In the late 1960's and early 70's, three schools in District 214 initiated different off-campus programs for students who were unable to benefit from services available in the district's seven high schools. All three programs attempted to offer a more flexible and personalized structure to help students deal with the difficulties which precipitated their referral. Each program, however, tended to have a somewhat different focus in its approach to meeting students' needs, and with only two or three staff members assigned to each program, both support and academic services were limited. For the next 19 years, S.T.E.P. evolved as a Special Education Day School serving students who had been identified as having emotional and behavioral handicapping conditions. In the fall of 1992, S.T.E.P. was renamed the Forest View Alternative School to more truly reflect the positive alternative educational choices that our students can participate in within our structured and supportive school setting.
All students can be successful in school.
Schools control the conditions for success. Based on these three philosophical premises, the Forest View Alternative School attempts to meet the educational needs of those students who have been previously unsuccessful in school. The Forest View Alternative School focuses its efforts on redirecting such behavioral patterns towards the attainment of positive outcomes in school as well as in the community. We believe that learning occurs when students feel connected, encouraged, supported and nurtured. We strive to develop each student's self worth by having the students participate in activities which encourage independence, belonging, mastery and generosity.