analyze, synthesize and present information. Although students need to learn specific skills to use technology appropriately, the majority of what students do with technology at BEST is in the application of its use to learning. Examples of technology tools available to students include graphing calculators and computers which are all online. All tools are accessible to all students in the classrooms and library.

Meeting New Challenges
In the 2002-03 school year BEST implemented the first phase of the new district graduation requirements. In 2005 all students are required to demonstrate proficiency in communication (writing three essays and a culminating project) to receive a diploma. At BEST every course provides opportunities for students to reach the communication performance standards for graduation.

The Culminating Project is included in the communication graduation standards. Last year BEST developed a pilot for one class of students who volunteered to complete an individual project. The students agreed to partner with the school, giving feedback as to the kind of structure and support is working and what could be improved. This year all students who plan to graduate will be working on a Culminating Project.

BEST Night School
In addition to the day program, BEST has a night program, developed for students who need to work during the day and want to earn a high school diploma. Students qualified for the night program have already earned at least 14 high school credits. All classes are self-paced, independent study. All students in the day and night program are required to have an individualized learning contract for every class and independent study project. It is developed in partnership with the student and teacher. This written contract includes a description of specific learning goals and performance objectives and evaluation and assessment of the student’s progress.

Futures School is a “Choice School” in the Lake Washington School District located @ Juanita High School.

Before Applying all students must first complete an intake interview. This can be scheduled by calling the Dean of Students or emailing.  Phone:  425-823-7613  or email: obritsova@lwsd.org

After the interview application papers will be given out and should be completed promptly.                                                                        

A completed application includes:

	Attendance history from current school (or last attended)
	Discipline history from current school (or last attended)
	Copy of current Transcript
	Copy of immunization
	Copy of IEP (if applicable)
	LWSD Secondary Student Registration Form
	Futures School Registration Form
	Writing Sample (essay answering three questions)
	A letter of recommendation from a current or past academic teacher stating your academic achievement and classroom behavior
	If you live in another school district's attendance area, you will need a signed Non-Resident Variance Form

The Futures School team will review your application and make a decision at the next weekly meeting following receipt of a complete application packet.

Lake Washington Technical Academy, formerly Otteson High School, offers eligible high school juniors and senior students, ages 16 to 21, the opportunity to concurrently train for a career and earn a high school diploma. Lake Washington Technical Academy is accredited by the Northwest Association of Schools and Colleges and is a full-time high school program located on the campus of Lake Washington Technical College in Kirkland, WA. The program enrolls 400-450 students annually and we accept students from 30 regional school districts. Students have access to most of the training programs and support services of LWTC. Eligible students are required to be enrolled full-time in a technical training program and general education classes to complete the high school diploma. Students have the opportunity to not only complete their high school diploma but also earn a two year college technical degree.

Interested students must attend a REQUIRED ORIENTATION at the LWTC campus a minimum of 4-6 weeks prior to the start of each academic quarter. Orientation sessions are generally held the 1st and 3rd Wednesday of the month at 9:00 am in the West Building, room 206. Call  425-739-8107  to register.  We will also schedule students to take the COMPASS placement test through our testing center.

	Please see the college web page for a campus map and driving directions.
	Students are required to make a program visit prior to enrollment. This is to assist the student in the selection of a technical program of study.
	Students are responsible for their transportation to and from the high school program, located on the campus of Lake Washington Technical College.
	Length of the school day depends on the technical program as the college offers morning, afternoon, evening and week-end classes. The average schedule is usually 7am to 1pm, Monday – Friday.
	Students are enrolled full-time in a COLLEGE technical program and will be earning college credit. These credits will apply to the students’ high school graduation requirements.
	A $50.00 book and tool deposit is required at the time of enrollment. Books and tools are checked out to the student quarterly and are to be checked back in at the end of each quarter.
	All new students are required to enroll in a College Strategies course their first quarter.

What Types of programs are available? Most programs are available to high school students, although some highly selective admission programs such as Dental Hygiene and Licensed Practical Nursing have a separate application and admission process and may not be suitable for high school students.

