The School District of Osceola County prepares to expand as Vineland Lakes High School—Kissimmee’s newest tuition-free public school—wraps up in its development with Second Mile, an education organization based in the United States.

      Vineland Lakes High School is the latest addition to the Osceola County School District, offering students with customized plans dependent on their individual needs, along with various college and career pathways created to coach them into adulthood. As an alternative high school, Vineland Lakes staff will work with students individually, providing them with in-depth ESOL curriculums, GPA recovery, and flexible schedules. The concept is promising, but how did this high school come to be?

      Second Mile is an organization designed to help districts in creating alternative education programs, with schools in various counties in Florida. Drew Hill, the Vice President of Marketing & Enrollment at Second Mile, describes the organization as intended to “help students who have fallen behind, or students who just want to accelerate through high school, to earn credits quickly, graduate with an authentic (district sponsored) diploma, and prepare for life after high school.” With these goals in mind, Second Mile recently paired with Osceola County to help with the development of Vineland Lakes High School.

      In partnership with Second Mile’s specialized program, Vineland Lakes plans to implement custom curriculums–known as Individualized Success Plans or ISP’s–within the high school. Along with these customized education plans, students will also have the choice to go to school from 7:00AM to 12:00PM, or 12:30PM to 5:30PM. Additionally, the curriculum for Second Mile schools can be translated in over 20 languages, with a technological and self-paced system. Together, Hill explains that this “[allows] students with competing needs, such as childcare, jobs, or family needs, to complete the day more efficiently.”

      Schools, such as Vineland Lakes Highs School, that implement these alternative education programs strive to offer students non-traditional education intended to help them individually. Alternative education can be a particularly beneficial option for students who could be struggling, or simply have individual needs that are often not met by traditional educational programs. One educator working at an Osceola County alternative school states, “...I can say with confidence that this type of schooling isn’t just necessary, but is highly effective in helping students finish their high school education.” Additionally, these schools have shown success in improving the academics of their students, through “additional tutoring to help students achieve passing scores on required state tests, and improve their overall GPA,” as explained by this educator. Building off precedent set by alternative education programs in the past, Second Mile uses their organization to help further the education of students, promoting learning in a new, reformed way.

      Statistically, schools designed through this program have shown extremely promising results. “To-date, more than 20,000 previously off-track students in Florida have caught up and graduated from one of our schools,” Hill explains. He adds, “95% of parents surveyed last year said they would recommend their school to a friend or family member. This is a huge number that we're very proud of.” Since 1996, Second Mile’s program has only grown, and with it, graduation rates have as well.

      These schools are open enrollment, meaning that at Vineland Lakes, any Floridian student is free to enroll. Some families may worry about specific requirements needed to apply to a school such as this; however, as long as a student is not legally prohibited from enrolling in a public school, they are eligible for application. For parents seeking more information, Second Mile’s website, 2ndmile.com, and Vineland Lakes High School, vinelandlakeshighschool.com, is available, offering those interested with details and contact information.