Alternative education encompasses a range of educational options which provide support for students whose needs are not being met in a traditional school setting and who can function more effectively and achieve in a more personal and flexible instructional environment.
(Advisory Council on Alternative Education 10/93)

The Middlesex County Academy School Program program located in Piscataway, New Jersey is a county-wide alternative education program designed to provide at-risk students and classified students, the opportunity to complete their high school diploma in a supportive, individualized learning environment. Academy students are scheduled into an academic program that meets the credit requirement of their resident school district. In addition, specialized instructional approaches, supportive services, and opportunities for individualized self-pacing provide assistance to students in developing responsible patterns of behavior. The Academy staff is committed to high standards, is experienced, and certified to guide students in an environment which offers a sense of community. The program is approved by the New Jersey Department of Education.

Mission Statement
The mission of the Middlesex County Academy School Program is to teach, nurture, and counsel at-risk youth to achieve their maximum potential.  Our small, less structured setting, with a low staff to student ratio, enables a dedicated team of teachers and counselors to form close relationships with troubled young adults.  We aim to impart a sense of self-discipline and self-worth by modeling effective communication and problem-solving ability.  Academics are very important, but we ground the necessary skills through subject area content so that our students can earn high school diplomas which prepare them to be successful in college or in rewarding careers.  Our students learn to think and how to make the best choices for themselves to become productive members of our school, community, and world.

Academic Programming

Individual/Group Counseling

Anger Management/Conflict

Resolution Training

Community-based Service Opportunities

Adventure-based Counseling

Incentive Program

Career Education

Speakers Forum

Recreational Programming

Shadowing/Mentorship Program

Family Supportive Services

Linkage with Middlesex County Community College and Rutgers University

Students attending the Academy School Program program are instructed through a variety of methods while earning credits in subject areas. These instructional methods include:

Small group or individual instruction

Cooperative learning

Computer assisted instruction

Interdisciplinary instruction

Independent study

Hands-on activities and manipulatives

Thinking skills development

• Average or above average intelligence
• Low academic achievement
• At risk of failing and/or dropping out of school based on any combination of factors including:

• Poor attendance
• Involvement with chemical substances
• Involvement with the Juvenile Justice System
• Difficulty in abiding by traditional school rules
• Poor self-esteem

• Alienated or apathetic toward traditional school programming
• Non-acting out/non-violent or aggressive
• Ability and a willingness to adapt to a small specialized program more suitable to their needs
• Willingness to obtain a high school diploma
• Parental approval and support
• Resident school district must provide recommendation Consideration shall be given to students who may be eligible for admission via Section 504 or ADD/ADHD. No more than 1/3 of the student population shall be classified as learning disabled and must meet the above noted criteria.

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  Academy School Program Staff Back

• N. J. Subject Area Certified Teachers
• Teachers of the Handicapped
• N. J. Certified School Social Worker
• N. J. Certified Substance Abuse Coordinator

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  IEPTransition Planning Guide

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  Application Process Back

  Application to the alternative school program is made through the student’s resident school district. After review of the completed application package and student records, an interview is scheduled with the student and his or her parent/guardian.

  For further information contact:

  Mr. Arthur Francis, Principal
  1690 Stelton Road
  Piscataway, NJ 08854
  (732) 317-0300
  Fax: (732) 572-3270