RMHS Frequently Asked Questions

1. What is Richard Milburn High School (RMHS)?
2. How is RMHS different from other alternative programs?
3. Who is eligible to attend RMHS?
4. How much does it cost to attend RMHS? Who pays the tuition?
5. Does RMHS offer services to students with special needs or disabilities?
6. Do other high schools accept credits earned at RMHS?
7. Is it possible for a student who has fallen behind to graduate on time?
8. How safe is RMHS?
9. What are the teachers like at RMHS?
10. How involved are parents at RMHS?

What is Richard Milburn High School (RMHS)?
Richard Milburn High School is a private alternative school that provides educational services to at-risk students who have had difficulty achieving success in a traditional academic setting. RMHS offers students the opportunity to earn credits toward a high school diploma while developing skills that will help them in school, at work, and in life. Students benefit from individualized instruction delivered by certified teachers, small class sizes, school-to-work courses, flexible scheduling, and a safe, supportive environment conducive to the learning process. Richard Milburn High School was established in 1975 and currently serves students in Illinois , North Carolina , and Virginia . It is accredited by SACS, DETC, and CITA.

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How is RMHS different from other alternative programs?
Richard Milburn High School goes the extra mile to make sure that each student's needs are met. The school provides students with a hands-on, student-centered learning environment in which they develop their personal and academic skills. RMHS modifies its educational program to provide student-specific opportunities to improve self-confidence, self-worth, self-discipline, and self acceptance. Students do not get lost in the crowd at Richard Milburn High School . Each student is valued as an individual with unique academic and personal needs. RMHS believes that all students can achieve excellence in a positive, challenging educational environment that stimulates their interests, channels their energies, and develops their abilities. RMHS prides itself on its student-centered, hands-on approach to learning. The school provides students with a second chance to prepare for a bright future.

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Who is eligible to attend RMHS?
RMHS assists students who have experienced difficulty in a traditional school setting for a number of reasons including suspension, course failure, poor attendance, and grade retention during the previous four years. Students who need a distraction-free environment, have demonstrated behavioral or academic problems, lack demonstrated English proficiency, or have earned low scores on assessment or state-standardized tests are also eligible to attend Richard Milburn High School. Students transitioning from other alternative learning environments may also enroll at RMHS. In most cases, students must be referred by a school district employee or appropriate professional or medical counselor.

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How much does it cost to attend RMHS? Who pays the tuition?
Tuition fees vary depending on the RMHS campus. Generally a student's tuition is paid by his or her base school or the school district. In some cases, parents may elect to enroll a child at Richard Milburn High School and privately pay the tuition. Questions about individual student tuition should be directed to the school director or counselor.

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Does RMHS offer services to students with special needs or disabilities?
RMHS accommodates students who are considered to have special needs or disabilities as defined by the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA). To ensure that students with special needs or disabilities receive the appropriate education to which they are entitled, RMHS provides counseling and tutorial services, employs bilingual staff members to assist students whose first language is not English, and hires teachers certified in Special Education to address the elements of each student's Individualized Education Plan (IEP). RMHS also works with academic diagnosticians and other appropriately qualified educational specialists to address each student's academic needs and/or disabilities.

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Do other high schools accept credits earned at RMHS?
Yes. Students may transfer the credits they earn at RMHS to a traditional public high school, a private school, or a public charter school. Many students who enroll at RMHS with the intention of recovering credits and transferring them back to their home school decide to stay and graduate from Richard Milburn High School .

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Is it possible for a student who has fallen behind to graduate on time?
Richard Milburn High School 's unique program allows students to work at a pace that is comfortable and appropriate for them to achieve their graduation goal, whether it is to graduate from their home school or to earn a diploma directly from RMHS. Many students who once struggled in school excel at RMHS and graduate on time.

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How safe is RMHS?
The safety of its students and staff is one of Richard Milburn High School 's top priorities. All RMHS staff members are assigned Hall Duty shifts to ensure students are in their classes and that no visitor is unaccompanied. Where appropriate, RMHS has on-site security guards and works with the local police department to maintain the safety of all students.

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What are the teachers like at RMHS?
RMHS carefully selects dedicated, qualified professionals to instruct its students. All teachers at RMHS are certified or eligible for certification. RMHS teachers recognize the students' need for nontraditional methods of instruction and design their lesson plans accordingly. Small class sizes allow teachers to work one-on-one with students, giving them the opportunity to identify students' strengths, weaknesses, learning styles, and needs. RMHS teachers are compassionate, innovative instructors who are committed to helping students achieve success.

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How involved are parents at RMHS?
RMHS welcomes and encourages parental involvement. Parents' support of and involvement in their child's education is one of the biggest indicators of student success. Parents are invited to visit the school, to communicate with staff by email, telephone, or in person regarding their child's academic performance, and to volunteer their time in the front office, classrooms, or for special events. RMHS constantly seeks to increase parental involvement.

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