Lincoln Educational Services (LINC) 10-K 10 Mar 17 2016 FY Annual report Financial data

Document and Entity Information

Document and Entity Information - USD ($)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2016	Mar. 08, 2017	Jun. 30, 2016
Document and Entity Information [Abstract]
Entity Registrant Name	LINCOLN EDUCATIONAL SERVICES CORP
Entity Central Index Key	1,286,613
Current Fiscal Year End Date	--12-31
Entity Well-known Seasoned Issuer	No
Entity Voluntary Filers	No
Entity Current Reporting Status	Yes
Entity Filer Category	Smaller Reporting Company
Entity Public Float			$ 44,658,126
Entity Common Stock, Shares Outstanding		24,719,105
Document Fiscal Year Focus	2,016
Document Fiscal Period Focus	FY
Document Type	10-K
Amendment Flag	false
Document Period End Date	Dec. 31, 2016

CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS

CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Dec. 31, 2016	Dec. 31, 2015
CURRENT ASSETS:
Cash and cash equivalents	$ 21,064	$ 38,420
Restricted cash	6,399	7,362
Accounts receivable, less allowance of $9,887 and $9,787 at December 31, 2016 and 2015, respectively	10,294	10,410
Inventories	1,058	1,242
Prepaid income taxes and income taxes receivable	262	349
Assets held for sale	24,786	44,369
Prepaid expenses and other current assets	2,434	2,710
Total current assets	66,297	104,862
PROPERTY, EQUIPMENT AND FACILITIES - At cost, net of accumulated depreciation and amortization of $124,192 and $123,324 at December 31, 2016 and 2015, respectively	55,445	66,625
OTHER ASSETS:
Noncurrent restricted cash	20,252	15,259
Noncurrent receivables, less allowance of $765 and $837 at December 31, 2016 and 2015, respectively	5,633	5,278
Goodwill	14,536	14,536
Other assets, net	1,044	1,190
Total other assets	41,465	36,263
TOTAL	163,207	207,750
CURRENT LIABILITIES:
Current portion of term loan and credit agreement	11,713	10,000
Current portion of capital lease obligations	0	114
Unearned tuition	17,523	23,703
Accounts payable	13,748	12,863
Accrued expenses	12,815	11,209
Liabilities held for sale	11,578	12,332
Other short-term liabilities	653	686
Total current liabilities	68,030	70,907
NONCURRENT LIABILITIES:
Long-term term loan	30,244	32,124
Long-term capital lease obligations	0	3,785
Long-term finance obligation	0	9,672
Pension plan liabilities	5,368	5,549
Accrued rent	3,896	4,716
Other long-term liabilities	743	0
Total liabilities	108,281	126,753
COMMITMENTS AND CONTINGENCIES
STOCKHOLDERS' EQUITY:
Preferred stock, no par value - 10,000,000 shares authorized, no shares issued and outstanding at December 31, 2016 and 2015	0	0
Common stock, no par value - authorized 100,000,000 shares at December 31, 2016 and 2015, issued and outstanding 30,685,017 shares at December 31, 2016 and 29,727,555 shares at December 31, 2015	141,377	141,377
Additional paid-in capital	28,554	27,292
Treasury stock at cost - 5,910,541 shares at December 31, 2016 and 2015	(82,860)	(82,860)
(Accumulated deficit) retained earnings	(26,044)	2,260
Accumulated other comprehensive loss	(6,101)	(7,072)
Total stockholders' equity	54,926	80,997
TOTAL	$ 163,207	$ 207,750

CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS (Pa

CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS (Parenthetical) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Dec. 31, 2016	Dec. 31, 2015
CURRENT ASSETS:
Accounts receivable, allowance	$ 9,887	$ 9,787
PROPERTY, EQUIPMENT AND FACILITIES - accumulated depreciation and amortization	124,192	123,324
OTHER ASSETS :
Noncurrent receivables, allowance	$ 765	$ 837
STOCKHOLDERS' EQUITY:
Preferred stock, par value (in dollars per share)	$ 0	$ 0
Preferred stock, shares authorized (in shares)	10,000,000	10,000,000
Preferred stock, shares issued (in shares)	0	0
Preferred stock, shares outstanding (in shares)	0	0
Common stock, par value (in dollars per share)	$ 0	$ 0
Common stock, shares authorized (in shares)	100,000,000	100,000,000
Common stock, shares issued (in shares)	30,685,017	29,727,555
Common stock, shares outstanding (in shares)	30,685,017	29,727,555
Treasury stock, shares (in shares)	5,910,541	5,910,541

