Next Step

The Next Step Junior High School Programs in Sherwood Park and Vegreville offer students a unique blend of classroom instruction and home-based learning.

Next Step meets students' learning needs by combining flexibility with direct student support. Our students benefit from a one-room school environment.  When students come to Next Step, there are no hallways and no rapid class changes to contend with. Our small size makes it easy for us to focus on the individual student.

Next Step Students

Many of our students are seeking an alternative to the structure and environment of traditional junior high programs.  The junior high students who have been successful at Next Step include students who:

• may have experienced a great deal of anxiety in the larger school setting.
• may have been overwhelmed by the wide variety of courses over an entire school day.
• might otherwise have chosen a home education program. The parents of these students feel that their children are able to function reasonably independently, but they would benefit from social and educational supports offered by our program.
• experience mental or physical health issues that impact attendance.

Next Step is not a behavioral program, and as a result, students requiring behavioral supports should consider other programs within the Elk Island Public School system.

How the Program Works

The program combines a teacher-directed classroom setting and a home-based, parent-guided component.  This combination allows us to offer small class sizes that are conducive to a safe, comfortable and academically supportive environment.

Students are typically required to attend the school for five half days each week.  Throughout the year students will cover the Alberta Education curriculum requirements for math, science, language arts, social studies and health.  Rather than have the students work through all five subjects concurrently, the students focus on 2 to 3 subjects each semester.  Next Step meets Alberta Education's access to instructional hours requirements by allowing students access to teacher via telephone or e-mail during the school time students are not in attendance.

The format of the school allows students to pursue interests beyond school while still receiving quality classroom-based instruction.

Students and their families who choose Next Step find that they have a very positive junior high experience while being well prepared for high school.

Prior to September 30^th, students can apply to the program based on the request of parents or on a referral from their previous school. Registration begins in April.  Given our small size, the program tends to fill quickly. Each student's application is carefully reviewed to ensure that the student's needs would be best met in our program. A preliminary meeting with families and staff provides another opportunity to ensure Next Step Junior High is the appropriate school program for your adolescent.

After September 30^th, students enter the program strictly on a referral from another Elk Island Public School.

Grade Seven/Eight

Grade Nine

Note: On the first Wednesday of each month we are closed at 1:00 pm for staff meeting.

Lisa Greenough, Administrative Assistant    

Linda Hantleman, Educational Assistant    

Rod Leatherdale, Teacher, Assistant Principal    

Paul Pallister, Principal