Many Moves, One Mission: Alternative Education in Chicopee

The history of Chicopee Academy began many years ago. It was not always called Chicopee Academy, and it has moved four times. Chicopee’s first regular education alternative school was called Horizon Academy, housed in Chicopee’s Boy’s and Girl’s Club. On February 1, 1996 the school opened with ten 8th grade students in one classroom. There were three staff members: a principal/teacher, a teacher, and a counselor. Lunches were delivered from Stefanik School. Gym class was the only elective. In June that year none of the 8th graders wanted to leave. They were happy and wanted to stay there for 9th grade. A decision was made to open another classroom, enroll ten new 8th graders, and hire another teacher and a clerk. It soon became apparent that there was a need for more space as a waiting list developed.

A team of educators and school committee members began a search for a new location. In September 1997 Horizon Academy moved to the former Mt. Carmel School, renting out the bottom floor. By this time there were students in grades 7 through 10. Again, more staff and teachers were hired. More electives like computer science and art were offered. During the next four years Horizon Academy grew by renting the entire building and becoming a full fledged alternative middle and high school. Four graduation ceremonies were held during this time and over one hundred diplomas were earned and awarded.

In September 2003 Horizon Academy became the Chapin Alternative Program at the former Chapin Elementary School. It served grades 9 through 12. The alternative middle school program was housed in Fairview Veterans Memorial Middle School.

Two years later in September 2005 the alternative high school and middle school were reunited at the former Chicopee High School under the new name Chicopee Academy. In this location the school is using the entire third floor, the cafeteria, the gymnasium and occasionally the auditorium. From ten students to about 90, from three staff members to almost 30, the school has grown to meet the needs of many students who were not successful in the larger traditional schools. Every graduate of this school is thankful for a second chance. Some of our students work hard and transition back to their sending school or go on to begin high school at Chicopee High School or Chicopee Comprehensive High School. Chicopee Academy students are eligible to play sports for those schools, too.

While the program has expanded in size, the focus is still on student success. Academics are primary; however, we have expanded the teaching and learning through numerous other sources, like camping trips, field trips to local colleges and museums, relevant guest speakers, performing artists’ demonstrations, and the Community Service Learning Program, another way our students give back to the city and help themselves with credit recovery.  We have a competitive basketball team and a chess team. The services and programs expand every year and are too numerous to list. The original alternative school was built upon these four cornerstones: academics, behavior modification, counseling, and family involvement. These are the same core values Chicopee Academy and its professional, dedicated staff embraces.

Some people think that they know what this school is all about and who belongs here. This school may be a temporary respite for some students who then move on, or it is the school where many students find academic success, feel accepted, and regain self-esteem. Chicopee Academy believes all students can learn, and our goal is to guide students to reach their potential. The history of this school is best measured by its graduates. Every year we have former students return and tell us how important this school was to their futures. Chicopee’s alternative school supported and encouraged them, and then they believed in themselves. My name is Martha Skiba, and I am proud to have been the school’s first teacher.

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