Q: How long has C.H.O.I.C.E. Inc. been around?
A: C.H.O.I.C.E. Inc. has been serving youth and parents for six years in Ward 8.

Q: Who qualifies to participate in the C.H.O.I.C.E. Program?
A: Youth who have aged out of school; do not have enough credit hours to be promoted to the next grade level; 17 years old and are repeating the 9th or 10th grade for the second time; and/or if 16 years and 10 months of age and are completely disconnected from school.  C.H.O.I.C.E. serves youth ages 17 to 24; in addition to 16 years old with special circumstances.

Q: How is C.H.O.I.C.E. Inc. Program different from D.C. Public School's and other alternative programs (i.e. GED, Ballou Stay, Night School, etc.)?
A: C.H.O.I.C.E. Inc. is not a school, we are an alternative daytime program that provides youth the opportunity to obtain their high school diploma through an online high school accredited curriculum.  We do not promote replacement of regular public school learning.  We are reaching youth that cannot comply with regular education settings.  C.H.O.I.C.E. does not and will not encourage parents to withdraw their child from regular school teaching as this program being a tool for easier and/or quicker graduation purpose.

Q: What online curriculum does C.H.O.I.C.E. Inc. use and is it accredited?
A: C.H.O.I.C.E. Inc.uses Continental Academy form Miramar, Florida, which is an accredited institution.  The Southern Association of Colleges and Schools, Commission on Internation and Trans-regional Accreditation, and the National Association for the Legal Support of Alternative Schools.

Q: What does the C.H.O.I.C.E. Inc. program offer young people?
A: The C.H.O.I.C.E. program offers young people alternative daytime placement to continue their education, with the opportunity to obtain their high school diploma, 25 vocabulary words weekly, choose a career and get hands on experience, assistance with completing their resume, portfolio, and the opportunity to set up three interviews for employment and/or vocational training, college, entry-level job, and varies educational field trips.

Q: Is there a tuition required for participating in this program, and if so, will there be a payment plan available?
A: Yes, there is a tuition for this program and we do have payment options.

Q: What does this tuition cover?
A: This tuition covers registration, logging on to the online curriculum, materials, supplies, uniforms and ID's, printing, travel to and from class and career sites, Diploma and transcript, tutors, mentors, teachers, instructors, field trips, materials for class projects, and participation in graduation and prom, which includes Cap and Gown, invitations, decorations, announcements, facility, food and beverages, etc.

Q: Does C.H.O.I.C.E. have additional resources to help with tuition?
A: C.H.O.I.C.E. is continuously applying for funding through other organizations, agencies, and donator to help assist with tuition.

Q: How do participates quality for these funds?
A: Students qualify depending on, where they reside, and the grantors requirements, most grantors require the student to pay a portion of the tuition.  They want to see the students invest in themselves.  They must keep their attendance in good stance and class grades up to standard.  They must complete all program projects and assignments as requested.  They must stay in compliance with the program rules and regulation.  Dismissal from class can result in losing your grant tuition.

Q: When and how are these funds applied to their tuition?
A: The funds will be applied after the student has attended class for 90 days without unexcused interruptions.  Class grades are up to standards, payments are current and behavior is appropriate.  Guardians will be called for a meeting to discuss available funds and how they will be applied.

Q: Who can sign-up a student?
A: Legal parents or guardians, Social workers, Case Managers, if you are 18 and over, if you are not the legal parent you must show proof of guardianship.

Q: If a student is withdrawn from the program, can their grades be transferred to another school?
A: Yes, if all fees are current and the school principle are willing to accept the grades C.H.O.I.C.E. will give you what you have completed.

Q: Can C.H.O.I.C.E. accept grades from the last school attended?
A: Yes, we will evaluate what will be cost effective and productive for the student, in conjunction with Continental Academy, they do have a fee for individual subjects.

Q: Will the students have a teacher to assist them with their assignments?
A: Yes, the students have access to two teachers they can communicate with the teacher on the computer and a classroom teacher as offering as needed.

Q: Who oversees and ensures the students is log on the computer daily?
A: Each site has a Site Coordinator that communicates between the student, teachers, and Program Manager.  The Site Coordinator is responsible for any issues, concerns, or questions the students may have.

Q: Are there any additional services C.H.O.I.C.E. has to offer the students?
A: Yes, C.H.O.I.C.E. offers Identifying Positive Emotions, Who am i, and Healthy Substance for Healthy Bodies.  These are group sessions that will be a part of the program curriculum, any additional serves that is needed at the professional level will be referred out, as needed (i.e. using medical insurance, Social workers, Probation Officers, etc.)

Q: Will the students receive progress reports? If so, how often?
A: Yes, there will be progress reports issued every 8 weeks, followed by a parent meeting.

Q: Can parents request to see the student's files at anytime?
A: Yes, if he/she is the legal guardian that signed the student up at initial intake.

Q: Can a student with an IEP attend C.H.O.I.C.E Inc.?
A: Yes, as long as we can meet the needs of the student, we will have to evaluate the needs at the professional level through the advice of an educational panel, board members, etc.

Q: How many days is the student allowed to miss before being withdrawn from the program?
A: Students cannot miss no more than three unexcused absence each month, court attendance, meetings with probation officers, social workers, lawyers, sick with a doctor's note, death or hospitalizes family members in the immediate family, are excused absences.