One day each month, staff at the Westerville City School District’s (WCSD) Academic Enrichment Center (AEC) set aside time to host tours for educators interested in learning how they, too, can establish a successful program to meet the needs of students who have become disenfranchised or seek educational options apart from a traditional school experience.
During these tours, visiting school teachers and administrators learn about the program’s humble beginnings 18 years ago when Dr. Steve Coolahan, a now-retired school psychologist, and Mark Hershiser, current WCSD Deputy Superintendent, launched the Educational Options for Success (EOS) program in portable trailers housed on the campus of Westerville North High School. Staff also share how the program’s unique attributes and processes have evolved to serve close to 200 students and produce nearly 90 graduates each year.
EOS maintains a 94 percent long-term graduation average and, this year alone, has allowed 34 students to graduate. The vast majority of EOS students earning their high school diploma are well prepared to attend college, enter the military, or begin a career.
Community members wishing to learn more about EOS, as well as why the program continues to attract interest from educators across the nation, may do so by registering to attend the next monthly site visit, scheduled for 9:30 a.m. on February 22. Space is limited as educators from Kettering Schools also are visiting that day, so interested community members should register early by calling 614/797-7750.
The award-winning EOS Program has served students from all three Westerville high schools during its nearly two decades of existence. The AEC’s primary objective for each student is to facilitate successful school completion and develop skills to be successful within the school and community environments that they will face upon their transition from the program.