Our challenge

Today's youth presents a unique challenge to our schools. Their demographics have changed. They may be immigrants or children of immigrants and speak different languages at home. They may be part of the "baby boom echo," a generation that brought an enrollment growth spurt resulting in crowded classrooms and strained budgets. They may be struggling in special education and programs strapped by limited resources and growing numbers of students. They have witnessed their teachers' role evolving in the midst of myriad pressing issues. And more of these young people are dropping out of school, at an estimated rate of 24% to 40%. Their decision to do so impacts our future socially and economically, as crime rates correlate to lack of education, and business and industry are forced into major expenditures on training and foreign production because of a shrinking pool of skilled labor.

The good news

Recognizing their needs, parents of this generation are demanding more from schools, and our civic and community leaders are responding with solutions and alternatives. Today, charter schools are located in most states including the District of Columbia. Outsourcing of educational services is now seen as a means not to destroy public education, but to supplement it. By presenting students and parents with more options, schools are being strengthened. Districts are now liberated from spreading limited resources to provide every school program, as they turn external sources for the best available options for the children they serve.

Our role

Options For Youth (OFY) has paved the way for public school students since 1987. Founded as a non-profit, public benefit corporation, OFY was the first start-up charter school in California to receive accreditation from the Western Association of Schools and Colleges.

Working with public school districts large and small, OFY has developed supplemental services to extend the educational opportunities and alternatives for the at-risk student population. Beginning as a program to serve students who drop out of school, we've expanded our focus to become a development center for educational options and a hothouse growing new schools, programs and ideas to invigorate American public education.

Our history

Options For Youth is the dream and passion of educators John Hall and Joan Hall, who launched the first Options For Youth program in 1986 at their alma mater, the famed Hollywood High School. The former Los Angeles Unified School District teachers share a special commitment to providing educational alternatives for at-risk students.

Mr. Hall studied for the ministry at Princeton Theological Seminary before deciding to follow his passion for education. He returned to Hollywood High as a teacher and assistant dean - where dropouts and failing students were commonplace. Joan Hall was also gifted in helping students with special problems, teaching elementary school and special education in the Watts section of Los Angeles for more than 10 years. The Halls believe that some students are better suited to alternative forms of education. Options For Youth marks the realization of their dream - a dream that involves using the best of American creativity and innovation to provide the best public educational options for all American children.