The Burlington County Board of Chosen Freeholders, Burlington County Special Services School District Board of Education and administration are holding an open house for the Burlington County Alternative School, to be held on Wednesday, Feb. 11 at 2:30 p.m. The event will take place at the new facility located at 1000 Briggs Road in Mt. Laurel.
School administrators, counselors, and child study team members are encouraged to attend.
On Aug. 1, 2014, the Burlington County Special Services School District acquired the Burlington County Alternative School. The school was previously administered by Rancocas Valley Regional High School District, whose board of education took action on July 22, 2014 to transfer the program to BCSSSD.
“Through our shared services agreement and the collaboration of those involved, the project was completed quickly and inexpensively in-house,” freeholder deputy director Bruce Garganio stated. “With expanded space and access to college resources, we look forward to all the amazing opportunities the future has in store for these students.”
Previously housed on the Pemberton Campus of Burlington County College, on Jan. 5, the program opened its doors for students to a new nearly 10,000 square foot school at 1000 Briggs Road on the campus of Burlington County College in Mt. Laurel, nearly doubling its space. The new facility offers our students five upgraded classrooms, upgraded technology and other resources, a new cafeteria and kitchen, ample counseling spaces, and small group counseling and instructional spaces, all in a picturesque setting.
Board president Bob Silcox stated, “We are fortunate to have strong support from our county governing body; and, this project is evidence of our extraordinary partnership.”
In January BCAS began accepting middle school students in seventh and eighth grades. In addition the school now offers additional programs for:
- English language learners
- Pregnant teens and teen parents
- Credit recovery/course completion; full or shared time during the school year
- Summer credit recovery and course completion
Enrollment is currently approximately 75 students with new intakes and enrollment occurring daily. The school’s capacity is approximately 100 students, and spaces are filling. “BCSS is pleased to serve the students and families of the Burlington County Alternative School,” Dr. Christopher Manno, Superintendents of Schools for BCSSSD, stated. “The important work of this school is consistent with BCSS’s mission to provide programs adapted to each student’s unique needs and abilities.”
