Davis School District’s alternative high school, Mountain High, offers an educational experience designed for students needing a different learning approach. Committed to fostering resilience, Mountain High aims to help each student achieve their potential and prepare for a successful future.
The school's Discovery Program, affectionately known as the Disco Program, specifically supports students identified as at risk of dropping out. This program provides an eight-week, academic and skills-based curriculum to help them get back on track toward graduation, focusing on six key areas of personal development: Effective Teamwork, Anger Management, Assertiveness Training, Communication Skills, Problem Solving and Conflict Resolution.
“It’s really a matter of looking at each student’s needs,” explained Assistant Principal Wendy Marland.
Students are required to meet minimum credit standards and must be referred to be enrolled in the program.
“With the referrals that come to us, if we've said no, or the district just said no, that's probably not a right fit,” Marland stated. “I'll still go back and look at some of the noes, if it's credit, look at where are they missing credit and see if the credit we're offering here will benefit them. And might still reach out, if it looks doable.”
Enrollment requires a commitment to program expectations, attendance standards and safe school compliancy, as students are expected to fully engage with Disco's curriculum, which goes beyond traditional academics.
“We got to start that ball going somewhere,” added Marland. “We're going to give the support. We're going to give the time, the space and people to say, you got this. You're still going have to do it and it's still going to suck but deal with it anyway.”
Students remain registered with their home school while enrolled in the Disco program. This gives students a chance to demonstrate their dedication on the path to graduation by maintaining attendance, completing academic assignments and participating in class activities.
The program consists of five key components, known as the Big Five.
Students must complete all assignments with a score of 70% or higher in line with the grading scale at Mountain High and complete at least 1 Edgenuity course.
They also have a writing assignment that involves creating an autobiography, with a recent shift toward more of a journaling approach.
As part of the program, a team-building activity takes place, for example bowling at Boondocks. This event serves as both a celebration and an opportunity for students to bond and have fun, which is essential for fostering relationships.
In their final week, students engage in role plays and presentations to demonstrate their mastery of the skills learned throughout the program. This culminates in a final test that they must pass.
For many participants, Disco represents a second chance—a supportive environment that says “yes” when others may have doubted them.
“This program aims to build confidence and provide participants with the sense that they have support behind them,” Marland stated.
By the end of the eight weeks, students who show a commitment to their goals and demonstrate significant progress have the chance to fully enroll at Mountain High. For these students, completing the Disco program means stepping forward with renewed purpose, equipped with the skills, support and resources they need to make graduation—and a brighter future—a reality.