School for At-Risk Students Is Lauded
A Ventura County high school that gives students at risk of failing a second chance has won high marks from the California Department of Education.
Frontier High School, which draws students from five high schools in Oxnard, Camarillo and Port Hueneme, was dubbed a “Model Continuation School” for its high success rate and innovative programs.
In particular, state education officials were impressed with how the staff at Frontier High has been able to motivate and change the attitudes of students who felt they lacked what it takes to graduate from high school.
“A lot of these students have never known success,” said Frontier Principal Jim Nielsen. “So they’re finding success for the first time, and it’s changing their attitudes toward education.”
Some incentive may come from the Renaissance Program, which culminates in a pizza party at Freedom Park in Camarillo for students who pass three or more classes during a six-week grading period.
Also recognized were the school’s surfboard repair class, weekly newspaper, management style, guidance counseling, educational climate and innovative teaching strategies.
On Sunday, Frontier teachers Alice Smith, Ruth Fenske, Linda Kennedy and Marcia Heerema will accept the award at a Fresno conference for continuation school educators.
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