SALEM — Students formerly attending the Roland E. Cook Alternative Education Center in Roanoke County have found a new home, academically speaking.
On Oct. 8, Roanoke County Schools and HopeTree Family Services agreed to a five-year contract in which HopeTree Family Services will provide alternative education services for up to 20 Roanoke County students who need specialized or alternative settings for academic success. These services will be provided through the Agency’s on-campus school, HopeTree Academy.
HopeTree Academy is fully licensed by the Virginia Association of Independent Educational Facilities to award six different types of high school diplomas as well as the General Equivalency Diploma. The Academy provides alternative education services to its residents, as well as to students from the community on a day-school basis, who need a smaller teacher/student environment for academic success. Through dual-enrollment with Virginia Western Community College, ‘on-the-job’ training, and apprenticeship agreements with area businesses, HopeTree Academy students have access to job training in over 20 different career fields ranging from Building Trades to Auto Mechanics to Health Care.
HopeTree Family Services provides a wide range of residential placement programs for at-risk children and youth across Virginia. The Agency has a strong reputation for providing quality care. HopeTree Family Services also operates a network of 16 group homes for adults with intellectual disabilities.
Anyone interested in learning more about education at HopeTree Family Services should contact Tommy Barber, Education Director or Mandy Bannock, School Social Worker, at (540) 389-4941.