The Academic Program

Accotink Alternative offers a fully accredited high school diploma. The curriculum offers traditional academic courses and electives such as Spanish I, II, & III, Active Physics, Art, Photography, Test Prep, Journalism, Physical Education (our alternative form of PE includes such sports as golf, rock climbing, swimming, basketball, and racquetball), debate, music, theater, transitional development, and technology.

Accotink Alternative creates an individualized education plan for each student that meets all graduation requirements for the home school district while tailoring the program to meet specific talents and interests of each student. Some students take individualized courses of study at Accotink Alternative and additional courses at their home public school system, or courses at other institutions of learning, such as the local community college. Students can also obtain jobs and/or internships within the school (e.g. at the school store; office/clerical responsibilities) or with outside businesses.

Accotink Alternative also offers exciting opportunities to participate in school plays, sports events, and special activities that involve the families of our students such as skiing, camping, and live theater.

 

Quick Facts about Accotink Alternative

The original Accotink Academy (located on Tuttle Road in Springfield, Virginia) was founded by Elaine McConnell over 30 years ago. That school currently focuses on teaching students with moderate to severe emotional, behavioral, and learning disabilities. Eight years ago, a new program was carved out of the original school population to address the needs of students with learning disabilities and other health impairments. This program eventually became Accotink Alternative, located on Rolling Road in Springfield, VA.

Accotink Alternative is licensed by the Commonwealth of Virginia to provide educational services for a broad range of students including those with LD, OHI, S/L, and multiple disabilities. The school is accredited by VAISEF (the Virginia Association of Independent Specialized Education Facilities).

Accotink Alternative has contracts with many school systems in the area, which fund students from their districts to attend our school. We also have many students whose tuition is privately funded. Accotink Alternative offers individual and group counseling, speech and language therapy, and occupational therapy to meet the needs of the students.