Eligibility Criteria

	Minimum qualifying scores on the COMPASS placement exam of Writing 31 and Reading 71 (ENGL 093) and Pre-Algebra 18 (MATH 070)
	Be at least 16 as of September 1 for admission any time during the school year
	Be no more than 20 as of September 1
	Have completed 10th grade
	Have not completed high school (GED is ok)
	Completed the WASL (recommended)
	Attended required orientation

Continued Eligibility after admission

	Must maintain a 2.0 GPA each quarter
	Must make satisfactory progress towards High School requirements
	Must meet attendance requirements
	Comply with Student Code of Conduct

Steps to Enroll

	Attend an Orientation Session. Orientation sessions are generally the 1st and 3rd Wednesday of each month at 9:00 a.m. You must call the office at  425-739-8107  to reserve a spot or you may register online.
	Take the COMPASS placement test and obtain qualifying scores. A photo ID is needed to take the COMPASS
	For more information on placement testing visit the LWTC Assessment Center online.
	To view some sample questions: http://act.org/compass
	Call  425-739-8107  once ALL paperwork is complete to schedule a time to enroll and register for classes.
	Minor students (under age 18) MUST be accompanied by parent/guardian for enrollment meeting. It is recommended that ALL students have a parent/guardian attend. Evening appointments are available to accommodate work schedules.
	Paperwork that MUST be completed includes: Certificate of Immunization Official Transcript from current or last school attended Variance Attendance Release signed by school official in the student’s resident district Academy Student Registration Form Lake Washington Technical College Admission Form Student and Parent Responsibilities Form $50.00 Textbook and Tool Deposit

Assessment Center - GED Testing
West Building, W204
 (425) 739-8115 

General Education Development (GED) is a series of five tests developed by the American Council on Education to enable persons to obtain the equivalent of a high school diploma. Earning a GED provides students with greater access to employment, advancement and higher education opportunities.

The college is a designated testing center for GED exams. Testing appointments must be scheduled in advance by visiting or calling the Assessment Center at the number above.

The college also offers GED preparation courses. Please contact Shannon Ludwig at  (425) 739-8100 , extension 363, or the Academic Skills Center at  (425) 739-8100 , extension 656 for information on these courses.

GED (GENERAL EDUCATIONAL DEVELOPMENT)

The GED credential is widely recognized by colleges, training schools, and employers as equivalent to a high school diploma.

The GED class for adults is designed to:

	Improve an adult's ability to comprehend, analyze, and evaluate written information
	Help students apply knowledge to a new situation
	Help students pass the five GED tests: writing, reading, social studies, science, and mathematics
	Build academic skills to prepare for developmental credit English classes or other college classes
	Help Spanish-speaking students pass the Spanish language version of the GED

Classes are offered to review and prepare for the GED exam. The class consists of a combination of individual and group work with exercises and practice tests. The GED preparation class may be taken for two quarters.

	Day or evening classes
	Integrated Reading Lab included
	$25 Non-refundable Registration Fee

Requirements for the GED class:

	Reading and math evaluation is required before enrolling in this class
	Seventh grade reading ability recommended
	Age 19 or older (age 16-18 with instructor permission)

Call Anne Dolan, GED Instructor, at  (425) 564-2067  for more information on the class. Students interested in GED classes taught in Spanish should contact our partner program, Proyecto PODER, at  (425) 456-7827 .

Requirements for taking the GED exams:

	The 5-part GED test costs $75.00
	Two pieces of identification
	High School waiver required if a student is under 19 (for the exam only)
	Practice tests are available for purchase at the BCC Bookstore
	All students must attend a one-hour registration/orientation session before taking the test

Call the Assessment Office at  (425) 564-2243  for the mandatory registration/orientation test schedule.

The Career Education Options program is designed for students aged 16-20, without a high school diploma, to receive education and job skills at BCC.  This program provides students with a second chance at their education, and will provide tools to succeed in the college environment.

