At Hamilton High School, the CORE program is changing the trajectory for students who may have once felt like graduation was out of reach.
Designed to support students who need a different approach to learning, the CORE program provides a flexible, personalized pathway toward earning a high school diploma—while surrounding students with the support, relationships, and guidance they need to succeed.
But at its heart, CORE is not just about credit recovery or online coursework.
It’s about people.
A Program Built on Relationships
For students like seniors Noah and Miley, CORE has been life-changing.
“Honestly, if I wasn’t here, I’d probably be a super senior failing and going nowhere in life,” Noah shared. “Without this program, I genuinely wouldn’t be where I am right now.”
Miley echoed that impact.
“It helped me get all my stuff done, and now I’m ahead,” she said. “I’m going to graduate early. That’s a big improvement.”
Those stories are not uncommon in CORE. Many students enter the program behind in credits or facing personal challenges that made success in a traditional classroom setting difficult. What they find instead is a team of educators who are committed to walking alongside them every step of the way.
“The teachers here really do care about me and want me to succeed,” Noah said. “That makes you want to do your work and do great things.”
One-on-One Support That Makes the Difference
While CORE students complete coursework through an online platform, the experience looks very different from a typical virtual program.
Students attend in person and work closely with teachers like Cody Buresh, Jennifer VanOs, Paul Meier, David Sheppard, and other Hamilton High School staff who step in to support learning across subjects.
“The CORE diploma uses online classes, but we take a hands-on approach,” Buresh explained. “Students are working on paper, at the board, and receiving one-on-one instruction. Our teachers do a great job of walking alongside them.”
That individualized attention is often the turning point.
“I was so far behind,” Noah said. “I wasn’t going to graduate on time. I wasn’t in the right headspace mentally.”
Through consistent support, encouragement, and accountability, students begin to rebuild confidence—not just academically, but personally.
“They’ll help you get your work done, and they’ll take time to talk with you,” Miley added. “That support really matters.”
Creating Opportunities Beyond Graduation
The flexibility of the CORE program allows students to move at their own pace—and in many cases, accelerate their learning.
Students are encouraged to complete as many courses as possible, opening doors to additional opportunities.
For Noah, that meant more than just catching up.
Now on track to graduate, he also attends the Careerline Tech Center in the construction program—an opportunity that once felt out of reach.
“At first, I was just trying to graduate,” he said. “Now I have more opportunities because of how far I’ve come.”
That transformation is exactly what the program is designed to do: meet students where they are and help them build a future they may not have thought possible.
A Path for Students Who Need Something Different
The CORE program serves students facing a wide range of circumstances—whether academic, personal, or social—that may not align with a traditional school model.
“This program gives students an opportunity to do something different,” Buresh said. “For some, traditional school just doesn’t fit. CORE gives them a path forward.”
And that path is paved with support, structure, and strong relationships.
“I’m very grateful for the CORE program,” Miley said. “It helped me very much.”
Apply for the 2026–27 School Year
Hamilton High School is now accepting interest for the CORE program for the 2026–27 school year.
If your student could benefit from a more personalized, supportive learning environment focused on relationships and success, we encourage you to learn more and apply.
If you have questions about the CORE program, please contact Mr. David Sheppard via email here.
