Achievement Center for Educational Success (ACES)

OUR PROGRAMS: Our programs are formed on the belief that positive youth development will occur when there is connection, inspiration, and motivation. Through a model that supports the social emotional needs of youth, the trained staff supports the youth’s ability to build healthy relationships, to learn in ways that work for them, and to realize a higher sense of self and achievement. Programs are available in Darke, Miami, and Shelby counties.

WHAT IS ACES: (Achievement Center for Educational Success) is for students, grades 9-12 who are credit deficient or looking for an alternative learning environment. Coursework is provided in the classroom, through online classes, and by independent study all under the guidance of a certified teacher. A workforce development program is available to qualify students who are matched to jobs in the community.

MISSION: To provide a structured, supportive and educational environment for students who are credit deficient, on the verge of expulsion, or dropping out. The program offers services to address social, emotional, behavioral and substance abuse needs while receiving academic credit towards their high school diploma.

COLLABORATIVE EFFORT: Council on Rural Service Programs, in collaboration with the Darke County Educational Service Center, offers an alternative education program for Darke County students in grades 9-12. Placements are typically a minimum of one semester (18 weeks).

PHILOSOPHY: The philosophy of ACES is that all students can learn and succeed when the conditions are conducive to their needs. A cornerstone of ACES belief system is that interagency collaboration is crucial in our community’s efforts to tap the strengths of at-risk youth and helping them overcome the personal obstacles to be successful. Students have the opportunity to receive drug and alcohol education/counseling and mental health support services while enrolled.

REFERRAL PROCESS: Students are selected for ACES upon referral from the student’s home school administrator and with permission from the student’s parent(s)/guardian(s). An Individual Needs Assessment conducted by ACES staff in cooperation with school representatives, student, and parent(s)/guardian(s) must indicate multiple areas of social, behavioral needs that cannot be sufficiently addressed in the regular school setting.

• Smaller classroom setting
• Substance abuse counseling and education
• Character building and social skills activities
• Work study component
• Advocacy with the schools and court
• Referrals to other agencies to address student’s needs
• Transition services upon returning to their home schools

CRITERIA FOR EXIT: Student’s must attend ACES for all assigned days, unless excused by the Darke County Educational Service Center attendance policy. Upon entering the program, an educational plan will be developed for each student to identify goals for student’s completion. The plan will clearly detail the educational and behavioral steps that a student must complete before returning to their home school. The plan will be reviewed by the ACES staff and the student’s home school at the end of each semester to determine when transition back to the home school will occur.

TRANSITION BACK-TO-SCHOOL: A Youth Advocate will serve as a case manager to help pave the way for a successful transition back into the home school. The Youth Advocate will visit the student at school on a monthly basis for the following grading period to monitor the student’s behavior and grades in accordance with the student’s transition plan. Failure to meet the requirement of the contract will result in re-evaluating the student educational placement.

Darke County Educational Service Center
937.548.4915