MacLaren

William P. Lord High School (LHS) is a fully accredited, comprehensive high school serving the educational needs of the young men incarcerated at MacLaren Youth Correctional Facility in Woodburn, Oregon.  The all-male, ninety acre campus houses approximately three hundred youth.  Our focus is on developing life-long learners.  Graduates are equally prepared for college or entering a vocational trade.  Academic credits transfer to accredited schools.

LHS is unique in that it serves young men from the ages of twelve to twenty-five.  This broad spread of ages presents an exciting educational challenge.  Students are served through a combination of direct instruction, online courses, and educational software.

The vast majority of the youth at MacLaren are enrolled at LHS.  Most students have had erratic and inconsistent education throughout their lives, and often arrive with great gaps in their knowledge, skills, and credits.  We work to assess their skills and then place them in appropriate classes.  Students are given substantial encouragement and support as they work to earn their high school diploma.

Partnerships

LHS works closely with Oregon Youth Authority (OYA), Oregon Department of Education (ODE), and Willamette Education Service District (WESD) to provide the highest possible quality of education for our students.  Programs are monitored closely to ensure a safe and secure campus.

Research

Research shows that education is the most significant of the eight factors that influence recidivism rates for incarcerated youth.  We value the impact that a good quality education can have on helping our graduates lead productive and fulfilling lives when they return to society.

Year-Round School

Education does not stop for the summer.  LHS student population is highly transient, so we provide over two hundred days of instruction on a year-round calendar.  This maximizes knowledge retention and credit earning.

Vocational and Technical Training

Vocational and technical training is key to helping our students enter the workforce when they leave the facility.  We know from experience that recidivism drops as employability increases.  Our comprehensive vocational program features course offerings in welding certification, construction technology, horticulture, landscaping, and general building trades.  Students can receive industry certifications in many areas.  Also, many courses are offered with College Credit Now options, so students can earn college credit as a high school student.  Access and review the LHS Vocational and Technical Education brochure.

Work Experience

Work experience is an essential component of our program.  Working in close conjunction with OYA, many of the young men have jobs on campus.  They earn high school credits, job skills, and self-respect.  Employment opportunities include maintenance (janitorial, painting, and electrical), food service, Project Pooch (a dog rehabilitation, training, and grooming program), the campus Canteen, laundry, grounds crew, and Captive Graphics.