In August of 2006, the Jefferson City Academic Center, the district’s first alternative school opened its doors. From the beginning staff agreed upon a rigorous and challenging curriculum but felt strongly about the development of the “whole child” by integrating social and emotional skills into the curriculum to establish trusting and caring relationships with others. Together we model and practice our core values so there is understanding by all who become part of the JCAC community as we embrace and practice good character. During our first year, students were enrolled in Community Connections, a class designed to bring awareness to our students about community resources. That year, we were awarded a federal grant “America Learns” to change our focus to service learning. Since 2007, service learning has become an integral part of the curriculum at JCAC. It provides meaningful service by tying it to the academic curriculum and giving students a voice and promoting civic responsibility. As Hal Urban says, “Whenever possible, try to connect school to the larger world outside. Teach ‘life lessons’ along with the academic lessons.” As a result of embracing character education at JCAC, our students, staff, parents, and community have become a team working toward a common goal of developing students of character.

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