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Frontier Academy marks 10 years; district staff report program gains, partnerships and higher extended graduation rates
Summary
Frontier Academy presented two graduates and an annual program report highlighting partnerships with Central Wyoming College, vocational classes, alternative programs (SPUR, Step Up, DRC) and improved extended graduation rates; trustees praised staff and students.
Frontier Academy staff introduced two graduates and presented a district update that highlighted program growth, community partnerships and student outcomes.
Nicole Schoning, a Frontier social worker, introduced graduates Joseph Lane Grover and Aurora Lee Pate and described both students' personal growth and post‑secondary plans. Graduate Joseph Lane Grover told trustees, "Frontier helped me find the light at the end of the tunnel" and said he hopes to work to save money for college and pursue paleontology. Aurora Lee Pate said Frontier provided a safe environment where she rebuilt confidence and plans to attend Central Wyoming College to pursue cosmetology.
District staff member Mr. Taylor (Frontier staff) gave a broader program report. He said Frontier is ending its tenth year with 59 graduates to date and typically produces about 16 graduates per year. He reported a four‑year graduation rate of about 68 percent and an extended (five‑to‑seven year) graduation rate near 80 percent. Taylor said many Frontier students arrive behind on credits and that staff use partnerships and targeted programming to increase completion and post‑secondary readiness.
Taylor described district alternative and support programs that work with Frontier students: SPUR virtual academy (53 students K–12), Venture Upward (adventure/skills programming), a day reporting center (DRC) partnership with Fremont County Youth Services, and a Step Up program serving students fourth through eighth grade. He said the district partners with Central Wyoming College (CWC) to offer dual‑enrollment and career courses (CNA, art, auto), and has started transition planning with high‑school staff for students to access vocational courses while remaining enrolled at Frontier.
Taylor highlighted hands‑on learning (drones, RC cars, culinary horticulture), extracurricular participation (basketball, track, SkillsUSA) and recent successes in CWC classes. He also described ongoing work to improve post‑secondary readiness metrics and discussed state discussions about how alternative schools are assessed. Board members praised Frontier staff and graduates and encouraged continuation of partnerships and individualized supports.
The board did not take a vote on program direction during the report; the presentation served as an informational update to trustees.
