Victory High School is an alternative education program in Rocklin Unified School District. What does “alternative education” mean?  To some, it’s seen as just a place where students who have fallen behind academically go to finish high school. But that simply isn’t true. In reality, Victory High is a great place for those students needing a path other than traditional high school to achieve success. It is a place that is much better than the common misconception about alternative education and a valuable option in Rocklin that should get more positive recognition.

First, Victory High School isn’t a place just for those who’ve failed classes or been expelled. It is an alternative high school, which is meant to be a type of education for those who don’t work well in the normal school setting. According to a Stanford University study, 11.4% of 10-12 graders are enrolled at alternative schools in California. Many of these students are those who don’t do well within the current system, as they may be below the poverty line, have trouble attending class, plan to go into the military and more. Skott Hutton, principal of Victory High, said, “All of us, our team, take great pride in the things we have done to change how Victory High School is structured, to meet the needs of all our students.” So, this misconception that Victory is a place only for dropouts and those failing is wrong and gives a negative view of Victory. Victory is a place where students in need of an alternate path can go to thrive.

Also, Victory has a staff that is very active in the students’ well-being and success. There is a culture of acceptance and welcoming that Victory works deliberately to achieve. Mr. Hutton said, “We are deliberate about understanding that we greet the students, we approach them throughout the day, give them an opportunity to share with us whatever it is that they might need.” Much of the staff deliberately work hard to understand every student there. Mr. Hutton said, “I am at the front, I know every single student’s name and more often than not, every other teacher on this campus knows every student’s name. “Their dedication to forming close relationships with their students is truly remarkable.

Also admirable is that the Victory community has a very focused and kind mentality. There is an active system in place to help students achieve their best, like PRIDE tickets. Mr. Hutton explained that PRIDE tickets “demonstrate pride, which is an acronym for being present or respectful, having integrity, being disciplined, or showing empathy. … We are recognizing those students that were awarded throughout the week by providing them prizes every Friday.” The staff is also dedicated to helping students succeed academically. According to indeed.com, the rate of alternative high school graduations transitioning to four-year colleges mirrors that of normal schools. Victory helps students to achieve those sorts of goals. Mr. Hutton said, “It is a collective effort. We all say that it is an all-hands-on-deck approach to student success here.”

Nevertheless, Victory faces stereotypes and assumptions that hurt its reputation. There still is a view that the school is only for those who have failed in school and are being sent there because they need some type of discipline. Although that isn’t the case, such an incorrect mindset can hurt the school’s public image. Mr. Hutton said that students would come to him and say, “Mr. Hutton, all I hear is Victory High School is a consequence because if I don’t do better on a test, I’m going to Victory or if I don’t improve my attendance, I’m going to go to Victory.” Though being transitioned to Victory might be seen by some as a consequence, the transition is very helpful for many students. When asked about what people believe about his school, Mr. Hutton said he will hear comments from parents such as “Mr. Hutton, I wish I came here sooner. I wish I knew more about this program because it has helped my son or daughter succeed in life.” There overall needs to be a change in perception about Victory. It should not be perceived as a punishment for those who can’t keep up or just a place for kids who are academically behind. Instead, Victory is a viable, positive option for students who don’t work with the traditional school system. It gives them an alternative that promises needed support, teacher dedication, and a great way to achieve academic and personal success.