Due to the small segment of the student population needing Alternative Education services, it is cost prohibitive for districts to independently operate their own programs.

These program offerings are designed to offer specialized educational opportunities for students whose learning interests and unique learning styles differ from those typically found in a traditional school setting and who might also be at risk of not participating fully in their home schools. The program is located at the Ulster BOCES Center for Innovative Teaching and Learning at Port Ewen. Characteristics of these programs include a smaller group setting, individualized learning plans, and digital/virtual access to coursework through a blended delivery model. Instructional delivery will be rigorous, standards-based, and have the potential to be self-paced as well as affinitybased. Access to a professional school counseling program grounded in researched best practices will also be offered. The Phoenix Academy plans to provide transformative restorative justice conferencing, mentoring, and community-based mental health for program participants through the support of the County of Ulster.