Optional Programs

Educational Options for Juneau Students

Juneau Schools offer many choices so that every student can find the best fit for his or her learning needs. Of course, the first choice for most families is our excellent neighborhood schools, but several unique, free programs are available within the public school system. These options are open to everyone, although they all require an application. Two programs are managed by a lottery to make sure the diversity of the students reflects our district and to manage placement when there are more requests than openings - Juneau Community Charter School and Montessori. The Tlingit Culture classrooms at Harborview will use the lottery only when there are more applications than openings. All of these programs are open to all students regardless of race, color, national origin, gender, or ability.

Applications

Applications for all Educational Option programs for the 2010/2011 school year are available! Return the applications to the Assistant Superintendent's office. Download an application. All of the applications and placements are processed by the Assistant Superintendent's office. Family information provided on the application is confidential.

Lottery Status

Due to the possibility of more requests for placement than available positions in the option program classrooms, a lottery (complete procedures) (condensed version) approved by the District administration and the Board of Education, is used to determine classroom placement.  Most openings occur in the entry grades, but other vacancies are scattered throughout the upper grades, as well. A first lottery is held in may; another lottery is conducted in August after new student registration. Families are contacted with a placement offer and have 48 hours to decide whether to accept.  More information about the lottery can be obtained through the links above or through the Assistant Superintendent's Office at 523-1704. 

Please view the Educational Options brochure. Families are encouraged to learn more about the unique philosophy, goals, and classroom techniques -- that are different from a district classroom -- before choosing one of the option programs. 

K-8, Established 1997

  • Good fit for families who want strong family involvement, a close school-community connection, and a focus on individualized instruction.
  • A curriculum that includes project-based learning; frequent trips into the community; and music, art, and Spanish instruction.
  • Children are encouraged to take an active role in their learning, working both collaboratively and individually, and are recognized as unique learners.
  • A small school setting with four multi-grade classrooms..
  • Located downtown, with bus transportation from anywhere in the district.
  • Collaboratively run by parents and teachers.
  • Special Education, ESL/ELL, and other services provided to students requiring them.
  • Limited enrollment; subject to lottery.
  • Call to schedule a visit or learn more.  

1-8, Established 1994

  • Appropriate for children of all academic levels. Multi-grade classrooms (1-3, 4-6, and 7-8) allow children to remain with the same teacher for two or three years.
  • Emphasis on helping students develop personal responsibility for their learning.
  • The elementary day is organized around an uninterrupted 3-hour learning block, during which children focus on academic subjects. Children plan and select their work and the order in which their work will be done. This allows children to work at their own pace, and to concentrate and complete work.
  • Reading instruction is heavily phonics-based, while mathematics involves the use of Montessori–specific materials designed to teach particular concepts.
  • The adolescent program provides a small and supportive setting in which students can experiment and grow socially and academically. Basic to advanced math and literature are taught daily, while science, history and geography are covered in intensive blocks to allow for in-depth learning. 
  • All adolescent students study Spanish.
  • Appropriate for children of all academic abilities.
  • Located in Marie Drake downtown, with bus transportation from anywhere in the District.
  • Special Education, ESL/ELL, and other services provided to students requiring them.
  • Limited enrollment; subject to lottery.
523-1821

HomeBRIDGE

Bringing Resources to Individual Development, Growth and Education
K-12, Established 1999

  • Good fit for families who want individualized, independent, home-based education.
  • Good fit for youngsters with parent supervision and for self-motivated teens seeking self-paced, independent classes, perhaps mixed with live high school instruction.
  • Each student receives up to $2,200 to purchase materials, lessons, or University classes.
  • Students loaned a laptop computer to take home.
  • Teacher helps families choose classes and materials.
  • Teacher available to proctor tests and to provide some tutoring.
  • Students may attend classes and all extra-curricular school activities at neighborhood school.
  • Students participate in all state testing.
  • Enrollment encouraged by Oct. 15.
  • Unlimited enrollment. Not part of the lottery.

K-4, established 2000

  • Good fit for families interested in a placed-based program in which children explore natural surroundings and cultural connections.
  • Incorporates Tlingit elders, cultural knowledge, language, understanding, respect, and skills.
  • Three multi-age classrooms where Native students are encouraged to do well in school, and develop cultural pride and confidence.
  • Stresses academic achievement and literacy, with an emphasis on oral language.
  • Strong connection between program and families.
  • Located in Harborview, dowtown.
  • Limited enrollment; subject to lottery, only if over-subscribed.

Options Program Bus Service

Students attending the Juneau Community Charter School as well as the JSD Montessori or Tlingit Culture Language and Literacy programs have the option of taking the school bus this year. Students may take their regular neighborhood school bus to the neighborhood school in their residential area where they catch a shuttle downtown to the Charter, Marie Drake or Harborview Schools. At the end of the day, students will take high school buses home at 3:45 pm. After school programs will be provided for bus riders in options programs. Please call 907-523-1704 for more information.