School Spirit & History
What is now Garland Alternative Education Center, began its service to GISD in 1995 as an evening program located at Garland High School.
The program began with five full-time teachers and when enrollment provided the necessity, full-time substitute teachers were brought on board. In 1996 the evening program moved to Warren Elementary School and became Warren Alternative Education Center.
In the summer of 2003, the Alternative Education program moved to its new location in order to provide a full day of education to all students. Our new all day student program provided the opportunity for the growth of our teaching staff, support staff, and a full service cafeteria.
Students now attend eight classes a day including all required core classes and electives including physical education, computer technology, health, art therapy, theater arts, and career counseling. Daily advisory clases are mandatory for all students and cover such topics as trust, good choices, classroom etiquette, social skills, gangs, drugs and violence.
The underlying reason for each student’s placement at alternative school is the inability to make good choices. For this reason, the administration, teachers, counselors, School Resource Officer, and support staff are all trained to provide choices in all situations from acting out in class to turning in homework. Providing choices helps the students have power over their lives and the consequences of their actions. This philosophy of choices and empowerment continues at our beautiful new school. In an effort to meet our students’ needs, the administration strives to keep the class size low, affording the teachers the opportunity to work more one on one with their students. The one on one interaction many times allows the student to catch-up to where his home school is and get back on track for credit.
Parents or guardians are encouraged to visit with the staff at any time. We are here to help your child at GAEC and will be here when he returns to his home school if you need us.
MISSION STATEMENT
Garland Alternative Education Center will provide a quality education for all students. In a Way That: Creates a safe and positive learning environment Provides for the unique needs and capabilities of the individual student Fosters student responsibility for their learning and behavior Develops positive attitudes toward school, community and family Fosters high self esteem in students and staff Engages parents in a positive manner in their child's education Stimulates teachers to become partners in the students education process So That Students will be successful upon their return to the home and within the community
