The mission of the Harvey Phillip Alternative Charter School (HPACS) is to provide

  programming for each at-risk student that gives them the opportunity to re-engage

  in schooling, outside employment, and begin to experience community service.

  The vision of the school is to have all students achieve an awakened sense of

  belonging to school and community.

  HPACS is a part of the School District of Waukesha (SDW). We are a high school

  for students at-risk. HPACS is one option for students who are in need of

  something different from the traditional school setting.

  Harvey Philip contains six distinct programs each designed to meet a variety of

  student needs. Although the programs run independently they are all supported by

  the same basic philosophy that there are no “throw away” children. Students in

  high school who are struggling for whatever reason are given the opportunity to

  reconnect to school and to themselves through these programs. 

  All teachers at Harvey Philip are trained in and certified to work with ‘at risk’

  student populations. Teachers and students choose to be here. There is a belief in

  the positive and amazing possibilities of all the students who attend. 

  Class size at Harvey Philip is intentionally small, rarely exceeding fifteen students.

  This gives  teachers an opportunity to get to know each student as a learner and a

  person. Students get the attention they need which in turn increases the likelihood

  of success.

  The environment here is one of safety and support. Students are encouraged to deal

  positively and constructively with negative emotions. Resources that have helped

  shaped HPACS include Life Space Crisis Intervention training, the Circle of

  Courage philosophy, and Resiliency training.

Referral Process

  Students come to our school through referrals from their Waukesha home high

  school’s guidance department. Teachers and staff who have been working with

  the students, along with parents/guardians and the students themselves can be

  the ones who initiate the request. Students living outside the district must contact

  their home high school’s guidance department who can initiate the referral.

  Each program has a coordinator/contact person (liaison). When notified by a

  guidance counselor and upon receipt of a referral, a student (along with a

  parent/guardian) will sit down with the coordinator for an intake ‘interview’.

  The program of interest is explained so that the student and parent/guardian

  can make an informed decision regarding placement.

  Because each student who comes to Harvey Philip is unique, each program has

  a slightly different approach or emphasis. The one thing that doesn’t vary from

  program to program is the dedication on the part of the staff to help each student

  reclaim their potential.