MINGO JUNCTION – The Jefferson County Educational Service Center Alternative School/Quest for Success Center has a new home in the Jefferson County Community Innovation Center, having moved mid-August and just in time for the 2026-2027 school year.
Director Vance Miller said the new location is perfect for continuing the Quest Center’s structured and supportive environment that has made such a difference in opening up possibilities for children with unique needs and from diverse backgrounds. Miller and his staff work with students academically, as well as addressing their behavioral, social, emotional and mental health needs.
“Students who attend alternative schools often navigate challenges that extend beyond the classroom.”
The goal is for students to resume attendance in their home school districts again if possible.
“For some, we’re that bridge.”
The move has also meant new partnerships. Students are surrounded by stakeholders committed to their success. Miller pointed out Alliance Integrated Care, located only a few steps away. The day treatment program will be able to work with students regularly once their office is fully moved in.
This close collaboration and Quest Center’s care and professionalism was illustrated when Miller paused the interview to assist a student in distress. A counselor from Alliance was quickly called in to provide added help.
Afterward, Alliance Integrated Care counselor Abby Symington spoke about their partnership with Quest Center.
“There’s a gap for kids that need just a little bit more than weekly counseling, but not exactly needing to be an in-patient, so I feel it’s good that we’re able to kind of fill that need,” she said.
Miller said this network makes for a “one stop shop” to benefit young people.
The Indian Creek Middle School kitchen prepares breakfasts and lunches daily and the Quest Center looks forward to working with WVU Medicine when they move in the complex and begin handling medical needs. Another feature is the center’s gymnasium, and the chance for the students to get some valuable physical activity.
The alternative school also has long standing relationships with Bobbyjon Bauman, director of programming at Sycamore Youth Center, who speaks about character. Intervention and prevention specialist Diane Sogan and prevention specialist Lindsey Murgatroyd of Family Recovery Center also visit and provide additional education.
“That’s been a very positive partnership,” Miller said.
Quest Center also introduces the students to opportunities they may not have considered. Miller has invited speakers from the International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers, as well as local leaders and business owners.
“I encourage anyone to reach out to me if they have anything positive to share with the students,” he said.
“I plan on having a lot more of that this year, local successful people, not just people who’ve made a lot of money, but people who persevere, who have done something positive or changed their life and can offer something beneficial for our students.”
Miller and his staff are grateful to the School of Bright Promise for hosting the Quest Center prior to the relocation.
“Everything’s brand-new,” Miller said. “We had a great facility before, but this one’s just newer and it’s ours.”
He pointed out two large classrooms. There are currently 10 students enrolled, mostly for the remainder of the school year, and the Quest Center is seeing those numbers increase. The alternative school is for students in kindergarten through 12th graders, chiefly middle and high school students, in Jefferson and Harrison Counties. They use an online curriculum. Miller said the classrooms have several amenities for students with different learning styles. There are standing desks and adjustable desks for example.
“That was all provided through the grant,” Miller said.
He commended everyone who worked together with a shared vision made the new building possible by securing $6.5 million through the Appalachian Community Innovation Centers grant. This includes area stakeholders, Indian Creek Local Schools District and the community.
“All these people understand the importance of alternative education and the students who benefit from it.”
Assistant educators Jason Swartzmiller and Jose Davis are settling in. They have both worked with students at the Quest Center for close to 10 years and look forward to a brand-new day for the alternative school.
Swartzmiller said the site matched student needs and the staff have stepped seamlessly back into their mission of getting students on the right path.
“I was really impressed when I first walked in here. I didn’t know what to expect by the looks of it,” he said. “They did a really nice job.”
Davis agreed the transition has gone well and students have access to the materials they require.
“It’s a modern space. It’s very spacious,” he said. “The resources overall in the building are a huge increase.”
Miller commended his staff on their professionalism and ability to adapt to new circumstances, adding they go above and beyond to help one another and their students.
Resource Officer Sgt. Robert Cole of the Jefferson County Sheriff’s Office said the new building is ideal from a security standpoint. He pointed out the layers of safeguards.
“It’s a very secure building,” he said. “It’s a very quiet building so they can work hard on all their assignments.”
Miller thanks the JCESC leadership for their belief in the Quest Center and support of its mission. The JCESC Alternative School/Quest for Success Center is located at 2321 Wilson Avenue, Mingo Junction. For more information, call 740-381-7150 or visit www.jcesc.k12.oh.us.
