The Alternative School in Cape Girardeau has just begun its third year, and the program holds great promise for at-risk students throughout the region.

The school provides a second chance for students who don't excel in a regular classroom setting. It may be the student has fallen behind academically, or the student may disrupt the classroom with behavioral problems. The Alternative School offers one-on-one attention and a less structured setting.

While program director Sheldon Tyler is concerned about traditional academic standards, he also wants the students to learn skills so they can find and hold a job. His goal is 100 percent employment for all students in the program who are eligible to work. To accomplish that goal, area employers need to lend their support as well.

While most of the students enrolled in the Alternative School are from Cape Girardeau, the program reaches out to other communities as well. It also serves students from Scott City, Jackson and Chaffee.

But the center has lots more room to grow. It has facilities and funding to serve 60 students this year. Registration is still open.

Much of the program's success of last year was due directly to Tyler, an enthusiastic leader who takes both the job and students to heart. He plans to make personal home visits this year for students who fall behind in attendance.

The school is funded through grants from the Safe Schools Act and the Missouri Division of Youth Services. The juvenile office is well aware that when kids aren't in school, vandalism and petty crime may fill idle hours.

Tyler also hopes to raise the center's overall grade-point average from a C. To accomplish this goal, he will use computers with interactive software. Students will have a little fun and learn about computers and academics along the way.

The Alternative School has had a number of success stories in its first two years. That success should continue as enrollment grows and the program flourishes under Tyler's guidance.