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF OPER

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2016	Dec. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS [Abstract]
REVENUE	$ 196,910	$ 208,256	$ 218,040
COSTS AND EXPENSES:
Educational services and facilities	94,922	94,970	103,299
Selling, general and administrative	103,129	105,380	116,573
Loss (gain) on sale of assets	120	1,741	(58)
Impairment of goodwill and long-lived assets	3,902	216	21,885
Total costs and expenses	202,073	202,307	241,699
OPERATING (LOSS) INCOME	(5,163)	5,949	(23,659)
OTHER:
Interest income	155	52	62
Interest expense	(6,001)	(5,727)	(3,431)
Other income	6,711	109	0
(LOSS) INCOME FROM CONTINUING OPERATIONS BEFORE INCOME TAXES	(4,298)	383	(27,028)
PROVISION (BENEFIT) FOR INCOME TAXES	200	242	(1,479)
(LOSS) INCOME FROM CONTINUING OPERATIONS	(4,498)	141	(25,549)
LOSS FROM DISCONTINUED OPERATIONS, NET OF INCOME TAXES	(23,806)	(3,491)	(30,584)
NET LOSS	$ (28,304)	$ (3,350)	$ (56,133)
Basic
(Loss) income per share from continuing operations (in dollars per share)	$ (0.19)	$ 0.01	$ (1.12)
Loss per share from discontinued operations (in dollars per share)	(1.02)	(0.15)	(1.34)
Net loss per share (in dollars per share)	(1.21)	(0.14)	(2.46)
Diluted
(Loss) income per share from continuing operations (in dollars per share)	(0.19)	0.01	(1.12)
Loss per share from discontinued operations (in dollars per share)	(1.02)	(0.15)	(1.34)
Net loss income per share (in dollars per share)	$ (1.21)	$ (0.14)	$ (2.46)
Weighted average number of common shares outstanding:
Basic (in shares)	23,453,427	23,166,977	22,814,105
Diluted (in shares)	23,453,427	23,227,138	22,814,105

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF COMP

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF COMPREHENSIVE (LOSS) INCOME - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2016	Dec. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF COMPREHENSIVE (LOSS) INCOME [Abstract]
Net loss	$ (28,304)	$ (3,350)	$ (56,133)
Other comprehensive income (loss)
Employee pension plan adjustments	971	395	(3,905)
Comprehensive loss	$ (27,333)	$ (2,955)	$ (60,038)

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CHAN

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CHANGES IN STOCKHOLDERS' EQUITY - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Common Stock [Member]	Additional Paid-in Capital [Member]	Treasury Stock [Member]	Retained Earnings (Accumulated Deficit) [Member]	Accumulated Other Comprehensive Loss [Member]	Total
BALANCE at Dec. 31, 2013	$ 141,377	$ 24,177	$ (82,860)	$ 66,064	$ (3,562)	$ 145,196
BALANCE (in shares) at Dec. 31, 2013	29,919,761
Increase (Decrease) in Stockholders' Equity [Roll Forward]
Net loss	$ 0	0	0	(56,133)	0	(56,133)
Employee pension plan adjustments	0	0	0	0	(3,905)	(3,905)
Stock-based compensation expense
Restricted stock	$ 0	2,517	0	0	0	2,517
Restricted stock (in shares)	158,308
Stock options	$ 0	104	0	0	0	104
Net share settlement for equity-based compensation	$ 0	(448)	0	0	0	(448)
Net share settlement for equity-based compensation (in shares)	(144,983)
Cash dividend	$ 0	0	0	(4,321)	0	(4,321)
BALANCE at Dec. 31, 2014	$ 141,377	26,350	(82,860)	5,610	(7,467)	83,010
BALANCE (in shares) at Dec. 31, 2014	29,933,086
Increase (Decrease) in Stockholders' Equity [Roll Forward]
Net loss	$ 0	0	0	(3,350)	0	(3,350)
Employee pension plan adjustments	0	0	0	0	395	395
Stock-based compensation expense
Restricted stock	$ 0	1,095	0	0	0	1,095
Restricted stock (in shares)	(119,791)
Stock options	$ 0	33	0	0	0	33
Net share settlement for equity-based compensation	$ 0	(186)	0	0	0	(186)
Net share settlement for equity-based compensation (in shares)	(85,740)
BALANCE at Dec. 31, 2015	$ 141,377	27,292	(82,860)	2,260	(7,072)	$ 80,997
BALANCE (in shares) at Dec. 31, 2015	29,727,555					29,727,555
Increase (Decrease) in Stockholders' Equity [Roll Forward]
Net loss	$ 0	0	0	(28,304)	0	$ (28,304)
Employee pension plan adjustments	0	0	0	0	971	971
Stock-based compensation expense
Restricted stock	$ 0	1,440	0	0	0	1,440
Restricted stock (in shares)	1,029,267
Net share settlement for equity-based compensation	$ 0	(178)	0	0	0	(178)
Net share settlement for equity-based compensation (in shares)	(71,805)
BALANCE at Dec. 31, 2016	$ 141,377	$ 28,554	$ (82,860)	$ (26,044)	$ (6,101)	$ 54,926
BALANCE (in shares) at Dec. 31, 2016	30,685,017					30,685,017

