Blue Ridge Juvenile Detention – Academic Program

“INSTRUCTIONAL EXCELLENCE FOR ACADEMIC AND PERSONAL SUCCESS”

The mission of state operated detention education programs is to provide students with quality instruction through a continuum of educational programs that promote achievement, character, and the skills necessary to transition from the program with tools that enhance citizenship and life-long learning.

The academic program at Blue Ridge Juvenile Detention is associated with three entities: the Virginia Department of Education (VA-DOE), Charlottesville City Schools (CCS) and Blue Ridge Juvenile Detention (BRJD).  The program resides on the grounds of BRJD and is subject to those policies therein.  All personnel are hired through CCS, who serves as the fiscal agent and are also subject to their policies.  VA-DOE serves as the funding source and provides program governance.  The BRJD academic program is a State Operated Program run directly by the Virginia Department of Education.

 All residents of BRJD participate in a six-hour instructional school day.  Courses include English/language arts, science, math, social studies, life skills and fine arts.  Additional opportunities for remediation in reading are available to students who qualify.  Special education services are provided to students who are determined to have a disability under the Individuals with Disabilities Education Improvement Act. Career-related education and GED preparation (for those who qualify under state standards) are offered to students in those programs.

When a student enrolls in the academic program at BRJD, the child’s home school is notified on the third school day of attendance.  The home school forwards portions of the child’s cumulative school record so that appropriate educational services can be provided during the period of detainment.  When a student is released from the BRJD facility, a transfer summary reflecting grades and Virginia Standards of Learning addressed is forwarded to the child’s home school.  These grades are factored into the child’s academic performance on his or her regular transcript. 

Four teachers are employed by Charlottesville City Schools to work at the BRJD Academic Program.  In addition, a Title I Literacy Coach and a Music Therapist are employed.  All teachers hold an active professional license to teach in Virginia.  Most have Master's Degrees and are endorsed in more than one area.  The Music Therapist is hired in an instructional capacity, rather than a therapeutic capacity, and is Board Certified.  

Community involvement is welcome in the BRJD Academic Program.  Guest speakers from the University of Virginia, Piedmont Community College, Virginia Department of Labor, and local business leaders have visited our classrooms.  Donations for our library have been made by individuals and groups.  The academic program, in conjunction with the facility, has used grant money furnished by the VA Department of Education and matched by the BRJD Commission to construct a greenhouse for instructional use with the post-dispositional residents.

Questions regarding the BRJD Academic Program can be direct to Laurie Cooper, Principal, at 434-951-9340.

Academic Staff:

Laurie Cooper, Principal

Mr. Schaffer:  Social Studies, Reading

Ms. Maupin:  Math, Reading, Special Education Case      Manager

Mr. Sellers:  Science, Math

Mr. Allen, Post-Dispositional Program Teacher, English

Ms. Dye:  Title I Literacy Coach