Students take the same required courses that they would take at the comprehensive high school. Students are expected to make progress toward academic goals, and families are encouraged to meet with staff to develop programs to reinforce schoolwork at home. Job placement and supervised work experience are available for students who meet established criteria. Classroom and work site training combine to make this a meaningful experience. Through group and individual counseling, conflict resolution and mediation, and group activities, students learn new strategies for dealing with problems.
Close communication is maintained between the family and the school.
The student is at least 14 years of age and has reached at least grade nine in school. The student is on probation and has a probation officer. The student needs a strictly controlled environment. The student's academic history indicates potential for success in the New Directions program. In the fall of 1993, high school administrators and the senior administrative staff met together to discuss the changing needs of the student population, particularly among increasing numbers of disruptive students.