What Elementary Readiness Looks Like at River Rock Academy

What Elementary Readiness Looks Like at River Rock Academy

Elementary students learn best when structure is consistent, instruction is intentional, and supports are designed around their individual needs. At River Rock Academy, our elementary program is built to do exactly that. Students receive targeted academic instruction while also strengthening the behavioral, executive functioning, and social-emotional skills ... Read More

Meet Julie: Social & Living Skills Teacher

Meet Julie: Social & Living Skills Teacher

Julie Sparks is a Social and Living Skills Teacher at our Williamsport campus. She brings structure, consistency, and relationship-building into the school day to help students strengthen life skills and make positive choices. Learn more about her and her impact on students’ lives! What is your favorite thing about ... Read More

February 2026 Recap

February brought a mix of celebration, creativity, and new beginnings across River Rock Academy campuses. Staff shared favorite moments that highlight how students are building skills, confidence, and community. Let’s recap our favorite memories from each campus! Amity Campus Our Amity campus students enjoyed the annual Valentine celebration, ... Read More

Meet Kady: Special Education Teacher

Meet Kady: Special Education Teacher

Meet Kady Vaughn, a Special Education Teacher at our Williamsport campus, who focuses on building strong relationships and a steady classroom routine that helps students grow into confident individuals. What is your favorite thing about working at River Rock Academy? I love working with students with a variety of social, emotional, and ... Read More

What Are Behavior Coaches at River Rock Academy?

What Are Behavior Coaches at River Rock Academy?

In alternative education, progress is not just about grades. It’s about helping students rebuild skills like self-control, communication, and problem-solving so they can be successful in school and in life. For many students, that growth starts with feeling safe, understood, and consistently supported throughout the school day. That’s why one of the ... Read More

December-January Recap

December and January were full of learning, celebration, and connection across all River Rock Academy campuses. Let’s take a look at snapshots from each campus and see how students are building skills, confidence, and community as they progress through the school year. Amity Campus Amity campus students participated in a hands-on project focused on creating low-cost meals within a set budget. Working individually and ... Read More

If you have heard the term “Alternative Education (AEDY)” and wondered what it means, you are not alone. AEDY is short for Alternative Education for Disruptive Youth. In simple terms, AEDY is a type of school program designed to support students who experience challenges succeeding in a traditional school setting because of ongoing behavioral, emotional, or social challenges. AEDY programs give students a chance to reset, rebuild skills, and re-engage by learning in a more structured environment. The goal is to help them stabilize, learn coping strategies, and return to school with effective tools for success, both academically and personally. Who is AEDY for? AEDY is typically for students who may be experiencing repeated challenges such as: Frequent classroom disruptions or conflicts Difficulty managing emotions or behavior in school Patterns of defiance or escalation when expectations are set Trouble with peer relationships, authority, or routines Suspensions or risk of placement changes due to behavior Every student’s situation is different. Some students struggle because of stress at home, mental health concerns, trauma, or unmet learning needs. Others may feel overwhelmed in a large school environment or get stuck in negative patterns that are hard to break without extra support. AEDY is meant to provide a more focused setting where students can practice skills and rebuild confidence. How is AEDY different from Special Education? Special Education is a service structure supported by an Individualized Education Plan (IEP). It is designed for students who have a documented disability and need specialized instruction or related services to access learning. AEDY, on the other hand, is a general education intervention created to address significant behavioral needs that interfere with learning. A student does not need an IEP to be placed in AEDY. Placement is usually based on school and district processes, and it is often meant to be temporary, with the goal of helping a student transition back to their home school when they are ready. What makes AEDY effective? Strong alternative education programs typically include: Clear routines and consistent expectations Smaller class sizes and increased adult support Skill-building in emotional regulation, conflict resolution, and communication Positive reinforcement and structured feedback Academic instruction that keeps students moving forward Most importantly, AEDY creates space for students to experience school differently. When students feel understood, supported, and are held to clear expectations, they begin to see themselves in a new and better way. How does AEDY transform students’ lives? For many students, AEDY can be a turning point. It can reduce repeated suspensions, rebuild relationships with adults, and help students feel capable again by learning practical strategies to handle frustration, manage impulses, and make better choices. Alternative education is about growth. It gives students a structured path where they can rejoin their peers stronger, more confident, and more prepared to succeed in school and beyond.

What is Alternative Education?

If you have heard the term “Alternative Education (AEDY)” and wondered what it means, you are not alone. AEDY is short for Alternative Education for Disruptive Youth. In simple terms, AEDY is a type of school program designed to support students who experience challenges succeeding in a traditional school setting because of ongoing ... Read More

Newville Campus Expansion Adds Classroom Space

Newville Campus Expansion Adds Classroom Space

We’re excited to share an update from River Rock Academy’s Newville Campus. We’ve recently added a modular space to expand our campus and add additional classrooms, creating updated learning environments for students and strengthening their experience across the school day. The Newville Campus serves eligible ... Read More

River Rock Academy Opens New Location in Indiana, PA

River Rock Academy announced the opening of its new campus at 334 Philadelphia Street, Indiana, PA 15701. The campus expands access to alternative education and school-based supports for students who benefit from a structured setting across Armstrong, Cambria, Indiana, Somerset, Westmoreland and surrounding school districts. River Rock ... Read More

October 2025 Recap

October 2025 Recap

October was a busy month across River Rock Academy campuses, filled with learning, creativity, and connection. Let’s take a look at all the fun things going on at our campuses! Amity Campus At the Amity campus, Student Council hosted the annual Fall Fest, bringing students from all ... Read More