Southington's Karen Smith Academy Earns Kudos

SOUTHINGTON, CT — Most towns have alternative high schools and those schools, unfortunately, carry with them a bit of stigma that isn't deserved.

Southington's alternative high school, the Karen Smith Academy, however, has recently garnered a local honor for its work providing a sound education for students who prefer something other than a traditional high school setting.

Karen Smith Academy late last month was honored by the Southington Community YMCA, which gave the schools its annual "Youth Development Award."

According to the YMCA, this award is "presented to an individual or group who have worked to nurture the potential of youth and/or teens."

It was announced in late November, but a formal ceremony took place Dec. 7, with the award actually going out in February at the YMCA's annual meeting.

The academy is part of the Southington School System and its curriculum is aligned with Southington High School. It is located at 242 Main St., Southington.

"The instructional philosophy at the Karen Smith Academy is based on challenging students to think independently, problem solve, write with purpose, and understand that literacy is a necessary skill to be successful in all facets of life," reads an online description of the school on the school system's website.

The award was briefly discussed by the Southington Board of Education at its last meeting Dec. 8, where Southington Superintendent of School Steve Madancy briefed the board on Karen Smith's honor.

He said he congratulated the staff of the school in front of the students and the faculty will be formally recognized Feb. 15 at the YMCA's annual meeting.

For more information on the Karen Smith Academy, click on this link.

For the minutes of the Southington Board of Education's Dec. 8 meeting, click on this link.