Tiger Ventures, located in Endicott, New York, is an alternative high school established to re-engage disengaged students, students identified for special education, and those interested in entrepreneurship. The school emphasizes youth voice and choice, providing a holistic approach to teaching and learning that encourages student agency and autonomy. Students have significant input into their schedules, which can vary from week to week.
Tiger’s students have a major voice in setting their schedules, which can vary from week to week and day to day. Each quarter, every student works with an advisor to develop a personalized set of learning goals and an action plan. The plan includes formal courses (required and optional), projects, independent study, and the means to evaluate each. The student council led the development of a schoolwide effort called ROAR (Responsibility, Organize, Attitude, and Respect) to develop community, build culture, discourage bullying, and help students understand how to support and accept differences. In addition, the staff at Tiger Ventures is trained in restorative practices, which they use in advisory courses and on an as-needed process.
The school has about 70 students in grades 8–12 and provides them with intensive support. Nearly all Tiger students come from low-income families and qualify for the federal free and reduced-price lunch program. When they enroll at Tiger, students experience strong social bonds with adults and their fellow students, growing in confidence to take risks and explore their interests through Tiger’s entrepreneurship and business management opportunities.
