Durham Ferry

Occasionally students need to be pushed outside the ordinary to fi nd themselves. After transferring to and from private schools, Venture Academy Family of Schools student Dalyn Adorno found himself needing such a push. Venture Academy Family of Schools’ Durham Ferry site is far from ordinary and just what Dalyn needed.

Durham Ferry serves students throughout the county in grades 5-12 and has a focus on the outdoors, agriculture, and the environment. Durham Ferry serves students like Dalyn who do not mind integrating a bit of hard work and getting dirty into their school day. Individualized learning plans based on students’ skills, knowledge levels, and personal interest drive the curriculum.

After the fi fth-grade Dalyn left the urban life behind for the farmland, goats, and open fi elds of Durham Ferry. Like many Venture Academy Family of Schools’ students, Dalyn struggled with the structure of a traditional high school. Escaping to Durham Ferry was like a breath of fresh air for him.

In this new environment Dalyn was able to realize and become accountable for past mistakes as well as learn responsibility. “This environment helped lead me to this realization and has made me a better student and person. I wouldn’t be who I am today without Durham Ferry,” said Dalyn.

With a staff of only four teachers, the students at Durham Ferry are able to build strong relationships with their instructors. Durham Ferry teacher Tom Rautert uses this to encourage the student, focusing not only on the academic side but the whole person.

Rautert takes these students out of the typical school setting to get their hands dirty and experience something new. “Giving these students a different ‘hands on’ experience is the heart and soul of what we do at Durham Ferry. We push students to try new and different experiences,” said Rautert.

It was in this setting that Dalyn found his current ambition. After graduation, Dalyn will attend Delta College in hopes of becoming a counselor. Inspired by the investment of teachers like Rautert, Dalyn wishes to make a similar contribution to future students.

“Durham Ferry has made me want to be there for children who will go through the same struggles I had as a student,” said Dalyn. “I know I can fi nd happiness in helping other kids the way my teachers have helped me.”