BHS Off Campus Learning Center

Mission Statement

Our mission is to provide meaningful and challenging experiences through a nontraditional learning option that results in earning a high school diploma.  The Off Campus Learning Center (OCLC) assists students in developing skills that can support them in becoming self-directed learners, engaged citizens, and productive workers in a safe, respectful learning environment. The core values of trust, respect, personal responsibility, honest communication, and effort are reinforced throughout all OCLC activities.

The OCLC Mission is Accomplished Through:

1) promoting personal improvement and empowerment

2) fostering positive attitudes toward learning

3) upholding academic integrity

4) developing critical thinking skills

5) preparing for post-secondary careers and employment

6) providing access to wellness and physical activities

What is OCLC?

The Off Campus Learning Center (OCLC) is an alternative education program that provides an option for students who are motivated to earn a high school diploma and who are not experiencing success in their current high school program.  Many factors can contribute to a lack of success in a traditional school program.  Class sizes may have been too big and some students benefit from smaller group learning or individualized attention.  Rotating schedules or the busy, noisy atmosphere of the high school may have been difficult to navigate, resulting in additional stress or anxiety.  Peer conflicts or a sense of not fitting in may have made engaging in academic courses sporadic.  Some students may be struggling to balance family or work commitments.  

Regardless of why students choose to attend OCLC, it's a program that provides an educational environment with intentional structure and built-in supports that are designed to assist students to be successful learners and to meet graduation requirements.  The academic standards are the same standards for students attending classes at Brunswick High School. OCLC students are required to complete the same core courses, credits, community service hours, and other criteria needed to earn a Brunswick High School diploma. The OCLC teachers are certified by the Maine Department of Education and are Brunswick High School faculty.  

Key Features of OCLC:

• Students choose to attend OCLC

• Small class sizes and individualized attention from OCLC staff

• A quiet, respectful atmosphere where learning is emphasized

• Core academic courses at OCLC that can be combined with additional learning experiences such as Region 10 Career & Technical Education programs; Extended Learning Opportunities; or Work-Based Learning

• Semester-long courses where students can earn 1 full credit upon successful completion of each course

• Credit recovery opportunities and personalized planning to meet diploma requirements

• Wellness/P.E. activities that can include hiking, bowling, rock wall climbing, and more

• Experiential activities that can include life management skills, career exploration, community building, and facilitated peer support groups