Approach to Beach alternative education project in question.

Byline: Lauren Roth

Feb. 12--VIRGINIA BEACH -- Groundbreaking innovation or risky experiment?

Those are two views of a new alternative education center planned on Witchduck Road.

Planners say there's nothing else like it in the country.

Designers picture an inviting, naturally lit space where students struggling in local middle and high schools can get the uplift they need.

Critics say the concept -- housing in one divided building pregnant teens, students with discipline problems, emotionally disturbed students and those academically behind -- could stigmatize students without delivering added benefits.

For now, it is just an architectural drawing on paper, but some school officials consider it a crown jewel.

"It is the most exciting thing the schools have done," said Jerry Deviney, a former Beach schools administrator who is consulting on the $65.2 million project, the school system's largest. "There's always some risk for greatness."

The key, administrators say, is providing a facility with modern technology and design for some…