ABSTRACT
A successful alternative high school must be both data driven and relational. It is important to be guided by empirical evidence and data, such as SAT scores, grades, attendance and graduate rates, as these data-points can indicate potential areas of growth for a school organization. It requires the sustained commitment of an organization over time to educate at-risk students and to continue learning and practicing Solution Focused Brief Therapy (SFBT). The school's organizational culture directly affects student outcomes academically and emotionally. To sustain this commitment, alternative high schools have to be mission-driven organizations that are guided and sustained through a set of values. It takes forethought and planning to weather the winds of school district policy and personnel changes, while still sustaining the school's mission, values, and solution focused practices. Professional development training helped get all members of the faculty on the same page.
