Specialty school is haven

KAYSVILLE — Everyone knows your name at Canyon Heights, a specialty high school in Davis County. There are no cracks to fall through, and students who are up against tremendous odds do what it takes to attend.

Tardies don't exist at the school, and students call teachers by their first names. Falling asleep in class is understood and it's always OK to cry.

Canyon Heights is one-of-a-kind in Utah. It has become a haven for students who are parents and emotionally fragile students who are fighting mental issues and internal battles with issues such as depression, anxiety, school phobia, post-traumatic stress and suicide.

"Here, everybody's been through a lot of the same situations, and we can relate to each other," said senior Andi Martin. "They show you what strengths and abilities you have and show you how to work through it all."

Canyon Heights was established in the 1970s to meet the needs of young student-parents and expectant mothers.

With an Early Head Start program at the school, counselors, social workers and a schedule that worked around the needs of new parents, students were able to get their diplomas despite the early thrust into adulthood.

But as pregnancy rates dropped, Davis District decided to include other students who were dealing with emotional issues, which increased the opportunity for district students.

"It's an incredible mix — there are a lot of similarities between the two groups, and it has been a great blending," said Canyon Heights principal Judy Nixon. "A lot of times the emotionally fragile kids will reach out to the young parents and they help each other."

Right now the school mix is about half and half, but Nixon said it's hard to categorize the students and says most of them are friends who support each other regardless.

The majority of students at the school have been referred by a school counselor or a therapist. Once students are referred, they undergo interviews with Canyon Heights leaders to make sure the school will meet their needs.

Most years students must be turned away for lack of room.

The building that the school now inhabits was built about six years ago and is designed specifically to promote a happy positive environment for the students and their babies.

The walls are painted in soft pastels, and there is lots of natural light. Along the halls are colorful park benches, and large plants pepper the corridors and commons areas.