Mt. Vernon Redirection Middle School
5418 Chapel Hill Road, Raleigh, North Carolina 27607
Profile:
Mt. Vernon Redirection is a unique alternative middle school within the Wake County Public School System. Our school serves students in grades 6, 7, and 8 who demonstrate difficulty succeeding in a traditional middle school setting. The focus of our school program is improved academic performance and improved behavioral changes that will enable students to return to their traditional base schools.
Academic Program:
Our program emphasizes strengthening basic academic skills. The following courses are individualized to meet the needs of each student: Language Arts, Math, Science, Social Studies, Health & PE, Technology and Pre-vocational Education. Students receive instruction in small classroom groups with additional resources to meet the needs of those functioning at various academic levels. Students participate in classroom learning activities which allow them to use technology for information processing, problem-solving, scientific research and other forms of written communication. Positive interactions between students and teachers increase the student's feelings of self-worth and encourages a desire to succeed. Experiential learning activities compliment classroom instruction in the form of outdoor adventure experiences and community service projects.
Student Membership Characteristics:
Mt. Vernon accepts applications from each of the district's 20 middle schools. The number of students attending Mt. Vernon increases during the school year as students are referred by their base schools. In a given year, Mt. Vernon may serve from 85 to 110 students.
Staff Information:
Mt. Vernon Redirection has a full-time principal, counselor, psychologist, social worker and two secretaries. The teaching staff is comprised of 9 full-time classroom teachers, 2 Vocational Education teachers, I Special Education resource teacher, 1 In-school suspension room teacher, a 1/2-time Physical Education and Health teacher, and a 1/2-time Media Specialist.
Unique Features:
Mt. Vernon features a holistic approach in its mission to help students come to view themselves as being capable of succeeding in school and making appropriate choices. The staff places emphasis on behavior management, individualized instruction, ongoing communication with the family, counseling, and coordination of efforts with community agencies.
Following are some additional features of Mt. Vernon Middle School:
A low student/teacher ratio (10:1)
- An involved and caring staff
- A low student/counselor ratio
- A highly structured learning climate
- Multi-modal instructional strategies
- Parent counseling groups
- Ongoing liaison with the courts, mental health agencies,
social services, and other community agencies
- On site psychologist and clinical social worker
- Transportation provided
Referral Process:
Students are referred by administrators or counselors in the students' base schools. A referral packet, consisting of the student's report card, discipline history, attendance record, testing, and other relevant information, is sent to Mt. Vernon prior to review. A standing committee reviews applications with representatives from the referring school to discuss appropriateness of placement at Mt. Vernon. Upon the acceptance of students, an orientation is scheduled with the students and their parents.
