Care & Treatment at ESC

The Care & Treatment/Von Wald program in Rochester, Minnesota, is a specialized educational initiative operated by the Rochester Public School District. Designed to support students in unique residential or transitional circumstances, the program provides academic services to youth residing in secure or treatment-based facilities, such as the Juvenile Detention Center (JDC) or the Von Wald youth residence. The primary mission of this program is to ensure that students continue their education without interruption while addressing their specific behavioral and social-emotional needs.

Academically, the program focuses on maintaining credit progression and supporting students through a individualized learning environment. Because the student population is often transient, the curriculum is highly flexible, allowing teachers to work closely with home schools to ensure that students stay on track with their graduation requirements. By integrating therapeutic support with rigorous academic standards, the program aims to help students stabilize their lives and maintain a connection to their educational goals, ultimately facilitating a smoother transition back into a traditional school setting.