(by Don Meador)
Students from Allen County and beyond are learning, growing, and finding success through Patriot Academy---an alternative school in the Allen County School District geared toward students desiring an option apart from the traditional education setting. The 2026-27 school year will be the fifth year for Patriot Academy which presents a three-layered platform to help students learn in a setting that is more of a fit for them.
“Patriot Academy is an alternative K–12 school with three programs (labeled Liberty, Freedom, and RISE) serving different learner needs,” explained Director Rhetta Roy. “Our programs blend online coursework with in-person support, field trips and community partnerships. Students who complete requirements receive an Allen County Schools/ Kentucky high school diploma.”
The first program is mainly online but Roy is quick to note that students have multiple opportunities to engage beyond a home setting.
“The Liberty Virtual Program is a K–12 online platform with Nicole Jenkins as our virtual coordinator,” Roy added. “Students complete classes online on our courseware. Our teachers provide tutoring and organize in-person enrichment. K–5 virtual teachers bring younger students in several times per week for reading intervention and math and reading. Students have opportunities to participate in our STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Math) Hub, and take field trips such as SKyPAC visits or Hot Rods baseball games.”
The Freedom Program is designed for high school students only. Cody Harper oversees a program which has students in a Patriot Academy classroom---learning through online course work and supplemented by hands-on activities in the building, at Allen County-Scottsville High School, and in community settings.
“Last year, Mr. Harper led his students in hands-on activities such as taking courses at the Allen County Public Library and a 12-week culinary seminar with our high school culinary arts students,” Roy explained. “This year, Mr. Harper also hopes to partner with Liberty students to expand student opportunities.”
Patriot Academy actively engages community partners to provide training, volunteer opportunities and experiential learning. The partnerships support vocational skills, life skills, resume/interview training and financial literacy programming for students preparing for post‑secondary life. This year, the hope is that partnerships in the community will increase to give students greater avenues to learning.
The RISE Program is the discipline arm under the direction of James Price. RISE serves grades 6 to 12.
“A behavior committee reviews referrals and votes (committee requires 3 of 4 votes) to decide placements or alternate interventions,” Roy noted. “RISE is used for significant behavioral issues and sometimes the committee recommends other supports instead of placement.”
The alternative school is staffed with educators and has administrative support to meet the needs of all students enrolled. This includes Exceptional Childhood Educators, counselors, and dedicated teachers with diverse backgrounds across grade levels.
“Academic and behavioral expectations for admitted students include 70% or higher in classes (passing) and acceptable attendance, “Roy pointed out. “Students not meeting standards receive targeted tutoring and interventions. Our graduates receive a state‑sanctioned Allen County Schools diploma and meet the same college and job entrance requirements as other Kentucky graduates.”
One drawback to Patriot Academy enrollment is the inability to take part in sports. Roy emphases that the limitation is not a District policy but rather a state rule.
“Athletic participation is currently restricted,” Roy explained. “KHSAA (Kentucky High School Athletic Association) rules prevent alternative schools from participating in traditional interscholastic athletics. But my understanding is that a parent group in the state is pursuing change but no progress has been made…yet.”
For parents/guardians interested in their child/children attending Patriot Academy, the first step is to contact Roy to discuss the options. An application is required---an application reviewed by a committee. Information can be obtained at any time but the primary intake is twice per year. July 15 is the summer deadline for enrollment with a December 1 deadline for midyear transitions, thus allowing students to start at Patriot Academy after the Christmas break. Roy adds that for K–8 transition opportunities the school will attempt to evaluate quarterly to accommodate grade/record resets at quarter boundaries. Patriot Academy also accepts applications from students outside the District as well.
Roy also offers a couple of reminders about policies and procedures for students attending this year.
“As you get ready to do back-to-school shopping please keep in mind that hoodies will not be acceptable wear at Patriot Academy this coming year for any in-person student,” Roy noted. “. Students in Freedom and Rise will not be allowed to wear them, nor will Liberty students who come in for tutoring or a visit to the STEM Hub. It has always been a part of our dress code, but due to some behavior issues we will enforce it this year. Please help your students choose wisely in purchases and dressing each morning. In addition, we will also be enforcing the cell phone policy written in the Kentucky state law. Students in the Freedom Program will not have their phones during instructional time and will only be allowed to have them at teacher-specified breaks in the day. Rise Program students will not have them at all per existing protocols. Liberty students who come in for tutoring or STEM Hub are to have them put away, silenced or turned off during instructional tutoring or STEM Hub time.”
Parents/guardians desiring additional information can contact Roy at Allen County-Scottsville High School (270-622-4119).