CEO's Mission and goals for student success

The Career Education Options program is dedicated to working with youth who have left high school prior to graduation by providing them with a new and unique opportunity to reach their education goal.  We are committed to helping our students find that potential that will reconnect them to their individual path of success in education and career.

As a devoted and dedicated staff we promise each qualified student:

	Training in life skills
	Career exploration
	Education and training in a professional-technical program
	Individual support services to promote academic and personal achievement

What will Bellevue CEO provide?

	The program will include the following:Tuition, fees and books
	Career exploration and planning
	Education and training toward a certificate or degree in a professional-technical program at BCC for qualified students

How do I qualify?

Bellevue CEO students must meet the following qualifications:

	16-20 years old
	Not currently enrolled in high school or referral to the program by a school counselor or administrator
	No high school diploma or college certificate or degree (students with a GED and no additional training may still qualify for the program)
	Must be motivated to succeed and committed to their education.

CEO students work towards a certificate or AA degree in a professional-technical program at BCC.

Who do I contact?

If you are interested in continuing your education in an exciting career field, call the CEO office at  (425) 564-4035 , stop by the CEO office in Room A202, or simply fill out the online form provided.

www.bcc.ctc.edu/ceo/

Job Corps is a national residential training and employment program administered by the Department of Labor to address the multiple barriers to employment faced by disadvantaged youth throughout the United States. Visit the National Job Corps website: http://jobcorps.doleta.gov.

The purpose of Job Corps is to assist young people who need and can benefit from a comprehensive program, operated primarily in the residential setting of a Job Corps Center, to become more responsible, employable, and productive citizens.

Cascades Job Corps Center is a high-performing center according to the Outcome Measurement Standards applied to all Job Corps centers nationwide.

Career Development Services System

What is CDSS? It's Job Corps. Putting the most important lessons first. Designing a plan for every student. Teaching the skills that match the jobs. Providing the resources students need to succeed. Staying in touch to ensure success.

You Make the Decision

Job Corps benefits those who desire a career and are willing to take advantage of the opportunity to master the skills necessary for employment. As a young adult you will be faced with many challenges and decisions. Your motivation, desire and commitment are the price you pay for our training.

Enrollment Facts: Who Should Apply?

	Be U.S. legal resident
	Be 16-24 years old
	Meet income requirements
	Sign an agreement to follow the Zero Tolerance Policy for Drugs and Violence
	Be ready, willing, and able to participate in an educational environment

How Do I Apply for Enrollment?

Interested young people apply to join the program through a Job Corps Admissions Counselor. If they are eligible, they are assigned to train at one of the Job Corps Centers where they will take part in academic, vocational, and social skills course-work. The training is provided at no charge by the U.S. Department of Labor. Student-trainees receive a living allowance and learn at their own pace. Many youth complete their training in as little as eight months.

After student-trainees complete the program, Job Corps provides placement assistance or helps with further education. Job Corps provides career support and transitional assistance for up to 12 months after initial placement.

What are the Benefits?

	Free training
	Free housing
	Free basic health care
	Work-based learning
	Internships and pre-apprenticeships
	Job placement assistance

If you are accepted into the program, Cascades Job Corps Center has everything you need to make the most of your training. There are classrooms, offices, counseling centers, dormitories, a cafeteria, and recreational facilities.

Cascades Job Corps Center offers a safe, supportive community where our trainees live in residence halls or dorms. The dorms are part of the campus. Everyone helps keep the dorm living areas clean. Laundry facilities are also available.

GED or High School Diploma?

Students can earn their GED or high school diploma through the program! Cascades has a partnership with Sedro-Woolley High School to help you earn your high school diploma. You can earn your GED right here at Cascades Job Corps Center.

THE RESULTS

More than 2 million young adults have benefited from the program since 1964.

	8 out of 10 Job Corps graduates are placed into jobs, higher education, or the military.
	90% of all Job Corps students are satisfied with their training!
	In independent studies, Job Corps graduates on average are employed longer and receive higher wages than their counterparts with similar backgrounds.
	Since 1992, Job Corps trainees and staff have performed more than $45 million worth of community service projects nationally.