Ombudsman Educational Services Revenue and Competitors

Ombudsman Educational Services partners with school districts to provide an alternative education program that offers personalized, computer-assisted learning for middle and high school students facing a variety of issues including truancy, credit or academic skill deficiencies, social and family challenges or learning/behavioral disabilities. When the program began serving students in September in the Equilla F. Bradford Administra-tive Center, it accommodated approximately 60 at-risk students in grades nine through 12 who were referred by the Westwood Community School District. The program will increase its capacity to serve 90 students when it moves to its new location. Ombudsman centers are typically located off campus to minimize distractions and facilitate individual attention. The move will allow the Westwood Community School District to partner with neighboring school districts and other community programs that may wish to refer students to the program. Students who attend the Ombudsman program remain students of the school district. Dr. Ernando Minghine, superintendent of the Westwood Community School District, helped facilitate the partnership with Ombudsman. "Providing an educationally sound learning alternative for more of our community's students will enhance their ability to succeed, even when faced with a variety of challenges in life," Minghine said. "As partners, Westwood and Ombudsman will work to keep students in school and help them realize their full potential." Ombudsman reports an 85 percent success rate among its national student body, meaning students graduate from Ombudsman or their home school district, improve their academic standing or earn necessary academic credits. Since 1975, Ombudsman has served more than 100,000 at-risk and special needs students. The program currently serves 6,000 students annually at 82 locations in 16 states. Ombudsman Educatio-nal Services is operated by Educational Services of America (ESA), the nation's leading provider of K-12 and post-secondary alternative and special education programs. ESA is based in Nashville, Tenn., and manages more than 120 schools and programs in numerous states throughout the country to serve children with emotional and developmental disabilities, including autism. "We steadfastly believe all students can succeed given the right type of instruction, encouragement and environment," Mark Claypool, president and chief executive officer of ESA, said. "It's exciting to be a part of Westwood Community School District's focus on its youth and students."