Frontier Academy principal outlines expansion of alternative programs and new in-person Discovery Institute

Justin Taylor, Frontier Academy principal and Spur virtual director, told the Fremont County School District #25 board that alternative programs serving at-risk students are expanding and will add a new in-person curriculum next school year.

"We're going to go full all into it," Taylor said of the Discovery Institute training coming Aug. 12, describing six weeks of face-to-face instruction that will teach team building, anger management, conflict resolution, assertiveness, problem solving and effective communication. Taylor said students will still earn credits during the program and that staff will set higher attendance expectations — students may miss no more than three classes in the first six weeks.

Taylor reported current enrollment figures for district programs: Spur virtual serves about 52 students across K–12, with roughly 22 in grades 9–12; Frontier’s enrollment reached 48 this year; and the Step Up day school had grown to about 36 students, some on long-term placements. He described partnerships with Venture Upward for K–8 instruction and coursework at Central Wyoming College (CWC) for high-school students.

Taylor also said Frontier has struggled with counselor capacity but has hired a counselor who will begin in August. He said the district is exploring additional community partnerships to strengthen the Step Up program so fewer students require outside placements.

Board members praised the programs. "Those alternative programs are some of my favorites," trustee Carl said, and others noted the value of human connection and hands-on learning that helps students re-engage.

Taylor said staff will present materials and formal program documents to the board for approval before the fall start date and that parent participation in a required class will be part of the program contract; parents who complete the class can recover student fees charged by the program.

The board did not take formal action on the Discovery Institute at the meeting; Taylor said staff will return with final materials and recommended language for any required contracts or parent agreements.