Phase 4 opens campus locations in Monessen and Washington

Sheena Walker dropped out of Monessen High School in April because she didn't like school.

She hoped to get her GED, but instead she's working toward her diploma.

"So far, so good," said the 18-year-old Monessen resident who's now back to the books at Phase 4 Learning Center, a nonprofit corporation approved by the Pennsylvania Department of Education to operate as a private provider for alternative education.

"It's better than regular school," Walker said.

She likes it at Phase 4 because she thrives on the hands-on approach and the calm environment. "I get to work on a computer. I don't have to write as much."

Phase 4 provides education for at-risk students in seventh through 12th grades, focusing on the students' academic, social, behavioral and future needs.

Students who are considered at risk are those who are in danger of not making it to graduation. Reasons for this include pregnancy, health issues, family issues, difficulty with peers and chronic attendance issues.

The alternative school, which got its start in the Century III Mall, West Mifflin, Allegheny County, was selected as a model program by the state Department of Education. Out of more than 600 alternative education programs, Phase 4 was the only private institution named as one of the top 10.

In response to a request by Gov. Ed Rendell to target distressed areas, Phase 4 opened its first campus location last month on the site of Douglas Education Center along Schoonmaker Avenue in Monessen. It will open another school Oct. 11 in The George Washington Hotel in Washington, Pa.

Programs include high school diploma, dropout retrieval and adult education/literacy center. In the 31/2 hour-school day, the school offers one-on-one instructional support, mentoring and counseling with a 10-to-1 student/teacher ratio.

"It empowers them," said Terrie Suica-Reed, executive director of Phase 4. "When a student comes to us they feel accepted. We tell them ultimately it's up to you. They like to be in charge."

Suica-Reed said she learned "if you respect these kids they'll respect you back."

The curriculum, called the A+ Learning System, is aligned with state standards and lets the students work at their own pace.

Instructor Beth Garlitz, who previously worked at Agape Day Treatment in Monessen, said the system gives students more than one chance to succeed.

"It's not a big deal if they don't pass the first time -- they can do it again," Garlitz said. "It's another clean slate."

Although the coursework is computer-based, Suica-Reed insists "we are not a cyber school."

"The kids need to come to us," she said. "Human contact is important."

When students enter the building they find anything but a traditional classroom setting. Instead it resembles a corporate office with glass-block walls and blue-neon lighting. Students find a relaxed environment where they are welcome to listen to music on headphones or get up and pour themselves a cup of decaffeinated coffee.

The Douglas Education Center is busy renovating the area leading into the school.

The old Van Kuelen and Sterns Building, where furniture was sold, is taking on an Old World look these days complete with a fountain weighing 13,000 pounds.

Suica-Reed said one of the counselors at the school joked that the place needed a fountain, so Douglas owner Jeff Imbrescia had one imported from Italy.

Smith Construction of Monessen is the contractor for the 45,000 square feet of space that will be called Van Kuelen Complex.

Suica-Reed said Phase 4 will utilize the first floor, which will include a technology center for the community. She said Phase 4 is working with Goodwill Industries to offer computer classes to senior citizens.

The renovated area will also feature a cafe, a site for formal presentations and rooms for overnight guests.

Right now students from Bethlehem-Center, Ringgold, Belle Vernon Area, Monessen, California Canon-McMillan and Brownsville Area school districts are enrolled in the program. The school is also working with Yough, Bentworth and Charleroi Area school districts.

The school also works in partnership with Community College of Allegheny County and Duquesne University.

In the two years Phase 4 has been in existence, as many as 200 students have been educated. Last year, all seniors attained graduation, according to Suica-Reed. Of the 31 who graduated 60 percent went on to higher education, 30 percent went on to employment and 10 percent went into the military, Suica-Reed said.