Charlottesville City Schools presented an update on alternative programming at Lugo McGinnis Academy (LMA) and the night‑school program, describing recent graduate outcomes, partnerships for applied learning, and plans to increase enrollment into career pathways.

District staff reported that the LMA cohort produced 18 graduates last year and that adult partners and employers are engaged in pathways work. Presenters described an instructional model that uses Edgenuity for coursework, smaller classes, and weekly social‑emotional learning (DBT SEL) sessions. The division said approximately 29 students were enrolled at LMA and 13 in night school at the time of the report, with 12 additional graduates expected this year as some students continue to complete credits.

Staff outlined three program goals: improve attendance, increase LMA student enrollment in the K‑Tech (KTEC) career programs by 12 percent (about eight students), and expand workforce experiences for night‑school students. The presentation emphasized individual attendance plans, incentives, targeted interventions for chronically absent students, and community circles used at both LMA and night school.

Administrators described partnerships with Virginia Cooperative Extension and 4‑H, Planned Parenthood for adolescence and health topics, a gardening project on campus, Leather and Honey and Wartime Fitness for project and enrichment work, and opportunities such as Real Money Real World and the Revive and Thrive event that gave students financial‑literacy and career exposure. Staff also said they are exploring additional off‑site experiences with the Virginia State University School of Agriculture and strengthened ties with PVCC for senior pathway activities.

A night‑school student, Diana Minor, spoke to the board about the program’s impact on her attendance and engagement, citing smaller classes and staff support as reasons she plans to graduate and pursue nursing. Board members praised the program and asked the administration to better “tell the story” of LMA so more students and families understand the option. Administrators acknowledged capacity constraints and said they are seeking additional space and outreach to raise awareness and make transitions easier for students who could benefit from LMA or night school.

Why this matters: LMA and night school serve students who need flexible schedules, credit recovery or alternative pathways. The reported gains in graduates, partnerships for hands‑on learning and the push to increase KTEC enrollment suggest the district is expanding nontraditional routes to graduation, but limited capacity could prevent some interested students from enrolling.