The computers that have been donated through the National Cristina Foundation are helping students and families at the Phoenix Academy, an alternative education school that educates students who have not had success in the traditional classroom. It is committed to reach out and attract the at-risk population, and improve academic achievement, attendance and parent engagement. 

The mission of Phoenix Academy maintains that all students can learn and develop academically, learn and maintain appropriate social skills and earn a high school diploma provided their educational plans are designed to meet their individual needs. Phoenix is proud to contribute to the increased graduation rate of students in the District. They are educated to become productive citizens who will positively contribute to the health and growth of the Lancaster community. 

Phoenix Academy is committed to creating a positive educational climate that makes students and parents want to be part of the “Phoenix Family”. It provides a safe, caring and highly communicative “family” with dedicated staff and extended school hours (7AM to 8PM). Traditional and nontraditional instructional programs and smaller class sizes are provided. These courses are aligned with the academic rigor of the state standards as well as bonded with local career and technical institutes and other institutes of higher learning. Phoenix strives to connect learning to the world of work, family and community while maintaining academic rigor. Enriching opportunities are provided to students and parents to extend their world beyond the school building and school hours. 

The computers donated help Phoenix meet two of their annual goals: (1) Increase all forms of communications with parents by 25%, and (2) Establish a parent center that offers a library of free reading material, access to computers, and a night school for parents to earn a diploma. 

Computers from the National Cristina Foundation have been given to student families as well as having been used in the school setting. The communications access that they provide at-risk students is invaluable, and the Lancaster Foundation for Educational Enrichment is grateful for the support of the National Cristina Foundation.