USD 265 Goddard Public Schools -

Goddard Academy is a place where you can always count on finding something off the beaten path. After all, as an alternative high school with a smaller setting than a traditional high school, Academy is a place where students can thrive in their own distinctive ways. One of its defining features is the flexible scheduling that can allow students to create and navigate their own path towards graduation. “What we really try to focus on is making our students a better part of society once they graduate high school, and giving them the tools they need to succeed,” reflected Goddard Academy Principal, Brian Gee. Academy provides a unique environment that allows students and staff to be close-knit, providing even more of that caring environment with a family feel. Tom Beason, Science Teacher at Academy, shared, “One of the focal points of Goddard Academy is to connect a young person to a caring adult.”


Shannon Carr, English & Language Arts Teacher at Academy, is a shining example of one of those “caring adults” and embodies a nurturing approach to teaching. Having attended Goddard Public Schools herself, Carr was thrilled to return as a teacher. “I gained a new family when I worked at Challenger for twelve years,” Carr noted. “This community rallied around our family when we lost our daughter, and I will never forget that. I have found another wonderful home at Academy where I feel I can support these high schoolers who are so special to me.” Each day, she arrives ready to tackle the task of helping students become better readers, better writers, and ultimately better communicators. By analyzing novels like Pride & Prejudice in her classroom, Carr creates a space where her classes can converse about the weekly reading - while learning valuable lessons about human connection and interaction. She is able to expand students’ skills with reading comprehension and vocabulary by examining and evaluating the characters and motives of the story. “Mrs. Carr does some pretty cool things in her classroom to build relationships,” shared Principal Gee. Through daily writing and reflection exercises, students are able to analyze their own relationships and behaviors, drawing real-life correlations to the curriculum.


Carr’s commitment to cultivating a warm and welcoming environment is evident by walking into her classroom, which is decorated with all the trappings of a coffeehouse, emphasized by musical notes playing from a piano down the hall. “I find my peace in the mornings,” explains Carr. “I can connect to my students and find that they tune in better with calm, connected surroundings.” This emphasis on connection extends beyond graduation. Outside Goddard Academy stands a small tree where graduates place rocks that bear their names and graduation dates. It’s become a staple at the school, and these alumni rocks can be found scattered all around the base of the tree. “After graduation, many students and staff members stay in touch,” explained Carr. “It is not uncommon for students to contact me for help with a letter of recommendation or invite me to events in their lives, such as a baby shower.”


Goddard Academy is about more than just its unique and specialized approach to education. The school has the ability to create a supportive community that meets the needs of students. “We offer several opportunities for students to learn real-world, working-environment skills that we’re hoping they can carry on, beyond Goddard Academy,” noted Beason. “The small environment really allows me to connect with the kids more.” Principal Gee added, “I get to come to work with the best teachers and young people in the district every day. We get to think outside of the box and build relationships with students, in an alternative environment. I have been in education for over 20 years and I truly feel we make a difference every day.”