Our History

Webster Street Academy, formerly known as The New Choices Program, was incorporated on May 13, 1994 in response to the number of out-of-school youth in the Dayton, Ohio area. The program’s initial target population was male or female adolescents, ages 10-17, who had been expelled or suspended from school. Over time, the program began to accept students who were “at-risk” of being expelled from school.

Originally housed in the lower level of Christ Episcopal Church in downtown Dayton, the program served up to 26 children. Services were based on a model that emphasized therapeutic intervention/counseling, but also provided some educational services. The main mission of the program was to provide students with the skills needed for them to re-enter school successfully.

In February 2001, Eastway Corporation assumed all operating responsibilities for the program. While Eastway has committed its resources to the same population, it has modified the program to include more emphasis on proactive interventions. Today, Webster Street Academy promotes a person-centered approach to help students achieve diversified outcomes including the exploration of vocational opportunities, the successful completion of educational benchmarks and enhanced participation in community activities.