FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

Approximately how many students attend LAS and what is the male/female ratio?

LAS has about 30-40 students attending with a male/female ratio of 3:1 ratio.

What type of student attends LAS?

Students who attend LAS are students who have had difficulty reaching their potential in a mainstream educational setting even with maximum special education programming and support.  LAS students are classified students with either learning, emotional, or behavioral challenges.

Once students are placed at LAS, may they have involvement with their home district?

This depends on the home district and sometimes on the reason the student is at LAS.  We have many students who participate on sports teams, or have attended proms and graduations at their home districts.

Are students eligible for part-time attendance at a vocational high school while attending LAS?

Although it is acceptable for any student to do this, our experience is it works best with students whose home district is in Sussex County.

Do students who begin LAS ever return to their home district?

There are some LAS students who return to their home district on a part-time basis and others who return full-time to complete their high school requirements.

Who pays for tuition and who arranges transportation to LAS?

The sending school district is responsible for both tuition and transportation.

Are the NJ State Proficiency Assessments, (HSPA, ASK, etc) taken at LAS?

LAS students are able to take all of the NJ State Assessments on-site.

How often is a student involved in counseling?

Students generally meet with their counselor once a week for an individual session, however, there are additional opportunities for students to meet at their request.  If a student meets with the drug and alcohol counselor, there may be two sessions a week.

Do you award diplomas?

The student's official diploma comes from the sending school district.  LAS awards a certificate of completion to acknowledge graduation from LAS.

You offer school trips, is everyone eligible for these?

Eligibility is determined based on academic and behavioral standing.  Prior to a trip a list of eligible students is posted and students are given the ability to earn their way on the list.

Your website speaks of community based work opportunities for students, are all students eligible for this?

LAS accepts students from 7th-12th grades.  Opportunities for work begin on a limited basis in 9th grade, increasing with availability and interest each year, culminating in the possibility of a work study program in 12th grade.

Does a student need to bring money to school for food?

No, and we attempt to discourage students from bringing any money to school as there is never a need for it.  Breakfast and lunch are included in the school day.

How does a student get placed at LAS? Who is eligible?

Formal referrals are made through the home district's child study team.  New Jersey's special education advocacy group, ASAH, provides comprehensive resources to help parents navigate the system.  Go to asah.org for additional information as well as Parental Rights in Special Education (PRISE) at the Dept. of Education website.

Are LAS academic courses aligned with the New Jersey State Core Curriculum Standards?

Yes, all LAS academic courses are aligned with the state standards.

Are teachers and staff qualified educators?

Yes, all academic teachers are Highly Qualified and, along with instructional aides, receive constant training.

Does LAS offer any speech or specialized reading programs?

Yes, speech therapy is done onsite by a qualified independent therapist.  Additionally, LAS offers the Wilson Reading Program to those students in need.