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CHA7

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CHANGES IN STOCKHOLDERS' EQUITY (Parenthetical)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014$ / shares
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CHANGES IN STOCKHOLDERS' EQUITY [Abstract]
Cash dividend (in dollars per share)	$ 0.18

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2016	Dec. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014
CASH FLOWS FROM OPERATING ACTIVITIES:
Net loss	$ (28,304)	$ (3,350)	$ (56,133)
Adjustments to reconcile net loss to net cash (used in) provided by operating activities:
Depreciation and amortization	11,066	14,506	19,338
Amortization of deferred finance costs	949	554	818
Deferred income taxes	0	0	(4,528)
Loss on disposition of assets	223	1,738	41
Gain on capital lease termination, net	(6,710)	(3,062)	0
Impairment of goodwill and long-lived assets	21,367	216	42,958
Fixed asset donation	(123)	(20)	(92)
Provision for doubtful accounts	14,592	13,583	15,500
Stock-based compensation expense	1,440	1,128	2,621
Deferred rent	(489)	(638)	(740)
(Increase) decrease in assets:
Accounts receivable	(15,700)	(13,216)	(14,470)
Inventories	201	9	372
Prepaid income taxes and income taxes receivable	87	530	7,638
Prepaid expenses and current assets	412	444	(986)
Other assets, net	(1,701)	(1,460)	231
Increase (decrease) in liabilities:
Accounts payable	742	1,004	(2,732)
Accrued expenses	1,195	(450)	3,806
Pension plan liabilities	0	0	(271)
Unearned tuition	(6,854)	2,627	(1,190)
Other liabilities	1,500	194	(159)
Total adjustments	22,197	17,687	68,155
Net cash (used in) provided by operating activities	(6,107)	14,337	12,022
CASH FLOWS FROM INVESTING ACTIVITIES:
Capital expenditures	(3,596)	(2,218)	(7,472)
Restricted cash	963	0	0
Proceeds from sale of property and equipment	451	451	67
Net cash used in investing activities	(2,182)	(1,767)	(7,405)
CASH FLOWS FROM FINANCING ACTIVITIES:
Proceeds from borrowings	0	53,500	47,500
Payments on borrowings	(387)	(38,847)	(72,000)
Reclassifications of payments from borrowings to restricted cash	0	30,000	24,500
Reclassifications of proceeds from borrowings to restricted cash	(4,993)	(22,621)	0
Payment of deferred finance fees	(645)	(2,823)	0
Net share settlement for equity-based compensation	(178)	(186)	(448)
Dividends paid	0	0	(4,321)
Principal payments under capital lease obligations	(2,864)	(5,472)	(435)
Net cash (used in) provided by financing activities	(9,067)	13,551	(5,204)
NET (DECREASE) INCREASE IN CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTS	(17,356)	26,121	(587)
CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTS-Beginning of year	38,420	12,299	12,886
CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTS-End of year	21,064	38,420	12,299
Cash paid during the year for:
Interest	5,265	7,159	4,597
Income taxes	150	89	145
SUPPLEMENTAL SCHEDULE OF NONCASH INVESTING AND FINANCING ACTIVITIES:
Liabilities accrued for or noncash purchases of fixed assets	$ 2,048	$ 979	$ 1,613

SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTI

SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2016
SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES [Abstract]
SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES	1. SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES Business Activities — Lincoln Educational Services Corporation and its subsidiaries (collectively, the “Company”, “we”, “our” and “us”, as applicable) provide diversified career-oriented post-secondary education to recent high school graduates and working adults. The Company, which currently operates 28 schools in 15 states, In the first quarter of 2015, we reorganized our operations into three reportable business segments: (a) Transportation and Skilled Trades, (b) Healthcare and Other Professions (“HOPS”), and (c) Transitional which refers to businesses that have been or are currently being taught out. I strategic shift in business strategy that will enable us to focus energy and resources predominantly on the Transportation and Skilled Trades business segment. The Company continues to actively market the schools comprising the HOPS business segment and has offers which are under consideration. The results of operations of the campuses included in the HOPS business segment are reflected as discontinued operations in the consolidated financial statements. The following table lists the schools that are included in the HOPS and Transitional Segments and their status as of December 31, 2016 and 2015: Segment Status School 2015 2016 2015 2016 Allentown, PA HOPS (Discontinued Operations) HOPS (Discontinued Operations) Held for sale Held for sale 1 Edison, NJ HOPS (Discontinued Operations) HOPS (Discontinued Operations) Held for sale Held for sale 1 Moorestown, NJ HOPS (Discontinued Operations) HOPS (Discontinued Operations) Held for sale Held for sale 1 Paramus, NJ HOPS (Discontinued Operations) HOPS (Discontinued Operations) Held for sale Held for sale 1 Lincoln, RI HOPS (Discontinued Operations) HOPS (Discontinued Operations) Held for sale Held for sale 1 Brockton, MA HOPS (Discontinued Operations) HOPS (Discontinued Operations) Held for sale Held for sale 1 Somerville, MA HOPS (Discontinued Operations) HOPS (Discontinued Operations) Held for sale Held for sale 1 Lowell, MA HOPS (Discontinued Operations) HOPS (Discontinued Operations) Held for sale Held for sale 1 New Britain, CT HOPS (Discontinued Operations) HOPS (Discontinued Operations) Held for sale Held for sale 1 Shelton, CT HOPS (Discontinued Operations) HOPS (Discontinued Operations) Held for sale Held for sale 1 Las Vegas (Summerlin), NV HOPS (Discontinued Operations) HOPS (Discontinued Operations) Held for sale Held for sale 1 Southington, CT HOPS (Discontinued Operations) HOPS (Discontinued Operations) Held for sale Held for sale 1 Marietta, GA HOPS (Discontinued Operations) HOPS (Discontinued Operations) Held for sale Held for sale 1 Hartford, CT Transitional (Continuing Operations) HOPS (Discontinued Operations) Teach-out Closed 2 Henderson (Green Valley), NV HOPS (Discontinued Operations) HOPS (Discontinued Operations) Held for sale Closed 3 Center City Philadelphia, PA HOPS (Discontinued Operations) Transitional (Continuing Operations) Held for sale Teach-out 4 Northeast Philadelphia, PA HOPS (Discontinued Operations) Transitional (Continuing Operations) Held for sale Teach-out 4 West Palm Beach, FL HOPS (Discontinued Operations) Transitional (Continuing Operations) Held for sale Teach-out 5 Fern Park, FL Transitional (Continuing Operations) Transitional (Continuing Operations) Teach-out Closed 6 1 In November 2015, the Board of Directors approved a plan to divest these schools and thus they are included in discontinued operations as of December 31, 2016 and 2015. 2 In November 2015, the Board of Directors approved a plan to divest this school. In December 2015, the Board of Directors approved a plan to cease operations at this school. The school was included in the Transitional Segment and included in continuing operations until it closed in the fourth quarter of 2016; it is included in discontinued operations as of December 31, 2016. 3 In November 2015, the Board of Directors approved a plan to divest this school. In the fourth quarter of 2016, the Board of Directors approved a plan to cease operations at this school, which closed in the fourth quarter of 2016 and is included in discontinued operations as of December 31, 2016. 4 In November 2015, the Board of Directors approved a plan to divest these schools. In the fourth quarter of 2016, the Board of Directors approved a plan to cease operations at these schools which are being taught-out and expected to be closed in 2017. These schools are included in the Transitional segment and continuing operations as of December 31, 2016. 5 In November 2015, the Board of Directors approved a plan to divest this school. In the third quarter of 2016, the Board of Directors approved a plan to teach–out certain programs at this school. Then, in the fourth quarter of 2016, the Board of Directors approved a plan to teach-out the remainder of the programs at this school. The school is expected to be closed in 2017. This school’s operations are included in the Transitional segment and continuing operations as of December 31, 2016. However, as part of this plan, the Board of Directors approved the divestiture of the properties for this school and therefore the properties are included in held for sale as of December 31, 2016. 