KAYSVILLE—For students attending Canyon Heights Adult Learning Center the school provides a way for them to not only realize their dreams but be successful in the future. 

“It’s like a huge umbrella,” said Principal Marci Flocken. “We serve many different types of students. Our biggest groups are those getting their GED or diplomas and we offer prep classes. We have special classes for high school sophomores, junior and seniors. The rest are adults who never finished high school and want to get their GED.”

The school also serves the Davis and Weber County jails, she said. “Normally that is a big part of our job is to teach classes at the jail. It looks different at each jail because they have their own set of rules. Before COVID, we developed a schedule and the deputies would bring the inmates to us. Classes are six hours a week, three days for two hours each.”

The classes are standardized with tests, instruction and homework, Flocken said. “We teach things like computer coding that helps them transition into non subsidized situations so they’re not going into jobs making minimum wage. They leave having the skills and a coding background to help them take the next step to be contributing to society.”

Flocken said there are 13 students at the Davis County Jail this year. “Before I became the principal here I was teaching at the jail. I just loved it. It is so rewarding.”

Another group of students the school serves are English Language learners, she said. “Last year before COVID hit we had students from 30 different countries with 25 different languages spoken. It’s a huge service to the community. Parents couldn’t communicate with the schools or get a good job. We’re partnering with Davis Tech for students to pass classes to become CNAs. They can go into the community to work and they’re bilingual. Some are trilingual. The DTC is excited because they need bilingual CNAs.”

Canyon Heights serves high school students as well. “Most of the students we get are here for a number of reasons,” said Flocken. “Some are poor attenders at regular schools so they’re flunking. Attendance is huge there. Kids might be struggling with anxiety, depression or they’re spending lunchtime alone that makes it hard for them to go to school. Here they usually have to attend about six hours and they do some work online at home.”

Some kids only have 18 credits and they need 24 to graduate, she said. “Sometimes they just can’t stand school. They’re bored and want to get out and get on with their life. Here they can finish those last few credits quickly.”

Others are slow learners and can’t keep up with regular school, Flocken said. “They can pace themselves. They can come in and pass a pre-test to show content knowledge in history, health, etc. If they get 75 percent or more then they pass the course. It’s competency based so they can move faster.”

Last year before COVID there were 800 students, she said. “Right now we have 600. We had anticipated 1,100. But next year we hope to be back to 1,100 or more.”

Flocken said what they do at the school is huge. “We’re kind of the final net for a lot of people who want to do better in their lives and get better jobs. It’s kind of cool to be involved in that and see them step up to the plate and see it through. I feel lucky to do this.”