Hillcrest

Program Overview

Willamette Education Service District (WESD) is contracted through the Oregon Department of Education (ODE) to provide the education program for middle and high school-aged youth who reside at Hillcrest Youth Correctional Facility.  A strong partnership exists between Oregon Youth Authority (OYA), that operates the campus, and WESD.  The school is accredited by Northwest Association of Accredited Schools and serves up to two hundred male students.  Classes are all taught by licensed teachers and the curriculum and graduation requirements meet all state requirements.  Research shows that education is one of the major contributing factors in reducing recidivism for incarcerated youth and promoting their successful transition back into their local communities. 

In addition to our comprehensive high school program, the school offers a barbering school where participants are able to complete a state approved program and earn an Oregon Barbering license.  College courses are offered via online classes from Chemeketa Community College (CCC).  Many of the older students participate in the Work Experience Program which is a joint venture between Robert S. Farrell High School (RFHS) and the OYA.

About Robert S. Farrell High School

RFHS has a veteran staff, with over half the licensed teachers having taught ten to fifteen years in a corrections setting and over half achieving at least a Master’s Degree.  The classified staff have between three to seven years of experience working in a corrections setting.  The curriculum is aligned with the state benchmarks.  RFHS also offers a low student-to-teacher ratio; classes average up to eleven students and are staffed with one licensed teacher.  This ratio provides the support that allows our students to be successful with their academic and behavioral programs.  Instruction is provided in small group classes and through individually designed courses, which includes students on Individualized Education Plans (IEPs).