About The Program

For over 40 years, Alpha School has offered services for students in southeast Nebraska and Western Iowa who have not been successful in the public school system. Students are typically referred to Alpha school because they are physically aggressive, verbally aggressive, or display other behaviors that negatively impact their academic and/or social progress and the learning environment of others. Alpha School believes that all students regardless of their disability can change if they understand how change benefits them and are taught replacement skills. We begin with the assumption our students have not mastered certain life skills and require participation in our skill development program utilizing a "learning by doing" model.

Academic Expectations:
Alpha School delivers a comprehensive academic and social skills curriculum catering to students from kindergarten through twelfth grade. With a commitment to personalized attention, our classrooms maintain a low teacher-to-student ratio, ensuring a maximum of twelve students with two staff members in each classroom. At Alpha, we set high standards for all our students. They are consistently and progressively encouraged to enhance both their academic achievements and behavioral conduct. We prioritize supporting students who may be lagging behind academically, striving to bring them up to or even surpass grade-level expectations before they transition out of our program.
Recognizing the diverse needs of our students, Alpha offers individualized academic and behavior instruction on a daily basis. High school students have the opportunity to accrue additional credits necessary for graduation and can earn diplomas from their local high schools.

Program Overview:
Alpha School provides an individualized, full-day program spanning six hours daily to students referred by their respective public school districts. Eligibility hinges on verification by the referring district, confirming an Emotional Disturbance (ED) diagnosis aligned with the criteria outlined in either Nebraska Rule 51 Special Education Law or the Iowa Department of Education, Bureau of Special Education's "Administrative Rules of Special Education," contingent on the student's state of residence.
Our student body, aged five to twenty-one, exhibits a spectrum of cognitive abilities ranging from low-average to highly proficient. At Alpha School, we furnish the essential structure and consistency vital for guiding students towards constructive decision-making. Central to our approach is the implementation of a "Token Economy" system, wherein students engage in earning point awards and fines. Points are awarded for demonstrating desired behaviors while fines are levied for undesirable conduct, fostering accountability and positive reinforcement within our learning community.