F.I.R.S.T. School
F.I.R.S.T. School is located within Foundations for Living in Mansfield and is operated by MOESC. It provides an intensive academic and behavioral alternative for boys and girls 12 to 18 years old. Students of F.I.R.S.T School have been diagnosed with one of the following conditions: mental health issues, chemical dependency issues, or behavioral problems. Academic classes are offered to prepare youth for transition back to their home school districts or to obtain their GEDs as an alternative. A key component to the school curriculum is the emphasis on life skills. F.I.R.S.T. School improves the academic standing of its students while treatment is provided to help youth function more appropriately in society.
A behavior management system, low student-teacher ratio, and goal-oriented work philosophy allow successful outcomes for F.I.R.S.T. students. Block scheduling provides an opportunity for students to earn credits quickly as their duration of stay in the program can range from a month to more than a year. The average length of stay is seven months.
Representatives of the Ohio Department of Education (ODE), who review programs receiving funds from the Ohio Residential Treatment Facilities Project, visit the school every year. A stringent list of criteria must be met to remain eligible for these funds. Quarterly data are also submitted to the Ohio Department of Education. F.I.R.S.T School has consistently met or exceeded all the outcomes set by the state. The school offers an exceptional program meeting the needs of a very distinct population of students with highly specialized requirements.
External Partner
F.I.R.S.T. School is one of three schools in a pilot program through the Ohio Department of Education. The pilot program was designed to provide financial assistance for educational programs in a residential setting.
Number of Participating Districts FY10-11
Nine participating districts in New York Pennsylvania, Virginia, and West Virginia; sixty-one participating school districts in Ohio.
Number of School Age Youth Receiving Service FY10-11
128 students
Administrative Personnel
One
Teaching Personnel
Six (1 teacher through Title One)
Support Staff Personnel
One
Revenue Sources
State foundation funding from school districts (SF-14P and SF-6P), funds from ODE based on predicted enrollment (ADM), Title I funds through Mansfield City Schools.
FIRST School of Ohio
1451 Lucas Road
Mansfield, OH 44905
419-589-5511 Office
