Highlands Academy

The Highlands Academy program is based on a multi-tiered system of support (MTSS) and token economy, a motivation system that supports student behavior, emotional regulation, and academic success.

The TIERS Program uses research supported by positive behavioral supports/teaching techniques, social-emotional learning curriculum, social skills teaching, and a points/level system, together with close collaboration with families, to promote self-awareness and self-control, development of positive interpersonal/social skills, and positive coping strategies.

The Program provides students with a safe and nurturing environment and the opportunity to mainstream into general education programming, when appropriate to meet the student's needs. The long-term goal is to help students gain the skills they need to transition back to a less restrictive educational setting in their school of residence.

How to Enroll

Referring school or an IEP team may wish to consider referral to the TIERS Program at Highlands Academy. Students may be eligible for special education and have a current individualized Education Program (IEP). Students will be considered for this program when all other intensive interventions and supports have been exhausted. A new referral to the program is reviewed by the TIERS school team and placement is determined based on individual needs and the ability of the program to meet those needs.

School Accountability Report Card

Bell Schedule

Highlands Community Day School's mission is to provide alternative educational opportunities necessary for our students to acquire knowledge and skills, to develop the values of responsibility and respect for self and others, leading to productive citizenship and lifelong learning.

Highlands Academy works in collaboration with families to help support the needs of students. Parental outreach and involvement is a primary focus. We encourage families to attend events, participate in school activities, provide input, and help make important school decisions. As a team, we work together to support successful school outcomes.

• Students' progress through a level system based upon behaviors in the areas of Respect, Responsibility, and showing they are Ready to Learn
• Students receive effective and engaging academic instruction
• Students receive frequent and constant instruction for demonstrating positive social behaviors.
• Students progressively earn access to...
  • in-class store/rewards and incentives
  • honors room
  • honors outing when performance is consistent
• Parents and staff use two-way communication effectively on a weekly or daily basis to enhance consistency for the student
• Reboot Center: a 4-step system to address severe "zero out" problem behavior embedded in a progressive response system to behavior
• Students may have access to site-based counseling services
• Students develop effective personal coping skills

1. Establishing Relationships with all students
2. Physiology to Learn: Diet, Sleep Hygiene, Exercise, Stress Management
3. Positive Behavior Supports (PBS)
4. Social Skills & Social Emotional Learning Curricula
5. Proactive Classroom Management Strategies
6. Good Behavior Game
7. Points & Levels System
8. Progressive response system to problem behavior
9. Effective Academic instruction
10. Honors Room/Honors Outing
11. Reboot 4 step process for escalated behavior
12. Parental Outreach & Support
13. De-Briefs to facilitate teaming & consistency across staff with monthly full support staff problem solving meetings
14. Student self-governance meetings.

Welcome to the 2025–2026 School Year!

I’m excited to join the Alternative Education team as the Principal of Blue Heron Opportunity School, Carle' Continuation School, Highlands Academy Community Day School, and Lewis Independent Study School.

Alternative Education holds a special place in my heart because I’m deeply committed to supporting students and serving the community I live in. Our programs are designed to offer flexible, personalized pathways that meet each student’s unique needs.

In Alternative Education, we prioritize small class sizes and provide both academic and social-emotional support. Students receive instruction tailored to their current academic level and meet regularly with staff to monitor their progress toward earning credits. A team of educators reviews each student’s placement throughout the year to ensure they are receiving the best support possible.

Our ultimate goal is to create a safe, nurturing environment that empowers students to reach their full potential and, when appropriate, transition successfully back to a comprehensive school setting.

Please don’t hesitate to reach out with any questions, concerns, or suggestions. I look forward to working together for a successful year.

William Cook
Alt Ed Principal
(707) 701-0288
william.cook@konoctiusd.org