KISSIMMEE, Fla. – Vineland Lakes High School, a new alternative high school in Osceola County, has officially opened its permanent building.
The school aims to help students who have fallen behind get back on track toward graduation.
“Our motto is, ‘Together we swarm, we strive and we succeed,” Vineland Lakes High School Principal Dr. Tiana Coleman said.
Vineland Lakes is a tuition-free charter school that works with the Osceola County School District to provide an accelerated learning program for students behind on credits.
“It’s meant to catch up so they can still have the chance to graduate,” Coleman explained. “And in today’s day and age, with our kids, they have a lot of challenges.”
[WATCH: New alternative charter high school opens in Osceola County]
The school started classes in August‚ but just moved into a brand-new building designed to meet students’ needs and create an environment where they can thrive.
“One thing I like to say is that we are one of the safest schools around because our kids do go through the metal detector. The other thing is that we take their cell phones, so they can concentrate, and we don’t get any pushback from that,” she said.
Vineland Lakes offers individualized courses in core subjects like math, science, English and social studies. It also provides career and technical education options, including culinary arts, a certified nursing assistant program and construction.
[WATCH: Osceola County educators express concerns over special education policy changes]
Despite being a non-traditional school, students still get to experience milestones like prom and graduation. The school also offers support for students planning their futures, whether it’s college or trade school.
As the school settles into its new space, a recent donation of a high-tech translator from Vasco Electronics will help expand its reach.
“Communication is key. Therefore, having those translators, we are not leaving any student behind,” Coleman added.
The grand opening event for Vineland Lakes High School is Tuesday at 10 a.m. Vineland Lakes High School offers rolling enrollment, meaning families can sign up their children at any time. The school also offers assistance with transportation. For more information, visit their website.