Restoration Alternative Academy Charter School (RAACS)
Harford County Public Schools
Mr. Louis Gordon, Principal
Opened August 2006
6th-10th Grade, 80 students
253 Paradise Road, Aberdeen, MD 21001
Phone - 410-273-5560, Fax - 410-273-5565
http://www.hcps.org/schools/middle/RestorationAcademy.aspx

About Restoration Alternative Academy Charter School

Restoration Alternative Academy Charter School opened in 2006. It is currently the first and only charter school in Harford County. Restoration has been profiled in the Baltimore Sun newspaper for its unique teaching styles.

Program Philosophy and Model:

• The vision for Restoration Alternative Academy Charter School is the creation of educational pathways to successful learning for students who have been unsuccessful in the traditional school setting
• Restoration Alternative Academy employs innovative teaching techniques, greater access to counseling services, more individualized courses of study, flexible scheduling, lower student/teacher ratios, and a supportive classroom atmosphere

Learning Environment:

The educational objectives associated with the program goals include:

1. Ensure a safe, positive learning environment attentive to the needs of the students and staff of the school

• Ensure a positive school climate
• Establish safe and secure school building
• Secure modernized school facility

2. Improve student achievement with a focus on socially and academically disadvantaged youth

• Eliminate the achievement gaps
• Employ differentiated instruction techniques
• Ensure parent and community involvement

3. Effectively use all resources (human, financial, in-kind) to the benefit of the students and staff of the school

• Make effective and efficient use of technology
• Provide effective administration and fiscal management of resources
• Maximize communication with stakeholders

4. Maintain a highly qualified workforce suited to the needs of the students of the school

• Ensure recruitment and retention of highly qualified employees
• Access, design, and implement programs to train highly qualified employees
  

Student Support Programs/Services:

• After school Tutorial
• M.S.A. and H.S.A. Intervention Curriculum
• Study Island
• Guidance Counselor
• Buddy Mentoring Program
• Community Job Scavenger Hunts

Partnerships:

• Partnerships developed with RAACS will be varied in nature and will provide in-kind, financial, and personnel support to the school.
• Partnerships that provide in-kind services include community-based organizations that provide wraparound services as deemed appropriate to students and families attending the school.
• These organizations may provide personnel to support special projects that the students are participating in, career days, or other special events and activities.
• Financial partnerships will be developed to support the on-going needs of Restoration Alternative Academy Charter School.