Maryville Academy principal reports smaller caseload, emphasis on early success and restorative practices

Maryville Academy Principal Kyle Harris updated the Maryville Board of Education on the alternative program's staffing and student outcomes for the 2026–27 year. He said the Academy served 60 students during the 2025–26 school year and began the current year with 16 students, noting that students spend "an average of 90 days at Maryville Academy," with roughly one in six returning more than once.

Harris outlined three areas of focus for students—success, support and challenge—explaining the Academy measures success by individual student growth and emphasizes unconditional positive regard. He described a partnership with the McNabb Center to evaluate program effectiveness and said professional development this year will center on restorative practices, Handle With Care protocols, differentiation, and navigating artificial intelligence in instruction. Harris closed by asking board members to consider "one skill, one habit, one mindset, and one hope" they want students to carry forward.