Mt. Tallac High School and Elevated Digital Learning Academy open doors for Showcase

SOUTH LAKE TAHOE, Calif. - Mt. Tallac High School and Elevated Digital Learning Academy are in a new home this school year, and they opened their doors recently for an "Alt Ed Showcase."

The two schools now operate out of the old Al Tahoe Elementary School building on Lyons Avenue in South Lake Tahoe. The Boys and Girls Club moved into their new home next door, leaving the classrooms and grounds ready for a metamorphosis. The walls have been painted, and the rooms are now full of new desks and tables, and comfortable learning areas. There are signs of encouragement throughout the school.

The pride of the Mt. Tallac students was evident during the showcase as they took their community partners on a tour of the new space.

Sixty-four students are now finishing up their school years at the alternative Mt. Tallac. Five will be graduating after the first quarter this fall, with a new group coming in January. There are currently 21 students on a waitlist to attend Mt. Tallac.

The Elevated Digital Learning Academy operates out of the updated site, with most students learning remotely, they can still attend to meet with teachers and learn tough concepts. Formerly the Independent Learning Academy, Elevated fills the educational needs of the 85 students currently enrolled. There are skiers and other athletes in the school, as well as travelers and students who can't attend classes. The teachers at the Academy personalize the curriculum for each student. The school has students in grades 1-12 with ten of the 85 being seniors. They hold their own graduation just as Mt. Tallac and South Tahoe High do, and also have mid-year graduates.

Both schools are innovative, and the students and staff truly appreciate being part of the programs.

Mt. Tallac students now spend time away from the campus with every Friday being class and workshop day at Lake Tahoe Community College. Amy Jackson, the lead counselor at Mt. Tallac, said the collaboration between the school and college had been amazing, and the students have thrived being on the college campus. They have Ted Talk-like speakers that have really connected with the students and show how they can be a part of the college post-high school.

"They now look forward and what is ahead and not behind, and what it might have been," said Jackson.

In the photo above, left to right: Tristan Young, Alex Yanez, Ava Etchells, Veronica Burgess, Pamela Johnson and school counselor Amy Jackson.