#United States #K-12 Education #Indiana #River Rock Academy #Alternative Learning

River Rock Academy Expands Educational Services in Indiana, PA

River Rock Academy, a program under the New Story umbrella, has recently launched a new campus in Indiana, Pennsylvania, aimed at providing enhanced K-12 educational services to local students. Situated at 334 Philadelphia Street, this facility represents a significant step forward in supporting the educational needs of the surrounding school districts, including Armstrong, Cambria, Indiana, Somerset, and Westmoreland.

This new campus is particularly noteworthy as it not only continues the provision of Alternative Education for Disruptive Youth (AEDY) for students in grades 6-12 but has also acquired a Private Academic License. This license allows River Rock Academy to extend its offerings to include students from kindergarten through 12th grade, thereby enhancing its educational reach.

The new site spans an impressive 14,000 square feet and is designed to foster an environment conducive to both learning and emotional development. The building, which was previously utilized by another New Story Schools location, boasts two elementary and two secondary classrooms, with plans to expand to a total of eight classrooms as needed. Additional features include a sensory room, two quiet rooms for focused activities, a gymnasium, and even an outdoor playground area, which collectively contribute to a well-rounded educational atmosphere.

Leadership at the campus includes Campus Director Daniel Day and Education Director Katelyn Waterhouse, who are supported by a dedicated multidisciplinary team of educators, counselors, behavior coaches, and administrative staff. This collaborative effort underscores River Rock's commitment to providing diverse support mechanisms aimed at enhancing each student's educational journey.

Brandon Hoff, Vice President of Operations, expressed the mission of the Academy succinctly: “Our goal at River Rock Academy is to create a school environment where students can reset, rebuild skills, and make progress academically and behaviorally.” With the opening of this campus, he highlights the Academy’s goal of increasing access to quality education for local districts while also providing room for growth and staff development.

The facility has been constructed to address the diverse needs of students who thrive in structured learning environments. By eliminating barriers to access, River Rock Academy is enhancing its capacity to provide consistent academic instruction and behavior support—key elements that can profoundly impact students who require different educational settings.

As River Rock Academy expands its scope through the combination of K-12 services and AEDY programs, it aims to create an integrated educational experience that supports both academic progress and behavioral improvement. This strategic expansion aligns well with their overarching vision of helping students build the skills essential for long-term success in life.

Overall, this initiative marks a pivotal moment not only for River Rock Academy but also for the Indiana, PA educational landscape, promising a brighter future for students seeking alternative pathways to academic achievement.

About River Rock Academy

River Rock Academy stands as a proud provider of alternative educational services approved by the Pennsylvania Department of Education. It operates across various locations in the state and combines personalized instruction with therapeutic support, helping students navigate and excel in their academic pursuits. Being part of the New Story network allows River Rock Academy to draw on a wealth of resources and expertise aimed at fostering student growth and success across Pennsylvania.