Webpage graphic header of the Cora Cox staff members.

Cora Cox Alternative Education Program

As early as 1984, the Tennessee General Assembly passed a bill authorizing the establishment of an alternative school for students who were having disciplinary problems. In 1992, the General Assembly mandated that one alternative school be established for each local school district to serve suspended and expelled youth. The Tennessee Department of Education works to help districts ensure that quality alternative learning environments are created for students. The Department coordinates activities of both the Study Council for Alternative Education and the Governor’s Advisory Council for Alternative Education. Both entities work alongside Department officials to improve alternative education in Tennessee and to serve as an advocate for students and teachers in alternative school settings.

Best Practices for Alternative Educators

The Governor’s Alternative Education Advisory Group has suggested several general recommendations for alternative educators:

Schools should avoid sending students to alternative schools for 5-10 day suspensions.
Students should be remanded to an alternative school for an appropriate length of time for learning to occur.
Whenever possible, the student’s transition back to the home school should occur at a natural break, such as the end of a grading period or semester.

These recommendations are not a mandatory requirement for alternative educators and/or alternative schools or programs.

CCA Serves Kingsport as a Trauma Informed School

Cora Cox Academy faculty and staff have participated in extensive professional development to help provide a safe and respectful environment. The staff's goal is to build relationships with students to help them succeed academically, learn how to regulate their emotions appropriately, and support their mental health and well-being. Our faculty and staff have learned how to understand that students oftentimes are never asked, "What happened to you?" but rather "Why are you acting this way?" Through the trauma mindset, we are able to help students reach their potential in an academic setting.

Online Curriculum Programs

Odysseyware
GradeResults

Restorative Practices

CCA has implemented Restorative Practices into it's school day. Students begin each day in a Restorative Circle where they can talk and discuss numerous issues or concerns as well as get to know one another.
Restorative questions are utilized to resolve conflicts and hold restorative conferences as needed.

Positive Behavior Intervention and Supports

ASPIRE - All Students Participate in Restorative/Resilience Education

Accountability
Safe
Participate
Individual Responsibility
Respect
Empathy

Service Learning at CCA

A key aspect to the ASPIRE program at CCA is giving back to the local community with service. The partnerships that CCA has made are listed here:

Small Miracles Equine Therapy Center
Waverly Road Presbyterian Church Food pantry
PetWorks of Kingsport
Habitat for Humanity Restore
Second Harvest Food Bank
Village at Allandale
Preston Place
Bays Mountain

Student Mentoring Program

CCA has established a mentoring program with Northeast State Community College where students in the HOME program visit CCA students once per week on campus to assist with their academic work and to build relationships while discussing college and career interests.

Contact Us

Please contact Cora Cox Academy at (423) 378.2229 for additional information or questions.