Our History
Spaulding Educational Alternatives (the SEA) is an alternative school within the Barre Unified Union School District (BUUSD) that supports students with IEPs around their social/emotional and academic needs. The vision for SEA involves 4 major components: (1) social-emotional support with a therapeutic component, (2) rigorous academics delivered with a real world context, (3) community connections and (4) a robust training and employment program.
● The social-emotional component includes implementing a trauma informed proactive and collaborative problem solving approach as well as 2 full-time licensed mental health clinicians.
● The academic component involves experiential and project-based learning, integrated across all activities. Supported by a Proficiency Based Graduation Requirements (PBGR) Access Plan, students can learn in a manner and at a pace that is appropriate for them as outlined in their Personalized Learning Plans (PLPs).
● The community component involves developing a safe and supportive community within the school and beyond to parents/families as well as fostering positive connections in the broader Barre and Vermont communities.
● The SEA offers vocational learning opportunities in woodworking/carpentry, Automotive/welding, Culinary, and Agriculture within it's facility and through community partners. Our robust transition program, facilitated by our Youth Employment Specialist, includes all elements of progressive employment, planning for post-secondary education and training (including college, supported college, trade schools and training programs) and independent living preparation.
Construction of the Spaulding Educational Alternatives (SEA) building was completed in 2020.