RIM OF THE WORLD UNIFIED SCHOOL DISTRICT – Alternative education helping students achieve

By Mary-Justine Lanyon
Editor

In his annual report to the Rim of the World Unified School District, Jeremy Montiel, the alternative education specialist who heads up both Rim Virtual Academy and Mountain High School, focused first on RVA.

Since August 2025, enrollment at RVA is up 58 percent, with out-of-district transfers up 10 percent. As of March 2026, there are 16 students in TK through third grade and 18 in fourth and fifth grade. There are a total of 108 students in the secondary program: 36 in sixth through eighth grade, 37 in ninth and 10^th and 35 in 11^th and 12^th. 

Student learning has increased in both English language arts and mathematics: 102.8 points in ELA and 76.2 points in math.

The graduation rate of 96.7 percent exceeds both the county average of 86.2 percent and the district average of 84.1 percent.

Mountain High School currently has 42 students: one in 10^th grade, 16 in 11^th grade and 27 in 12^th grade. 

The MHS students hold credit checks every six weeks. The average in 11^th grade is 6.3 credits, with 7.5 at the most recent check. The average in 12^th grade is 8.3; the most recent check was 11.5, something that Montiel pointed to with pride.

The students at Mountain High follow a different Ed Code from those at Rim High. They must complete 200 credits to graduate, as compared to 220. Rather than achieving a traditional GPA, they are graded on a pass/no pass basis.

The partnership MHS has with Solution Tree has accomplished a number of goals. It establishes essential standards for the continuation program. The credit check system now focuses on students’ mastery of skills rather than just credit accumulation. 

Montiel introduced what he calls “Real Talk” sessions at MHS, integrating life skills that help students meet credit requirements. Students who achieve their goals are invited to the credit check celebration.

The Mountain High graduation rate increased from 36.4 percent in the 2023-2024 school year to 71.8 percent last year – a 13.1-percent increase.

Both RVA and MHS are committed to creating a safe, positive environment for students. They have created a wellness center with collaboration with Mountain Counseling & Training and Rim Family Services. Eighty percent of RVA and MHS staff, as well as district psychologists, have completed the Youth Mental Health First Aid training. That training is designed to identify signs and symptoms of youth in potential and actual crisis. Staff can then connect those youth with mental health support.