ALTERNATIVE HIGH SCHOOL PROGRAM
    
     The Alternative High School is an educational program available to Commack High School students. As its philosophy statement suggests, "This structured program will foster the development of a positive attitude and increase academic performance through a highly supportive and intensive educational program for students who have not experienced academic success."

           The nature of this program is to offer students very personal and individualized support, both academically and emotionally. Counseling of students is done on a regular basis as well as during times of crisis. Academic support is ongoing and extensive. The program will help students focus their attention toward academics and graduation or return to the mainstream high school as motivated and successful Commack students.

While housed in the Commack High School building, the Alternative High School differs from the traditional high school in several ways. It maintains small class size with each class having a teacher and a teaching assistant available. The program normally requires that its students be involved in an occupational educational program at Wilson Tech as well as core academic classes. The Alternative program begins the school day with the Wilson Tech component (11:50‑2:35) and concludes with academic classes at the high school (3:00‑6:30). Students gain entry into the program through screening by the Commack High School Child Study Team. The student’s guidance counselor can initiate that referral.

The academic courses in the Alternative High School meet all of the New York State curriculum requirements and, when mandated, will culminate in a state exam. The small, structured setting of the Alternative High School allows some students to achieve a greater amount of success than in the traditional high school setting, while still holding on to their identity as a Commack student.          Written by Bart Ayres

For further information, please contact Mrs. Mannino @ 912-2185                                                                                                

Alternative High School eBoard