Original Research by School Decision on Safe School Program
Safe School Program is an alternative school serving grades six through twelve in Mount Vernon, Illinois. The school operates as part of the Clintn/Jeffrsn/Marin/Washngtn ROE, a regional office of education that provides administrative and support services to public school districts across four counties rather than operating a single traditional district.
Mount Vernon itself is a small county-seat city in southern Illinois positioned at the intersection of Interstates 57 and 64. The city blends small-town character with significant manufacturing and distribution employment. Continental Tire operates a major production facility, and Walgreens runs a large distribution center; SSM Health Good Samaritan Hospital anchors healthcare employment. The downtown core, called "The District," offers a walkable cluster of shops, restaurants, and cultural venues including the historic Granada Theatre. A new Downtown Greenspace has been completed as a civic gathering place. Beyond downtown, the city is organized around dispersed civic campuses and is car-oriented, with limited fixed-route transit available through South Central Illinois Mass Transit District.
Population in Mount Vernon has been slowly declining over the past several years, and the city is pursuing infill and revitalization strategies rather than growth. In 2025, the city and its Housing Authority endorsed a Community Revitalization Plan that includes development of new rental units for seniors and people with disabilities. The city also offers free city-owned vacant lots to buyers willing to commit to home construction within a set timeframe. Housing values in the area are modest relative to state and national benchmarks, and rental costs are similarly below those benchmarks, making Mount Vernon relatively affordable for families considering relocation to the region.
State assessment data, graduation rates, proficiency results, chronic absenteeism rates, and enrollment figures for Safe School Program were not available. This absence of reported metrics is typical for alternative schools, which often serve students with different pathways, needs, or circumstances than traditional public schools and may not be included in standard state accountability reporting. A parent interested in understanding Safe School Program's academic offerings, student composition, support services, program focus, and outcomes would benefit from contacting the school directly, as the available data does not provide insight into those dimensions. The school's location at 2300 Benton Road places it within Mount Vernon's reach, and families considering enrollment should explore whether the school's approach aligns with their student's educational needs and circumstances.
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