AT NEW DIRECTIONS, they “turn despair to hope, create happiness from sadness, and mold
failure into success.” Serving the “most socio-economically challenged, emotionally in need,
and intellectually starved” learners of Prince William County, VA, New Directions has created
a new vision for those who have not thrived in traditional public high schools.
Each learner has a personalized learning plan, allowing them to set their own learning
goals based on their interests, needs, and passions. With the support of educators, learn-
ers hold themselves accountable for their own progress—and they are “knocking it out
of the park!” New Directions successes have been recognized by the National Dropout
Prevention Center/Network with the Crystal Star Program Award and the National
Education Foundation as a STEM Education and Cyberlearning Model School.
Learners emerging from New Directions are equipped to not only pursue their next academic
endeavor but are also armed with the survival skills necessary to be healthy, productive 21st
century citizens. These kids know how to balance a checkbook, write an essay, and procure
insurance and healthcare. In fact, to graduate, each senior has to complete a comprehensive
academic portfolio that includes a resume, cover letter, personal budget, college and career
goals, and school evaluation. That portfolio then has to pass muster with the principal.
How does one learning environment do all of this? Well, New Directions is personalized,
relevant, and contextualized. They oer small classes, project-based learning, blended learn-
ing, online courses, along with full, partial, and ex day schedules. Their learners receive remedi-
ation when necessary and acceleration as needed. They can even take higher ed classes through
Northern Virginia Community College and George Mason University. This level of individualization
is working—90% of their seniors graduate. Not only this, they graduate in four years (many of them
overcoming the time lost from previous challenges).
There is a recognition that learners’ life experiences matter. New Directions gives learners the
exibility to adjust for jobs, family obligations, and community commitments. They also support
learners when they encounter challenges—whatever they might be. Educators are there not only
as curators of learning but also as mentors and advisors. The Student Services Department is the
rst in the nation to be recognized as a two-time American School Counselor Association (ASCA)
model program as an alternative school. Professional School Counselors provide academic coun-
seling, individualized aective lessons, team building, and health and wellness experiences for all
school stakeholders. This socially embedded environment is grounded in strong relationships
where each learner knows they are seen, cared for, and championed.
The belief that each learner has potential permeates the culture of New Directions. These kids
have overcome more than most and are going further than many. We call that inspiring!
LEARN MORE
Prince Williams’ New Directions Gives Students a Second Shot at Graduating
WEBINAR Creating, Developing, and Sustaining Successful Alternative Programs and Schools
EWTF
NEW DIRECTIONS ALTERNATIVE EDUCATION CENTER
Prince William County, Virginia
FACTS & FIGURES
Public High School Charter
800+ learners
ELL or Primary Language other
than English: 17%
Learners with disabilities: 19-22%
(rolling enrollment)
Free or reduced lunch: 59%
Graduation rates: 90%
College enrollment:
30-40% (2-year)
10-20% (4-year)
10-15% (military)
10-20% (CTE college)
Remainder currently employed,
getting ready to get employed (<5%)
CONNECT
Website
New Directions
For more information contact:
Bob Eichorn, Principal
eichorrl@pwcs.edu
Nothing excites me more than students engaging as collaborative
partners with their teachers and becoming eective change agents
in our school and community.
—Bob Eichorn, Principal
EDUCATION REIMAGINED
