Mount Vernon Schools offers a variety of special programs and activities to meet student needs. A brief listing of available District programs are as follows:

The Soar Program is a life skills class located at the Mount Vernon High School, and is specially designed for developmentally delayed high school students.

The RISE Program, located at Mount Vernon High School, is a specially designed program for behaviorally disordered students.

The Community Transition Program (CTP) prepares special education youth ages 18-21 for life by integrating community resources into their extended high school education. Students learn academic subjects as they relate to "real world" applications, such as practicing consumer skills, home-ec skills, and learning to use public transportation. A key component of the program is providing work-based learning experiences to our students. The primary goal of work-based learning is to have students participate in internships that are supervised by workplace mentors as well as CTP staff.

Remedial Programs are offered for students who need extra, individualized instruction in basic academic subjects.

The Group Guidance Program at Mount Vernon High School provides a support system for students who have completed substance abuse programs. The class focuses on development of social and personal skills. By adhering to established rules and meeting class requirements, students may earn a 0.5 social science credit. Referral for the class is made through the high school counseling center.

The Bilingual Program supports non-English speaking students who attend District schools. Students are tested to determine the levels of instruction and programs they need. Students may be assigned to an English as a second language (esl) classroom for a portion of instruction in English or receive tutorial assistance. The program is offered for students grades kindergarten–12.

The Specific Language Disability Program is designed for all elementary students with Specific Language Disabilities (SLD), often termed "dyslexia." Children in the sld program are characterized by normal or above normal intelligence but have not achieved language, reading, spelling, and writing skills equal to their learning potential. They are identified through extensive testing and evaluation of physical well-being as well as areas of learning deficiencies. For more information, contact the Special Services Department at (360) 428.6141.

Running Start provides the opportunity for high school juniors and seniors to attend Skagit Valley College classes and earn tuition-free credits. Students may enroll simultaneously in high school and college classes, or solely in college classes while fulfilling high school graduation requirements.
Contact the Mount Vernon High School counseling office at (360) 428.6156 for further information.

AVID (Advancement Via Individual Determination) is a college preparatory elective program offered at MVHS, LaVenture and Mount Baker Middle Schools. AVID targets students of mid-range ability who have the potential to succeed in a rigorous academic program but who would not succeed without support.

The Extended Learning Program is designed to extend the learning opportunities available in the regular classroom. The Extended Learning Program serves children in two different ways:

• Highly Capable Program—Serves the top three percent in cognitive ability of the student population. Each student is qualified by a school-based team using the referral process.
  
  
• Enrichment Program—Enrichment opportunities are available to all children without going through the Highly Capable referral process. Student participation is fluid depending on student projects, talents and interests.