A. Quinn Jones Center    

History                  

The site and buildings on which the A. Quinn Jones Center is currently housed is of historical significance to the city of Gainesville, Alachua County and the state of Florida. The buildings are the site of the original Lincoln High which was constructed in 1923 and became and official high school in 1925. In 1926 Lincoln High School (which served first through twelfth grade students became the first accredited high school in Florida for Afro-American students.

In 1956, a new Lincoln High School was constructed. The original school then served only elementary students and was renamed the A. Quinn Jones Elementary School in honor of its first principal, Professor A. Quinn Jones, who had served the school and the school system in the capacity of principal, teacher, and community leader.

Since 1977, the A. Quinn Jones Center has served Alachua County students in two programs: Emotionally Handicapped and Severely Emotionally Disturbed. The student population includes grades K-12, with students coming from all schools in the district and/or from various state agencies and foster care facilities. In 1986, A. Quinn Jones Center was accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools.

Renovations began in 1994 and the doors opened for students in 1996. The three buildings were designed and included specialized features such as: a) classrooms equipped with restrooms and time out rooms, b0 time out rooms with a punching bag or a bed to rest c0 a step up cafeteria that seats 30 students, d) a science and technology laboratory , and e) art and music suites. Since then the A. Quinn Jones Center has served Severely Emotionally Disturbed students K-12. Standard and special diploma options are available to high school students. In addition, comprehensive elementary and middle programs are offered. Our needs assessment continually shows that our students continually perform significantly below grade level in academic areas. Furthermore, their severe emotional handicap presents itself in inappropriate behaviors of such intensity, frequency and duration that the students cannot be served in a less restrictive setting. The allocation of a Behavior Resource Teacher, the addition of two mental health counselors, and the services of a Behavior Analyst have enhanced the therapeutic aspect of the program. The students continue to come from all county schools, various state agencies and foster care.

Mission Statement:

The A. Quinn Jones Center provides a therapeutic environment for severely emotionally disturbed students. We are determined to improve upon every student's moral and emotional development so they can meet the social demands placed on each citizen in the community. The administration, faculty, and staff are committed to giving students the personal attention required to develop their social, academic, creative, and vocational skills.

Programs, Philosophies and Goals:

Education is the right of all students. Each student regardless of ability should have special opportunities to develop his/her potential so that he/she is able to function productively in a democratic society.

The school accepts the major responsibility for all areas of education for the students it serves. The primary emphasis is placed on academic pursuits complimented by programs to develop good physical and mental health, an appreciation of aesthetic values, and sense of creativity.

It is our goal to provide free, full and appropriate educational opportunities for all children, and specifically for exceptional children. The A. Q. Jones center staff has redefined the educational priorities within the perspective of the needs of each individual severely emotionally disturbed student. These needs reveal a central commitment of overriding importance; the development of sound interpersonal relationships, and appropriate social interactions in the context of intellectual, and physical learning experiences.