A r c h i v e d  I n f o r m a t i o n

Alternative Schools for Pregnant and Parenting Teens

Paquin Middle/Secondary School for
Expectant and Parenting Adolescents

Mission:

Provide academic instruction to expectant and parenting adolescent females and assist in their efforts to obtain a high school diploma.

The Paquin School, located in Baltimore, is an alternative school for expectant and parenting females that has been in existence since 1966. Annually, 600 pregnant teens, 60 adolescent mothers, and 100 fathers receive services. Ninety-nine percent are African- American; the remaining 1 percent are Asian, Hispanic, American Indian, and white populations, 12 to 21 years old. On-site child care is provided for 45 children, 6 weeks to 2 years old.

The school offers college preparatory and occupational preparatory courses to expectant and parenting females. It also houses the only pilot program in the State of Maryland that allows the 3-month waiting period for entry into GED programs to be waived. Students must be 16 years old and must have withdrawn from school to be eligible. The Paquin GED program eliminates inappropriate grade placement for students approaching late adolescence, provides an opportunity to continue their education in a homogeneous and age-similar setting, and offers the opportunity to gain a marketable skill.

In addition to its academic program, the Paquin School seeks to involve family members of teen mothers who may contribute to their educational, social, and family development. It has a senior citizens partnership program and a pair/share entrepreneurial program for grandparents.

Paquin Health Center, a comprehensive satellite health center operated by Maryland General Hospital, is housed in the school, made possible by collaborating with the community, hospital, and extended medical communities. In addition to comprehensive health care, the center offers support groups and counseling for pregnant and parenting teens and their families, and trained mentors who provide support and good role modeling and parenting skills.

The health and well-being of children born to adolescent parents is monitored by assessing birth outcomes for mothers and babies and the increase in the number of students who breast feed. The reduction of dropout rates is assessed through monitoring and follow up. Reduction of repeat pregnancies is assessed through follow-up of enrolled students. Indicators of increased economic self-sufficiency include students working after school, participating in entrepreneurial programs, or accessing job-related help.

[New Futures School]

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