The Colgan Alternative Resource Center is a part of the St. Joseph School District and works to help district elementary, middle school, and high school students succeed when conventional methods have failed. Students who attend the Colgan Center typically have struggled with finding success at their traditional schools, experiencing school suspensions, low academic success, low motivation, a sense of “not belonging” or no connections to a significant adult at their traditional school. In order to foster positive change and learning we focus on students efforts, determination, and skill development. We believe that in order for students to find success, it is extremely important to motivate our students to learn and trust adults.
The Colgan Alternative Resource Center practices School-Wide Positive Behavior Interventions and Support (PBIS); a process for creating safer and more effective schools by structuring the learning environment to support the academic and social success of all students. The process supports the adoption and long-term implementation of efficient and effective discipline throughout the school environment. PBIS methods are research-based, proven to significantly reduce the occurrence of problem behaviors in schools, and supported by a three-tiered model. In the spring of 2012 the Colgan Alternative Resource Center was named an examplar school in the state of Missouri, winning a Bronze award for the second year in a row.
Staff at the Colgan Alternative Resource Center work in close partnership with the following community organizations: 