6 On February 27, 2015, our Board of Directors approved a plan to cease operations at this school, which was fully taught out and officially closed as of March 31, 2016 and is included in the Transitional segment and continuing operations as of December 31, 2016. The plan to teach out this school was approved prior to the plan to exit the HOPS segment and as such does not meet the discontinued operations criteria. Liquidity — In addition to the current sources of capital discussed above that provides short term liquidity, the Company plans to sell approximately $13.2 million in assets net of liabilities, which are currently classified as held for sale and are expected to be sold within one year from the date of classification in which up to $10 million will be required to pay down debt. The Company continues to actively market these schools and has offers which are under consideration. Principles of Consolidation Revenue Recognition — Revenues are derived primarily from programs taught at the Company’s schools. Tuition revenues, textbook sales and one-time fees, such as nonrefundable application fees and course material fees, are recognized on a straight-line basis over the length of the applicable program as the student proceeds through the program, which is the period of time from a student’s start date through his or her graduation date, including internships or externships that take place prior to graduation, and the Company completes the performance of teaching the student which entitles the Company to the revenue. Refunds are calculated and paid in accordance with federal, state and accrediting agency standards. The Company evaluates whether collectability of revenue is reasonably assured prior to the student attending class and reassesses collectability of tuition and fees when a student withdraws from a course. The Company calculates the amount to be returned under Title IV and its stated refund policy to determine eligible charges and, if there is a balance due from the student after this calculation, the Company expect payment from the student and the Company has a process to pursue uncollected accounts whereby, based upon the student’s financial means and ability to pay, a payment plan is established with the student to ensure that collectability is reasonable. The Company continuously monitors its historical collections to identify potential trends that may impact our determination that collectability of receivables for withdrawn students is realizable. Cash and Cash Equivalents Restricted Cash Accounts Receivable Allowance for uncollectible accounts Inventories Property, Equipment and Facilities Depreciation and Amortization Rent Expense Advertising Costs Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets At December 31, 2016, the Company conducted its annual test for goodwill impairment and determined it did not have an impairment for continuing operations. The fair value of the Company’s reporting units were determined using Level 3 inputs included in its multiple of earnings and discounted cash flow approach. Our disposal group assets held for sale are required to be measured at the lower of carrying value or fair value less cost to sell. As a result of the consideration of offers received on our disposal group assets held for sale, we concluded that an pre-tax non-cash impairment charge of $9.9 million was required for our goodwill and intangible assets relating to this group ($9.9 million was included in discontinued operations). At December 31, 2016, the Company conducted its annual test for goodwill impairment and determined it did not have an impairment. The fair value of the Company’s reporting units were determined using Level 3 inputs included in its multiple of earnings and discounted cash flow approach. At December 31, 2015, the Company conducted its annual test for goodwill impairment and determined it did not have an impairment. The fair value of the Company’s reporting units were determined using Level 3 inputs included in its multiple of earnings and discounted cash flow approach. The Company concluded that as of September 30, 2015 there was an indicator of potential impairment as a result of a decrease in market capitalization and, accordingly, the Company tested goodwill for impairment. The test indicated that one of the Company’s reporting units was impaired, which resulted in a pre-tax non-cash charge of $0.2 million ($0.2 million of which is included in the transportation and skilled trades segment) for the three months ended September 30, 2015. At December 31, 2014, the Company conducted its annual test for goodwill impairment and determined it did not have an impairment. The fair value of the Company’s reporting units were determined using Level 3 inputs included in its multiple of earnings and discounted cash flow approach. The Company concluded that as of September 30, 2014 there was an indicator of potential impairment as a result of a decrease in market capitalization and, accordingly, the Company tested goodwill for impairment. The test indicated that ten of the Company’s reporting units were impaired, which resulted in a pre-tax non-cash charge of $39.0 million for the three months ended September 30, 2014 ($0.2 million and $38.8 million of which is included in the transportation and skilled trades segment and discontinued operations, respectively). Impairment of Long-Lived Assets — The Company concluded that, for the three months ended December 31, 2016, there was sufficient evidence to conclude that there was an impairment of certain long-lived assets at two of the Company’s campuses for continuing operations. The long-lived assets impairment resulted in a pre-tax charge of $3.9 million for land and buildings. Our disposal group assets held for sale are required to be measured at the lower of carrying value or fair value less cost to sell. As a result of the consideration of offers received on our disposal group assets held for sale, we concluded that an impairment charge of $7.6 million was