LEROY - The director of the new LeRoy Preparatory Academy isn't worried that the school has neither signage nor landscaping, even though the school opens Wednesday.

It's more important to have the classrooms ready, said Robbie Osenga, director of the school, which prepares students for a life that may or may not include college.

Construction started in May, but the idea sprouted three years ago.

Work progressed rapidly, said LeRoy School District Superintendent Gary Tipsord, when it became economically favorable to teach the students in LeRoy instead of sending them to alternative schools in Bloomington or elsewhere.

"We are going to give them the best education they ever had," Osenga said.

The junior and senior high school, serving students with behavior problems or who just don't fit well in traditional classes, will open with nine students; it may have up to 20 by the end of the year. Classrooms will average about eight students, ideal for kids who succeed best in small settings, Osenga said.

As well as gaining greater local control, the district now can provide services to nearby schools, Tipsord said.

Downs-based Tri-Valley, Heyworth and Colfax-based Ridgeview schools will pay money so their students can attend. Previously, those students traveled 25 to 30 miles to Bloomington, a larger urban center with a different style of life. "What they need is an environment like they live in," Osenga said.

Students, referred from their home school, will earn diplomas from their home school when they graduate from the academy.

LeRoy Preparatory Academy's goal is to empower students to "live a life worthy of respect" with the help of other students, staff and the community, Osenga said.

The academy is designed to feel more like a home than a school. The commons area, with round tables for lunch-time dining and comfy couches, feels like a fashionable coffee shop. No beige walls here. Osenga spent considerable time choosing the colors to create the right atmosphere.

Thursday, as he helped install countertops for computers in the main classrooms, he said the school will be technology-based. That will give students an opportunity to learn in a variety of ways - all highly interactive.

A critical piece was getting the right people, Tipsord said.

"I don't know if we'd take the risk if we didn't have somebody like Robbie (Osenga)," Tipsord said.

Osenga calls his teaching staff "highly over qualified": Jim McCormick, with 12 years of special education teaching under his belt; Stacey Morell, a former alternative school administrator with a social work background; Katie Buckley, a special education teacher for five years; and Mike Kober, who had retired after teaching 35 years.

Buckley's junior high class will have four students when school begins on Wednesday. "It's a nice way to start," she said. She's working on lesson plans to help students budget, write job applications, and learn other life skills as well as core classes.

"We are very blessed to be able to hire people we have," Tipsord said.

"It's a dream come true," said Osenga, a Normal Community High School graduate.

Osenga, 26, earned a degree in bible and theology to become a youth pastor, and taught at Normal's Hammitt schools and in LeRoy. He's also an experienced landscape designer who worked in horticulture and construction - skills students will also learn.

A key part of the school's philosophy involves community partnerships to benefit students.

Illinois State University and Heartland Community College art students likely will help LeRoy create the artwork for the new school. The Tri-County Special Education Association will provide social worker, psychology and speech pathology services.

Prochnow Landscaping and State Farm Insurance Cos. have offered a variety of help. LeRoy town council, school board and other community members also have shown interest.

An anonymous benefactor built the school and leases it to LeRoy School District. "The investors believe in us," said Osenga. "We've got the right people. We've got the right heart."

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LeRoy Preparatory Academy

Enrollment: Nine students; will serve up to 20 by December.

Students: For sixth- to 12th-graders who haven't found a fit at other schools. Most are from LeRoy. Other districts sending students are Colfax-based Ridgeview School, Downs-based Tri-Valley, Farmer City-based Blue Ridge and Heyworth. McLean County schools in the Tri-County Special Education Association can pay tuition to send eligible students.

Operator: LeRoy School District, which has 800 students.

Goal for students: To "live a life worthy of respect" shown by mastering basic academic skills, acquiring job skills, staying alcohol free, improving interpersonal skills, becoming involved in the community and graduating from high school.

Facilities: Commons areas with couches and tables; kitchen; conference room; two main classrooms; restrooms; offices.

Cost: Undisclosed. The building was built by an anonymous benefactor who leases the building to the district.

Community partnerships: YouthBuild McLean County, Prochnow Landscaping, State Farm Insurance Cos.

SOURCES: LeRoy Superintendent Gary Tipsord; LeRoy Preparatory Academy Director Robbie Osenga