Frequently Asked Questions

What is the purpose of Webster Street Academy? Webster Street Academy (WSA) partners with area school systems to serve 7th through 12th grade students who are “at-risk” of being suspended or expelled from school. WSA focuses on wrapping therapeutic services around a highly individualized educational program in order to prepare youth to better cope with those emotional problems that interfere with their ability to achieve success, whether it be in school, or life in general. The ultimate goal of WSA is the child’s successful reintegration to their “home” school system. WSA can also facilitate other outcomes including GED preparation and vocational training and placement. The length of time required for reintegration is dependent upon the individual and their unique needs. However, the program should be viewed as a transitional placement and not a permanent one.

Is Webster Street Academy a school? No, at least not in the traditional sense. The program was designed to “partner” with area school systems. Students attending Webster Street Academy remain actively enrolled in their home school system and maintain social connections with their home school (unless otherwise indicated). Grades earned by students are sent to their home school system and are converted into academic credits used for promotion and graduation. A unique aspect of the program is the ability to serve, with endorsement from their school system, students who have been expelled.

What type of curriculum is offered at Webster Street Academy? The current curriculum focuses on three major areas: Academics (Language Arts, Math, Science, and Social Studies), Coping Skills (Improved Decision Making), and Social Skills (Building and Maintaining Positive Relationships with Peers and Adults). The program internally reviews best practice literature to offer the highest quality of education and training to our students. Upon acceptance into WSA, students are assessed to determine their reading and math levels. An individualized curriculum, at their level, is then developed so that students enjoy success in the classroom rather than frustration. Curriculum content is aligned with Ohio’s outcome standards, thus ensuring academic rigor within the program. Available curricula cover academic levels ranging from 2nd grade to 12th grade.

What is the average class size? The program is designed so that there are approximately 8 –12 students in each classroom. Due to the amount of support/therapeutic staff, the actual student to staff ratio averages about 1 staff to every 5 students.

How old does my child have to be to enroll in Webster Street Academy? Students must be between the ages of 12-17 years old. In some cases, based on individual circumstances, a child who exceeds these parameters may be allowed to participate in the program.

Is Webster Street Academy open all year? Yes, the program operates all year. WSA operates off of a traditional school year calendar with an optional summer session. The content of the program does not change during the summer months but remains comprehensive with on-going educational and therapeutic services. .

Does Webster Street Academy provide transportation? No, not directly. Students remain enrolled with their home school system, thus any responsibility for transportation remains with the home school. Many systems provide bus transportation or other arrangements such as tokens or passes for the RTA. An RTA bus stop is located just around the corner from the program building at the intersection of Webster Street and Keowee Street.

What can I expect my child to learn from the program? You can expect that your child (given that they put forth the effort) will learn how to more effectively deal with the situations or issues that interfered with their participation in their neighborhood school. This may involve your child learning new ways of coping, improved decision-making strategies, improving relationship skills or effective ways to deal with their feelings. Academically, this may involve new learning strategies, improved study skills, or better time management.

Can my child attend if they are a special education student? Yes, the program staff includes teachers certified in regular and special education. Any child enrolled in or eligible for special education services will have their Individualized Education Plan (IEP) carried over from their home school system and implemented while enrolled in Webster Street Academy. The IEP also is reviewed at case conferences, with any needed modifications made at that time.

What role do I have in my child’s participation in the program? Parent/guardian support is one of the keys to a student’s successful completion of the program. This support can take the form of ensuring that your child attends the program daily, arrives on time and is well rested. Your attendance at continued care conferences and other program meetings sends a powerful message about your interest and commitment. Most importantly, tell your child often how proud you are of their participation in the program and keep them focused on their goals.

How long does it take for my child to complete the program? The length of stay in the program is individualized, and thus truly depends upon the effort each child puts forth. The student’s readiness to leave the program is continuously evaluated by the Interdisciplinary Team and is based upon their progress related to issues surrounding therapy, education and behavior. The length of stay may or may not include summer months.

Who decides when my child has completed the program? No one person makes this decision. Instead, it is the decision of the entire Interdisciplinary Team working to meet your child’s needs as he or she works toward their goals. In addition to program staff, staff from other agencies may participate, including school system representatives, probation officers, and Children Services Board workers. The most important members of the Interdisciplinary Team, however, are the student and his or her parents or guardians.

Can my child be discharged from this program? Yes, but only as a last resort. Participation in the program is voluntary and the student must put forth a sincere effort in order to be successful. Discharge from the program is considered if the student shows dangerous behavior (e.g., fighting, carrying weapons), criminal behavior, extremely disrespectful behavior or refuses to accept the support offered by the staff. The child’s status with their home school system may or may not be affected by their removal from WSA.

What if my child has a crisis after regular program hours, or when the program is closed? If a student has a crisis during regular office hours (8:00am – 5:00pm), you can contact your child’s therapist at (937) 463-2955 or another program staff member familiar with your child will assist you. For after-hours crises, you can call Samaritan Crisis Care at (937) 224-4646 seven days a week, 24 hours a day for help.

Who owns/operates Webster Street Academy? Webster Street Academy is part of Eastway Corporation, a not-for-profit provider of behavioral healthcare, housing and employment services.

How is Webster Street Academy licensed? As a component of the Eastway Corporation, the program is licensed by the Ohio Departments of Mental Health (ODMH) and Alcohol and Drug Addiction Services (ODADAS).

Who pays for my child to attend Webster Street Academy? Webster Street Academy is primarily targeted to serve students who are receiving Medicaid (CareSource) or are Medicaid eligible. Ultimately, the financial responsibility for a child’s participation in the program is the legal guardians; however, other resources may be available. Many schools have accepted the financial responsibility for those students whom they refer who do not receive Medicaid or CareSource support.