Cheltenham says EPIC alternative program shows early success; enrollment capped for first year

Cheltenham School District officials told the Educational Affairs Committee on Dec. 17 that EPIC, the district's alternative learning program, has enrolled roughly 47 students in its first year and was intentionally capped at 50 so staff could collect implementation data.

"We currently have 40 about 47 students enrolled... We do have about 3 slots remaining because we did cap it at 50," Office of Education presenter Miss Savage said. She described program activities — community service days, guest speakers, a Dress for Success event — and said staff are holding individual family meetings to plan whether students will return to the comprehensive high school or continue at EPIC.

Miss Savage and other staff said the program provides daily clinical support through a contract with the organization We Are Hope, includes a special‑education case manager who coordinates post‑secondary options, and intends to track outcomes such as graduation and successful transitions back to the high school. "We have 12 to 13 students who will graduate from EPIC," she said.

Presenters attempted to play a student testimonial video during the meeting but technical issues prevented playback; the video and presentation materials will be posted with meeting documents. Administrators said they will share cost and capacity analyses in spring as they decide whether to increase seats for the following year.

Next steps: staff will complete data collection through the year, meet with families individually to develop transition plans and return in spring with projections and any budget implications.