The Delta Program

In 1974, the district developed an educational option for regular secondary students called the Alternative Program. The program’s teachers, students and families adhered to the concept that students are motivated to do their best when they are responsible for their own learning. Charles Boyd was the first director of the program, originally located in the old College Heights School and moved in 1981 to Fairmount.

During its first year, 1974-75, this flexible program enrolled 135 students; in 1982, the program was expanded to include grades seven and eight. In 1993, the name would be changed to Delta Program because students felt “alternative” was a name used by other districts to refer to courses for students with discipline and learning problems.

Following conferences with the Delta faculty, a maximum of 200 seventh through twelfth graders are accepted each fall in an individualized curriculum that could include regular courses, independent learning courses, extended field trips, Penn State classes, community service projects (required beginning in 1989) and career internships. The participants complete credits mandated by the district and the state, but creativity and originality are emphasized in the development and execution of class work.

Special projects are an important part of the educational process at Delta. Each student and his or her parents are members of a planning team that meets at least three times a year with the student’s advising teacher to set learning goals, choose appropriate learning experiences and deal with any concerns.

Participants in the Delta program are often accepted early by some of the most highly desired colleges and universities.