The decision to move Wareham Cooperative School students for the third time in as many years has been harshly criticized.

Currently located at 3 Viking Drive, the alternative day program includes 10 students and three teachers. Classes will be moved inside the high school this September.

Full-time students in grades seven through 12 are eligible to attend the school, which offers kids a chance to learn in a non-traditional setting.

Superintendent Kimberly Shaver-Hood said those students will benefit from increased access to opportunities at the high school, such as the Junior Reserve Officer Training Corp, DECA, athletics, fine arts and academic programs.

“This will provide our students with the type of education they need,” said Shaver-Hood. “It’s much more advantageous for them to be located in the high school.”

In a letter sent to Shaver-Hood and Wareham High School Scott Palladino, Sally Smart, parent of a Cooperative School student, scolded administrators.

Smart learned of the decision via a letter she received on May 25.

“SHAME ON YOU Wareham public schools!!!!! Way to break our children’s strides in their education,” Smart wrote. “This is unacceptable.”

Originally located on the main campus behind Town Hall, the school was moved to a building on Depot Street to save money in 2014.

Smart said that harmed students academically.

“This took quite awhile for the students to adjust in their new environment and caused some to digress in their progress,” she wrote.

In 2015, the Cooperative School was moved back to the district’s main campus. The school is now housed in the former Boys & Girls Club of Wareham building.

According to Smart, moving students again will burden them.

“The kids currently at the Cooperative have anxiety, learning and other disabilities that they have been trying to overcome,” she wrote. “This move will cause them to have to re-adjust once again, causing some to lose valuable learning time.”

Shaver-Hood said the move ultimately benefits students.

“Services for students will improve,” she said, adding that a social worker will be available to help with the transition. “We believe it will enhance their academic opportunities.”