Principal's Message

Welcome to the Career and Alternative Pathways in Education Center (CAPE). Our school is an alternative education program within Benton Harbor Area Schools that is designed to support students who have individual needs that cannot be met in a traditional setting. Our goal is to help students successfully progress toward timely graduation by creating an optimal learning environment, implementing effective, research-based instruction, and building positive relationships. We also believe in educating the whole student—academically, socially, emotionally, and behaviorally. We focus on helping each student create individual goals and plans to be successful in post-secondary paths including college, apprenticeships, military service, or immediate career.

Approximately 100 students attend CAPE each year. Our dedicated staff includes two highly qualified teachers, two learning support staff members, a FAPE coordinator, a building manager, and the Director of Alternative Education. Together, we believe that successful students actively engage in academics, have exceptional attendance, and exhibit appropriate, responsible behaviors.

Students at Career and Alternative Pathways in Education Center meet all of the requirements of the Michigan Merit Curriculum and earn a diploma from Benton Harbor Area Schools. Our students are also able to participate in elective courses offered at the Lake Michigan College and Benton Harbor High School. All extracurricular activities and events at BHHS including some sports, clubs, and the fine arts are also available for Learning Options students who wish to participate.

We are proud that our district, through this program, can provide students an environment where they realize their unlimited potential. CAPE is a well-established and proven program for students who would benefit from a more individualized learning opportunity.

Yours in education,

Danny Jennings
Director of Alternative Education