Hopkins County Day Treatment has been designated as an Alternative Education Program of Distinction by the Kentucky Department of Education.

“Earning this designation is a significant achievement that identifies our school as a statewide model for high-quality alternative education,” said Principal Nathan Howton.

Alternative education programs are designed to meet the needs of students that cannot be addressed in a traditional classroom setting. These programs can be alternative classrooms, centers or campuses that are designed to remediate academic performance, improve behavior or provide enhanced learning experiences. 

HCDT is among six programs to receive the honor this year.  Howton believes this is the first time HCDT has been recognized.

The process included an extensive on-site visit to HCDT by the KDE Review Team. As part of the recognition, HCDT will receive a monetary award for instructional support, and be featured on the KDE website and in Kentucky Teacher. The programs were also formally recognized at the Kentucky Board of Education meeting earlier this week.

HCS Superintendent Dr. Damon Fleming congratulated HCDT on the honor.

“This recognition reflects the hard work, commitment and leadership Mr. Howton brings to the program each day,” Fleming said. “It also speaks highly of the staff and their dedication to supporting students and meeting their needs in meaningful ways.”

Staff members are thrilled with the honor, Howton said.

“Our staff have dedicated themselves to Alternative Education and have a passion for our students,” he said.  “It is so wonderful for the staff to be recognized in this way. They have developed our school culture into a place where students are given the specific support they need to overcome social, emotional, and academic challenges and to realize their potential.