Established in 1984, the REAL School supports schools across many districts in Southern Maine.  The school can successfully meet the needs of students from grades 6 to 12. 

The objectives of our program include:

• the creation of a positive learning environment in which all students can explore their    educational potential and their possibilities the future.
• the establishment of safe and open inter-relationships that enable students to work    successfully together to achieve a sense of accomplishment and self expression. 
• the creation of pathways for academic improvements and success that consider the    individual learning needs of each student.
• the development of patterns of behavior in school, work and social settings that produce    positive and enduring relationships; and result in the fulfillment of personal and community goals.
• successful return to community, schools or further programs through transitions     rograms that incorporate the full range of options available.

Criteria for Referral

Students are usually referred through school districts.  They have experienced extensive intervention for behavior and emotional problems and/or are unmotivated and unsuccessful in their present academic placement.  The REAL School provides an alternative option when the above situations are remaining unchanged and further intervention is required.

Referral to the REAL School requires:

• a formal referral by a school district or state agency
• interviews with parent(s), guardian and student
• interviews with appropriate school and community workers
• the review of records, assessments and other information
• on acceptance, a trial 30 day placement and final review. 

Staff

The staff are a group of highly motivated and qualified individuals who have extensive experience in the field of alternative education.  They include special education teachers, alternative/regular education teachers, education technicians, a licensed counselor, administrative support and transportation support staff.  They are certified and/or have extensive training in areas intended to meet the needs of the students referred to the REAL School.  These areas include:

                    special education
                    reading improvement
                    technology
                    computer education
                    anger management
                    conflict resolution
                    adventure therapy

The REAL School works from a framework based, in part, on principles of solution focused intervention, experiential education and multiple intelligence/individual learning styles.  Through this framework we recognize the individual needs of the students while making every effort to shape and encourage responsible behavior and the active pursuit of their goals.

A maximum of 42 full time students opening are available
 

Comments

You live and learn.  At the REAL School you live and learn the right way.  (Past student)

I enjoyed receiving my education at REAl and I wouldn’t want anything else for my own child.  (Past student)

The school is a good chance for those [kids] that need help to get it.  (Past student)

Everybody learns in different ways.  I learn the hard way.  (REAL School student)

Without the REAL School he never would have graduated.  God only knows where he would be now.  (Parent)