Mt. Tom Academy

An Alternative High School at HCC

Mount Tom Academy is designed to serve students who have been unsuccessful in a traditional high-school setting and may benefit from an alternative placement. The program offers an open, diverse environment that challenges students while providing a high level of support. Modern technological tools and methods of education provide opportunities for remediation and individualized enrichment.

About Mount Tom Academy

Strengths, talents, and unique abilities of each student are identified so that learning may proceed at the pace best for the individual. Academic studies are reinforced when learning meets developmental needs and is connected to real-life experiences. The program includes School-to-Career opportunities that allow students to explore aspects of industry, model workplace behavior, and achieve job skills. Students develop a sense of community and social responsibility that builds self-esteem, respect, and regard for others.

Schedule and Location

Mount Tom Academy follows the public-school 185-day schedule. Classes are held from 8 a.m. to 2 p.m.

The program is located in the Donahue Building on the HCC campus.

Transportation and Parking

Transportation is available if approved by the sending school district. Local PVTA bus transportation is also available. In some instances parents transport students, and some students use their cars and obtain a parking permit from campus security.

To Apply

Students wishing to apply should be between the ages of 16 and 22; be unsuccessful in a traditional high-school setting; have completed at least one year of high school; and demonstrate maturity and a willingness to attend classes in a college environment.

Students should begin by scheduling an appointment with their high-school counselor and obtain assistance with their application that must include:

• A copy of the high-school transcript and a copy of the most current report card
• A copy of any Chapter 766 Individualized Educational Plan (IEP) and/or a Section 504 Accommodation Plan
• Approval of the principal or director of the sending high school (required if currently enrolled)
• For students who have previously left school, a referral from their high-school to be in a diploma program
• Evidence of completion of the College Placement Test (CPT) and the Career Assessment from the high school or the HCC Career Center.

While attending the program, students remain on the enrollment roster of the sending school district. The local school district determines credits required for graduation and issues the high-school diploma.

Applications can be sent to Mount Tom Academy, Holyoke Community College, 303 Homestead Avenue, Holyoke, MA 01040.

Contact

Alexander Velis, Coordinator of Mount Tom Academy, at the Collaborative for Educational Services  (413) 562-4596 or avelis@collaborative.org

William Diehl, Deputy Director, Collaborative for Educational Services  (413) 586-4900, Ext. 110, or wdiehl@collaborative.org

Dr. Theresa Howard, Dean of Cooperative Education and Career Services, Holyoke Community College (413) 552-2322