Parent/Guardian
Meeting The Needs of Troubled Youth
For over 20 years, Alpha School has offered services for students in southeast Nebraska who have had problems in school. Our program is a service for troubled youth who have not been successful in the public school system. Students referred to Alpha School may have been disruptive, aggressive, or experiencing emotional problems. Alpha School can often help students who may otherwise be placed in more restrictive settings. Our approach addresses the behavioral, emotional, and learning problems of children and teens.
Our Philosophy
Alpha School believes that troubled youth can changed if they understand how change benefits them. We begin with the assumption that students have not learned certain skills. Our students participate in a skill development program using a "learning by doing" model. Students who finish the program return to public school settings. At Alpha School, students grow into winners.
Questions Parents Ask...
What kind of school is Alpha School?
Alpha is a school that works with students who have serious behavior problems. These students have gone through their own school district's special education classes and still need more help. Alpha is not connected with any specific school district or hospital.
How can I get my child into Alpha School?
Your child must be identified as a behavior disorded (BD) or other impaired (OI) student by your school district. The public school must decide that your child is still having trouble at school. A meeting with your school's staff must be held to talk about other ways to help your child. From this meeting, one of the solutions may be a referral to Alpha School.
Who pays for my child to attend Alpha School?
Your school district pays. Alpha receives money from your school district for providing services to your child. Your school district also provides transportation to and from Alpha School at no cost to you.
What kind of help will my child get for their problems?
At Alpha your child will be taught regular school subjects as well as ways to deal with problem behaviors. Students must complete their school work accurately and will receive help as needed. Students learn problem solving skills, anger-control, decision making, and how to get along with others.
What makes Alpha School special?
Alpha School is unique in that we offer a blend of education and mental health support. We work with each child based on their needs. Students are not sent home or removed from school as a result of misbehaviors. Students learn to problem solve, to make choices, and to deal with the results of their behavior.
How do I as a parent fit into the Alpha School program?
Parents and other adults in our students' lives are seen as members of our team. The Alpha Staff works closely with parents and welcome their involvement. The staff do this through phone calls, notes home, parent-teacher meetings, and getting parents' suggestions regarding their child's Individualized Education Plan(IEP). Parents can also take part in the other parent activities such as parent education/support groups which take place at Alpha. Families may also receive support from our school social worker.
Is there any hope that my child will return to public school?
Yes! Our goal is for your child to be able to return to public school and be successful. We do this by working with your child on their behavior and on their schoolwork. An average stay at Alpha is about 2 school years, with some variation depending on the severity of the child's problem.