required for our long-lived assets relating to this group ($7.6 million was included in discontinued operations). The Company concluded that for the three months ended December 31, 2015, there was no long-lived asset impairment. Long-lived assets were tested at the campuses as a result of classifying assets held for sale and certain financial indicators such as the Company’s history of losses, current respective period losses, as well as future projected losses at these campuses. The Company concluded that for the three months ended December 31, 2014 and September 30, 2014 , there was sufficient evidence to conclude that there was an impairment of certain long-lived assets at one and six of the Company’s campuses, respectively. Long-lived assets had been tested at these campuses as a result of certain financial indicators such as the Company’s history of losses, current respective period losses, as well as future projected losses at these campuses. The long-lived assets impairment resulted in a pre-tax charge of $1.5 million for leasehold improvements ($1.5 million included in the Transportation and Skilled Trades segment) as of December 31, 2014 and $1.9 million for leasehold improvements ($1.5 million and $0.4 million included in the transitional segment and discontinued operations, respectively) and $0.5 million ($0.5 million included in discontinued operations) for intangible assets as of September 30, 2014. Concentration of Credit Risk The Company extends credit for tuition and fees to many of its students. The credit risk with respect to these accounts receivable is mitigated through the students' participation in federally funded financial aid programs unless students withdraw prior to the receipt of federal funds for those students. In addition, the remaining tuition receivables are primarily comprised of smaller individual amounts due from students. With respect to student receivables, the Company had no significant concentrations of credit risk as of December 31, 2016 and 2015. Use of Estimates in the Preparation of Financial Statements Stock-Based Compensation Plans The Company measures the value of service and performance-based restricted stock on the fair value of a share of common stock on the date of the grant. The Company amortizes the fair value of service based restricted stock utilizing straight-line amortization of compensation expense over the requisite service period of the grant. The Company amortizes the fair value of the performance-based restricted stock based on determination of the probable outcome of the performance condition. If the performance condition is expected to be met, then the Company amortizes the fair value of the number of shares expected to vest utilizing straight-line basis over the requisite performance period of the grant. However, if the associated performance condition is not expected to be met, then the Company does not recognize the stock-based compensation expense. Income Taxes — The Company Income Taxes In accordance with ASC 740, the Company assesses our deferred tax asset to determine whether all or any portion of the asset is more likely than not unrealizable. A valuation allowance is required to be established or maintained when, based on currently available information, it is more likely than not that all or a portion of a deferred tax asset will not be realized. In accordance with ASC 740, our assessment considers whether there has been sufficient income in recent years and whether sufficient income is expected in future years in order to utilize the deferred tax asset. In evaluating the realizability of deferred income tax assets, the Company considered, among other things, historical levels of income, expected future income, the expected timing of the reversals of existing temporary reporting differences, and the expected impact of tax planning strategies that may be implemented to prevent the potential loss of future income tax benefits. Significant judgment is required in determining the future tax consequences of events that have been recognized in our consolidated financial statements and/or tax returns. Differences between anticipated and actual outcomes of these future tax consequences could have a material impact on the Company’s consolidated financial position or results of operations. Changes in, among other things, income tax legislation, statutory income tax rates, or future income levels could materially impact the Company’s valuation of income tax assets and liabilities and could cause our income tax provision to vary significantly among financial reporting periods. The Company recognizes accrued interest and penalties related to unrecognized tax benefits in income tax expense. During the years ended December 31, 2016 and 2015, the interest and penalties expense associated with uncertain tax positions are not significant to the Company’s results of operations or financial position. Start-up Costs — Reclassification — During the year ended December 31, 2016, the Board of Directors approved a plan for the Company to teach-out the West Palm Beach, Florida, Center City Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, and Northeast Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, campuses which are included in the Transitional segment. In addition, during the year ended December 31, 2016, the and Hartford, Connecticut campuses closed and are included in discontinued operations. In 2016, the Company reclassified related held for sale amounts reflected in the 2015 Consolidated Balance Sheet and discontinued operations in Consolidated Statements of Operations. New Accounting Pronouncements In January 2017, the issued Accounting Standards Update (“ASU”) No. 2017-04, "Simplifying the Test for Goodwill