HopeTree Academy (formerly Gus Mitchell School) of HopeTree Family Services is one of the most unique, highly successful residential schools in the Roanoke Valley. It now accepts day students as well.

 At a time when other schools are cutting staff and services, HTA is now offering day school services to a wider cross-section of alternative and special education students throughout the Roanoke Valley.

Personalized Education
HTA provides students with a comprehensive educational program that:

•stimulates intellectual curiosity

•develops personal integrity

•fosters respect for individual differences

•emphasizes high standards for student achievement, behavior and career development

Getting the Job Done

  Students are expected to adhere to a unique set of work habits, social skills and life values called the “Student Job Description”.
  These 35 qualities gleaned from interviews with workplace supervisors serve as the basis of HTA's Student Management System. Students are evaluated each class period on how well they adhere to the “Student Job Description”.

Finding the Right Job

  The commitment of HTA to “at-risk” students’ career exploration, vocational/work skills and post-secondary training/educational development is programmed and emphasized at the same intensity level as their SOL – based academics and social growth.
  Career trips for students with identified interest patterns are taken monthly. Career cluster speakers, specific “job shadowing” and “on-the-job-training” are coordinated for a student’s vocational credit by HTA and HopeTree Family Services staff.
  Furthermore, through dual-enrollment with Virginia Western Community College and apprenticeship agreements with area businesses, HopeTree Academy students have access to job training in over 20 different career fields ranging from Nursing to Auto Mechanics to Culinary Arts.

Never Too Late

  For an extremely over-aged student whose chances and patience for earning a high school diploma are minimal, HTA offers the Individualized Student Alternative Education Program (I.S.A.E.P.). HTA teachers intensify this highly “at-risk” student’s preparatory study activities in order to take and pass the GED examinations.

  During the GED preparatory process, HTA ensures the youth is vocationally trained to a level where he/she possesses a series of marketable job skills in at least one or more career/trade areas.

  If you are interested in sending your child to HTA, please review this form before filling out an application.

  Educational goals are based on the Virginia Standards of Learning, and HopeTree Academy is interdepartmentally licensed by the Commonwealth of Virginia and is accredited through Virginia Association of Independent Specialized Educational Facilities (VAISEF).

   Find out more about HopeTree Academy