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Alternative School Information

Every student is unique when it comes to learning. Some students may not work well within the public school system and will require a more specialized education program. Alternative schools are one way that these students can thrive. Collier High School is an alternative high school in Monmouth County, NJ providing a wide range of services for students with special needs.

What is an Alternative School?

An alternative school is a school that doesn’t provide the typical educational experience. Another way to think of an alternative school is that it is designed to educate students who haven’t been successful in regular schools, often due to behavioral issues or learning disabilities.

Collier’s Alternative High School has resources and a specialized curriculum to cater the learning experience so it fits each student. Alternative schools are designed to address a variety of different needs, so they have very diverse student bodies. Some of the students most likely to attend alternative schools may experience the following:

  • Depression 

  • Anxiety 

  • Poor socialization skills/isolation 

  • Oppositional/defiant behavior 

  • Discouragement/low motivation 

  • School refusal 

  • Mood, attention

  • Adjustment difficulties

Collier Alternative High School Education Curriculum

Throughout our courses, to the extent appropriate, NJ Student Learning Standards are addressed in addition to the students' Individual Education Plans. Our population requires much flexibility in terms of content and pace, and our special education curriculum is designed to serve as a general guideline. Our courses closely follow the structure of the courses developed and offered in NJ public schools. Our teachers will make curricular adaptations in instruction, materials, course content, and assessment practices based on the student’s IEP according to 6A:14-3.7 as we instruct students in the NJ Student Learning Standards through a general education curriculum.

Our course offerings include:

  • Mathematics

    • Pre-Algebra

    • Algebra I

    • Algebra IA & IB

    • Algebra II

    • Concepts of Geometry

    • Geometry

    • Pre-Calculus/Trigonometry

    • Calculus

    • Probability & Statistics

    • Personal financial Literacy
       

  • Science

    • Biology

    • Chemistry

    • Environmental Science

    • Forensic Science

    • Physics
       

  • English

    • Advanced American Literature

    • Advanced British Literature

    • American Literature (Eng. III)

    • British Literature (Eng. IV)

    • Creative Writing

    • English Arts

    • English I

    • English II 

    • Literature Through Film

    • Literature & Writing Strategies

    • World Literature
       

  • Social Studies

    • Anthropology

    • Criminal Justice

    • Psychology

    • Sociology

    • United States History I

    • United States History II

    • World History
       

  • World Languages

    • Italian I

    • Italian II

    • Spanish I

    • Spanish II

    • Spanish III – IV 

    • Spanish Challenge Course
       

  • Visual Arts & Music

    • Animation

    • Digital Photography

    • Drama

    • Drawing & Painting

    • Instrumental Music

    • Music Theory

    • Sculpture

    • Studio Art I-IV

    • Studio Art II, III & IV

    • Theater Tech

    • Video Workshop

    • Vocal Music (Choir)
       

  • PE / Health

    • Drivers’ Education

    • Health

    • Health 1-3

    • Physical Education

    • Holistic Health
       

  • 21st Century Life & Careers

    • Agriscience (Greenhouse Management)

    • Barbering

    • Building Trades

    • Computer Applications I-IV

    • Computer Science Discoveries

    • Computer Science Principles (Coding)

    • Cosmetology

    • Culinary Arts

    • Filmmaking

    • Music Technology – Pro tools

    • Sound Production

    • Stem – Robotics

For more information on these classes visit our curriculum page.

Special Education School Therapeutic Support Programs

Collier High School offers a wide variety of therapeutic support programs to meet every student's needs. Each student is assigned a licensed counselor that they meet with at least once a week. Some of the specific programs we offer include:

 

Extended School Year Program

JET (Job Experience Training) is a life and job skills ESY program designed to help at-risk students become more employable and develop into fully contributing members of the community. The goal of all JET activities is to develop teamwork and build self-confidence.

The target population includes High School students who are in need of guidance and structure to prepare for a productive future. 

Specific job responsibilities in which JETs participate:

  • Landscaping

  • Painting and light construction projects

  • Production Ceramics

  • Printmaking

  • Digital Music Production

  • Assistance with office work

  • General maintenance of trails, campus grounds, and buildings


Additional components of the JET program may include:

  • Students earn 2.5 credits in Financial Literacy

  • Transition Program for students entering high school

  • Individual and group counseling

  • Anger management

  • Conflict resolution

  • Healthy lifestyle choices

  • Daily recreation time

  • Field trips and guest speakers
     

Learn More About Our Alternative High School Program

Contact Collier High School in Wickatunk, NJ to learn more about our special education offerings, as well as our expanded programs with Collier Youth Services.