Since it was founded in 1975, Ombudsman has helped more than 100,000 at-risk middle and high school students graduate. We believe students learn best when they have control over their learning and are accountable for it. Ombudsman students are provided the guidance they need to make positive choices about their academic progress, attendance, behaviors and consideration for others in the learning center.

One hundred percent of Ombudsman students are at risk when they enroll in our learning centers. Nearly all of them – 85 percent – graduate, earn credits or return to their district school closer to or at grade level. On average, Ombudsman students make more than one year’s academic growth in less than an academic year, based on standardized tests. And, as students’ academic performance improves, their behaviors improve and they have more opportunities for the future.

Graduation
Ombudsman helps at-risk middle and high school students earn a diploma from their district school.  In some individual cases, students may earn an accredited Ombudsman diploma with the approval of their school district, but the goal is for each student to receive a district diploma.

Attendance
Truancy is a problem for students who have medical conditions, full-time employment or family responsibilities that may prevent them from attending their district school regularly and succeeding in a traditional school setting. Ombudsman’s flexible schedule is designed to meet the individual needs of students, no matter what those needs are. During a compressed three- to four-hour class day, students stay on task so they remain focused, motivated and engaged. On average, Ombudsman’s attendance rate is 86 percent for its entire student body.

Credit Recovery
Ombudsman’s credit recovery program allows students to recover credits lost through transfers, suspension, expulsion, and failing or missing classes. Students who want or need additional credits may enroll in Ombudsman to pick up an additional course or courses, with the approval of their school district. All credits earned and grades earned are converted to the same units used by school districts. Ombudsman students earn 88 percent of credits they attempt.

Technology
Ombudsman uses technology to keep students engaged, focused and successful. Computer-assisted learning allows teachers to work directly with students to answer questions and ensure mastery of content, instead of serving as the source of content information for a group of students. This allows teachers to provide personalized instruction to each student at the appropriate skill level.

Completing assignments on computer stations eliminates any embarrassment associated with wrong answers. Students work at their own pace and benefit from increased interaction with teachers in a small learning environment. The result is motivated, successful students who graduate from high school.