At Ombudsman, I could work on what I wanted to work on and it just fit really well.

Ombudsman’s Alternative Schedule
As an alternative program for dropouts and at-risk high school students, Ombudsman provides a flexible schedule so students can meet their responsibilities outside of class and graduate. High school and middle school students who have enrolled in Ombudsman due to truancy, expulsion, suspension or personal reasons attend Ombudsman as part of a schedule that works for them. Students attend three- or four-hour sessions during the day or at night, depending on their individual alternative education program. Ombudsman helps recover dropouts by giving them a schedule that works for them, no matter their challenges in life. Some students require access to a non-traditional middle or high school environment because they have to work to support parents. Some have children of their own who depend on them.

Computer-Assisted Instruction
Ombudsman students utilize computer-assisted instruction to work at their own pace.  Teachers provide individualized instruction to students who use technology to work on their own assignments at their own speed. By using computer-assisted instruction, students never have to feel as if they are behind or ahead of their peers. They focus on their own tasks instead of focusing on the progress of their classmates. When students are not working on computers, they are involved in writing assignments and group projects.

Off-Campus Student Program
Many Ombudsman programs are located off-campus to minimize distractions. Middle and high school students who drop out or are at risk of dropping out often succeed in an environment that’s different from their own schools. By eliminating distractions such as locker trips, classroom socializing and hallway commotion, Ombudsman helps students stay focused on their academic goals and graduate. When students stay on task, they are less likely to face problems such as expulsion, suspension, truancy and unexcused absences. Some students just need some distance from individuals or environments that make it difficult for them to reach their potential.

Some schools decide to keep their Ombudsman dropout prevention and recovery program on campus for space considerations or other reasons.

Ombudsman can customize a non-traditional middle or high school schedule based on each school district’s need.

For information about programs in your state, please click on your state on the Locations page.