Inspire Shasta, Episode 15: Beyond the Classroom: How Alternative Education Builds Hope and Secon...

Guests:

• Jill North, Principal, Tri Mountain Academy
• Cheyenne Mizenko, Principal, Excel Academy
Hosted by Maggie Joyce and Jenn Cobb

🎙️ Episode Summary


In this heartfelt and eye-opening episode of Inspire Shasta, hosts Maggie Joyce and Jenn Cobb sit down with two remarkable leaders from Shasta County Office of Education’s Student Programs—Jill North of Tri Mountain Academy and Cheyenne Mizenko of Excel Academy. Together, they discuss how alternative education is transforming lives, building hope, and redefining success for students who need something different from the traditional classroom.


From juvenile court schools to special education and independent study, Jill and Cheyenne share how their programs focus on relationships, safety, and belonging—and how they’re working to change the stigma around alternative education.


🌟 Topics Covered

• The unique missions of Tri Mountain Academy, Excel Academy, and Independent Study
• How SCOE’s Student Programs serve students with behavioral, academic, or social-emotional needs
• Redefining “alternative education” and dismantling old stereotypes
• Building safe, relationship-centered classrooms where students and families feel seen and supported
• Dual enrollment opportunities that help students earn college credit and envision a brighter future
• Innovative “warm handoffs” that support students as they return to their home districts
• Creative campus design, sensory rooms, and wellness centers that make learning spaces feel like home
• Staff mindfulness and mental wellness as a foundation for student success
• New initiatives in career technical education (CTE) to prepare students for life after school
• Beautification and school pride—how campuses like Tri Mountain and Excel are transforming their environments to reflect care, dignity, and student pride

💬 Memorable Quotes
“You’re not defined by the hardest day of your life. You can grow, change, and thrive.” — Jill North
“Our students are still kids—they just need a little more support. They deserve everything every other student receives.” — Cheyenne Mizenko
“It starts with relationships. When students know we care, they’ll take chances and learn.” — Cheyenne Mizenko
“Sometimes the biggest sign of success is when a student doesn’t come back—because that means they’re thriving in their next chapter.” — Jill North

🌱 Programs Highlighted

• Tri Mountain Academy: SCOE’s juvenile court school serving grades 7–12, where students receive direct instruction, dual enrollment options, and CTE pathways.
• Excel Academy: Serving K–8 students in special education who need intensive behavioral and emotional support in a structured, caring environment.
• Shasta County Independent Study: Offering flexibility and connection for students in grades 6–12, including dual enrollment and mental wellness support.

🧭 Learn More


Discover how SCOE’s Student Programs are helping students and families build resilience, confidence, and connection.
🔗 ShastaCOE.org (https://www.shastacoe.org)




❤️ Final Thoughts


Alternative education isn’t a last resort—it’s a launchpad for growth. With compassion, creativity, and high expectations, educators in Shasta County are rewriting the story for students who once felt left behind. Every student deserves a safe space to learn, belong, and believe in what’s possible next.


🎙️ Listen & Subscribe:
Find Inspire Shasta on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, or wherever you get your podcasts.