GOALS is an accelerated high school program that offers a blend of face-to-face and online curriculum.  You may access the application online from this website. Applications are currently being accepted for the 2022-2023 school year.  Some students have circumstances which prevent them from being successful in a traditional school setting. GOALS provides students with an opportunity to succeed in a non-traditional school setting.  GOALS offers a positive option to the larger secondary school setting, allowing students to work at an accelerated pace on an individualized curriculum to achieve a high school diploma and prepare for their next step in life.

WHO IS ELIGIBLE FOR THIS PROGRAM?

Any learner who has not completed the school year of their twenty-first birthday may be accepted to GOALS if they meet the state criteria for students at risk of dropping out of school.

WHO IS NOT ELIGIBLE FOR THE GOALS PROGRAM?

Expelled learners are not eligible during the term of their expulsion.

HOW MUCH DOES IT COST?

Enrollment is free of charge to all eligible learners. Not all courses offered at the main campuses are available at GOALS. Learners may NOT attend classes at another school while enrolled in GOALS.  Learners are making a commitment to remain in the program until the end of the current school year and or until graduation.

HOW MUCH TIME WILL I HAVE TO SPEND IN SCHOOL?

HOW MUCH TIME WILL I HAVE TO SPEND OUTSIDE SCHOOL HOURS?

Students are required to complete 20 assignments a day. Any assignments not completed during the day are expected to be completed outside school hours. Students will also be required to participate in school related activities – workshops, preparation for assessments, six weeks celebrations, service committee projects, graduation exit meeting, enrichment opportunities, etc.

HOW SOON CAN I GRADUATE?

How soon a student graduates will depend upon how many credits the student has upon entering the program and how hard he or she is willing to work. Required state assessments must be met (ex: TAKS, STAAR, EOC). Students are expected to complete a minimum of four every thirty school days. Based on this expectation, a graduation plan and target graduation date will be discussed with students and parents upon entrance into the program. 

Each student entering the GOALS/AIMS program will start on the Foundation graduation plan with an endorsement (26 credits) regardless of the plan that they were on at their home campus. A GOALS/AIMS student may only opt out of the endorsement if they are not able to complete all courses in time to graduate with their cohort. A student may not opt out in order to graduate early. The student must also have all testing requirements satisfied before switching their graduation plan.

A student wishing to opt out of the endorsement must submit the request in writing to the school counselor. This request will be followed by a meeting with the principal, counselor, student and parent to review graduation requirements and determine the best course of action.

WILL I RECEIVE A LITTLE ELM HIGH SCHOOL DIPLOMA?

All students who complete the required credits for graduation and pass the state-required assessments will receive a high school diploma granted by TEA from Little Elm High School. Students will still have the option of participating in graduation ceremonies with LEHS, but must have a recommendation from Zellars Alternative School principal and approval from the LEHS principal.   

WHAT ABOUT THE STAFF’S QUALIFICATIONS?

The staff at GOALS is made up of motivated, highly qualified, certified educators who are trained in the most effective teaching and learning techniques available. All staff have specialized training to meet diverse learner needs.

HOW DO I APPLY?

Enrollment is limited. Students may request an application from their school counselor, the Zellars Alternative Center, or apply online. Once you complete your application, you may turn it into Zellars Alternative Center or your counselor. Your counselor and assistant principal will complete a referral for you to GOALS.  A required, parent/student interview with the GOALS staff will be scheduled.  If approved by the GOALS committee, student will begin once there is an opening available.

HOW DO I REMAIN IN GOOD STANDING IN GOALS?

Students are expected to meet program expectations in attendance, behavior and academic progress.  Learners’ progress will continually be evaluated. If there is attendance, disciplinary, and/or academic problems, learners may be removed from GOALS at any time.  You must show progress in order to remain a learner at GOALS.  You are under the LEISD Student Code of Conduct, in addition to GOALS expectations.  Remember, you are making a commitment to complete the school year and/or graduate while attending GOALS.