Impairment" ("ASU 2017-04"). ASU 2017-04 provides amendments to ASC No. 350, "Intangibles - Goodwill and Other" ("ASC 350"), which eliminate Step 2 from the goodwill impairment test. Entities should perform their goodwill impairment tests by comparing the fair value of a reporting unit with its carrying amount and recognize an impairment charge for the amount by which the carrying amount exceeds the reporting unit's fair value. The amendments in this update are effective prospectively during interim and annual periods beginning after December 15, 2019, with early adoption permitted. The Company is currently assessing the impact of this update on the Company’s Consolidated Financial Statements. The FASB Revenue from Contracts with Customers Revenue from Contracts with Customers (Topic 606)—Principal versus Agent Considerations , Revenue from Contracts with Customers (Topic 606)—Identifying Performance Obligations and Licensing The new standard permits adoption either by using (i) a full retrospective approach for all periods presented in the period of adoption or (ii) a modified retrospective approach with the cumulative effect of initially applying the new standard recognized at the date of initial application and providing certain additional disclosures. The new standard is effective for annual reporting periods beginning after December 15, 2017, with early adoption permitted for annual reporting periods beginning after December 15, 2016. We do not plan to early adopt, and accordingly, we will adopt the new standard effective January 1, 2018. We currently plan to adopt using the modified retrospective approach. However, a final decision regarding the adoption method has not been finalized at this time. Our final determination will depend on a number of factors, such as the significance of the impact of the new standard on our financial results, system readiness, including that of software procured from third-party providers, and our ability to accumulate and analyze the information necessary to assess the impact on prior period financial statements, as necessary. We are in the initial stages of our evaluation of the impact of the new standard on our accounting policies, processes, and system requirements. We have assigned internal resources to assist in the evaluation. Furthermore, we have made and will continue to make investments in systems to enable timely and accurate reporting under the new standard. While we continue to assess all potential impacts under the new standard, there is the potential for significant impacts to the timing of recognition of revenue. While we continue to assess the potential impacts of the new standard and this standard could have a material impact on our consolidated financial statements, we do not know or cannot reasonably estimate quantitative information related to the impact of the new standard on our financial statements at this time. In November 2016, the FASB issued ASU No. 2016-18: “Statement of Cash Flows (Topic 230): Restricted Cash.” This guidance was issued to address the diversity that exists in the classification and presentation of changes in restricted cash on the statement of cash flows. The amendments will require that the statement of cash flows explain the change during the period in total cash, cash equivalents and restricted cash. The amendments are effective for financial statements issued for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2017, and interim periods within those fiscal years. The amendments will be applied using a retrospective transition method to each period presented. The Company anticipates that the adoption will not have a significant impact on the Company’s Consolidated Financial Statements. In August 2016, FASB issued ASU No. 2016-15: “Statement of Cash Flows (Topic 230): Classification of Certain Cash Receipts and Cash Payments” to address eight specific cash flow issues with the objective of reducing the existing diversity in practice. The amendments are effective for financial statements issued for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2017, and interim periods within those fiscal years. The Company anticipates that the adoption will not have a significant impact on the Company’s Consolidated Financial Statements. In February 2016, the FASB issued guidance requiring lessees to recognize a right-of-use asset and a lease liability on the balance sheet for substantially all leases, with the exception of short-term leases. Leases will be classified as either financing or operating, with classification affecting the pattern of expense recognition in the statement of income. The guidance is effective for annual periods, including interim periods within those periods, beginning after December 15, 2018, with early adoption permitted. We are currently evaluating the impact that the update will have on our results of operations, financial condition and financial statement disclosures. In November 2015, the issued guidance which simplifies the balance sheet classification of deferred taxes requiring that all deferred tax assets and liabilities, along with any related valuation allowance, be classified as noncurrent on the balance sheet. This guidance is effective for public business entities for annual periods, and for interim periods within those periods, beginning after December 15, 2016 with early adoption permitted. The Company early adopted as of December 31, 2015. While the guidance does have an impact on our balance sheet classification, it does not have a material impact on our results of operations, financial condition or the financial statement disclosures. In August 2014, the FASB issued ASU No. 2014-15, Disclosure of Uncertainties about an Entity’s Ability to Continue as a Going Concern

