ALTERNATIVE CENTER FOR EXCELLENCE

Alternative Center For Excellence is a Title I public high school that is part of the Danbury School District school district, located in Danbury, CT with about 88 students offering grade levels from 9th Grade to 12th Grade. A Title I school provides supplemental financial assistance to school districts for children from low-income families. Its purpose is to provide all children significant opportunity to receive a fair, equitable, and high-quality education. With about 11 teachers, Alternative Center For Excellence has a student/teacher ratio of about 8:1. The national average for public schools is about 15:1. A lower student/teacher ratio is a key factor that determines how much a teacher can devote his/her time to each individual student thus improving, or reducing (in the event of a higher student/teacher ratio) the attention each student is given for their educational needs.

The **Alternative Center For Excellence (ACE)**, located at 26 Locust Avenue in Danbury, Connecticut, is a specialized magnet high school designed to provide a non-traditional educational environment for students who may not thrive in a conventional school setting. The program operates on a "school-within-a-school" philosophy, prioritizing a smaller, more intimate community where students receive personalized attention. By emphasizing flexible scheduling, project-based learning, and close relationships between staff and students, ACE aims to re-engage learners who are seeking a more self-directed and supportive path toward graduation.

The center is characterized by its democratic and collaborative culture, where students are often encouraged to take an active role in the school’s governance and their own academic planning. The curriculum focuses on building both academic proficiency and social-emotional growth, fostering an environment of mutual respect and accountability. Because ACE serves as a small, specialized campus, it is particularly effective for students looking for a tight-knit community that values individual learning styles, community involvement, and a path to a high school diploma that moves beyond the standard comprehensive school model.

For more information, contact Alternative Center For Excellence at (203) 797-4786 or visit the school personally to speak with a faculty or administrative member about any specific questions you may have.