FINANCIAL AID AND REGULATORY CO

FINANCIAL AID AND REGULATORY COMPLIANCE	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2016
FINANCIAL AID AND REGULATORY COMPLIANCE [Abstract]
FINANCIAL AID AND REGULATORY COMPLIANCE	2. FINANCIAL AID AND REGULATORY COMPLIANCE Financial Aid The Company’s schools and students participate in a variety of government-sponsored financial aid programs that assist students in paying the cost of their education. The largest source of such support is the federal programs of student financial assistance under Title IV of the Higher Education Act of 1965, as amended, commonly referred to as the Title IV Programs, which are administered by the U.S. Department of Education (the "DOE"). During the years ended December 31, 2016, 2015 and 2014, approximately 79%, 80% and 80% respectively, of net revenues on a cash basis were indirectly derived from funds distributed under Title IV Programs. For the years ended December 31, 2016, 2015 and 2014, the Company calculated that no individual DOE reporting entity received more than 90% of its revenue, determined on a cash basis under DOE regulations, from the Title IV Program funds. The Company’s calculations may be subject to review by the DOE. Under DOE regulations, a proprietary institution that derives more than 90% of its total revenue from the Title IV Programs for two consecutive fiscal years becomes immediately ineligible to participate in the Title IV Programs and may not reapply for eligibility until the end of two fiscal years. An institution with revenues exceeding 90% for a single fiscal year, will be placed on provisional certification and may be subject to other enforcement measures. If one of the Company’s institutions violated the 90/10 Rule and became ineligible to participate in Title IV Programs but continued to disburse Title IV Program funds, the DOE would require the institution to repay all Title IV Program funds received by the institution after the effective date of the loss of eligibility. Regulatory Compliance To participate in Title IV Programs, a school must be authorized to offer its programs of instruction by relevant state education agencies, be accredited by an accrediting commission recognized by the DOE and be certified as an eligible institution by the DOE. For this reason, the schools are subject to extensive regulatory requirements imposed by all of these entities. After the schools receive the required certifications by the appropriate entities, the schools must demonstrate their compliance with the DOE regulations of the Title IV Programs on an ongoing basis. Included in these regulations is the requirement that the Company must satisfy specific standards of financial responsibility. The DOE evaluates institutions for compliance with these standards each year, based upon the institution’s annual audited financial statements, as well as following a change in ownership resulting in a change of control of the institution. The DOE calculates the institution's composite score for financial responsibility based on its (i) equity ratio, which measures the institution's capital resources, ability to borrow and financial viability; (ii) primary reserve ratio, which measures the institution's ability to support current operations from expendable resources; and (iii) net income ratio, which measures the institution's ability to operate at a profit. This composite score can range from -1 to +3. The composite score must be at least 1.5 for the institution to be deemed financially responsible without the need for further oversight. If an institution’s composite score is below 1.5, but is at least 1.0, it is in a category denominated by the DOE as “the zone.” Under the DOE regulations, institutions that are in the zone typically may be permitted by the DOE to continue to participate in the title IV programs by choosing one of two alternatives: 1) the “Zone Alternative” under which we are required to make disbursements to students under the Heightened Cash Monitoring 1 (HCM1) payment method and to notify the DOE within 10 days after the occurrence of certain oversight and financial events or 2) submit a letter of credit to the DOE in an amount determined by the DOE and equal to at least 50 percent of the Title IV funds received by our institutions during the most recent fiscal year. Under the HCM1 payment method, the institution is required to make Title IV disbursements to eligible students and parents before it requests or receives funds for the amount of those disbursements from the DOE. As long as the student accounts are credited before the funding requests are initiated, we are permitted to draw down funds through the DOE’s electronic system for grants management and payments for the amount of disbursements made to eligible students. Unlike the Heightened Cash Monitoring 2 (HCM2) and reimbursement payment methods, the HCM1 payment method typically does not require schools to submit documentation to the DOE and wait for DOE approval before drawing down Title IV funds. If a Company’s composite score is below 1.5 for three consecutive years a Company may be able to continue to operate under the Zone Alternative; however, this determination is made solely by the DOE. If a Company’s composite score drops below 1.0 in a given year or if its composite score remains between 1.0 and 1.4 for three or more consecutive years, it may be required to meet alternative requirements for continuing to participate in Title IV programs by submitting a letter of credit, complying with monitoring requirements, disbursing Title IV funds under the HCM1, HCM2, or reimbursement payment methods, and complying with other requirements and conditions. Effective July 1, 2016, a school under HCM1, HCM2 or reimbursement payment methods must also pay any credit balances due to a student before drawing down funds for the amount of those disbursements from the DOE, even if the student or parent provide written authorization for the school to hold the credit balance. The DOE permits an institution to participate under the “Zone Alternative” for a period of up to three consecutive fiscal years; however, this determination is made solely by the DOE. If an institution’s composite score is between 1.0 and 1.4 after three or more consecutive years with a composite score below 1.5, it may be required to meet alternative requirements for continuing to participate in Title IV programs by submitting a letter of credit, complying with monitoring requirements, disbursing Title IV funds under the HCM1, HCM2, or reimbursement payment methods, and complying with other requirements and conditions. If an institution's composite score is below 1.0, the institution is considered by the DOE to lack financial responsibility. If the DOE determines that an institution does not satisfy the DOE's financial responsibility standards, depending on its composite score and other factors, that institution may establish its financial responsibility on an alternative basis by, among other things: · Posting a letter of credit in an amount determined by the DOE equal to at least 50% of the total Title IV Program funds received by the institution during the institution's most recently completed fiscal year; · Posting a letter of credit in an amount determined by the DOE equal to at least 10% of such prior year's Title IV Program funds, accepting provisional certification, complying with additional DOE monitoring requirements and agreeing to receive Title IV Program funds under an arrangement other than the DOE's standard advance funding arrangement. For the 2016 fiscal year, the Company calculated its composite score to be 1.5. T The DOE has evaluated the financial responsibility of our institutions on a consolidated basis. The Company has submitted to the DOE our audited financial statements for the 2015 and 2014 fiscal year reflecting a composite score of 1.9 and 1.3, respectively, based upon its calculations.

WEIGHTED AVERAGE COMMON SHARES

WEIGHTED AVERAGE COMMON SHARES	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2016
WEIGHTED AVERAGE COMMON SHARES [Abstract]
WEIGHTED AVERAGE COMMON SHARES	3. WEIGHTED AVERAGE COMMON SHARES The weighted average number of common shares used to compute basic and diluted income per share for the years ended December 31, 2016, 2015 and 2014, respectively were as follows: Year Ended December 31, 2016 2015 2014 Basic shares outstanding 23,453,427 23,166,977 22,814,105 Dilutive effect of stock options - 60,161 - Diluted shares outstanding 23,453,427 23,227,138 22,814,105 For the year ended December 31, 2016 and 2014, options to acquire 773,078; and 119,722 shares were excluded from the above table because the Company reported a net loss for the year and therefore their impact on reported loss per share would have been antidilutive. For the years ended December 31, 2016, 2015 and 2014, options to acquire 218,167; 391,935; and 795,985 shares; respectively, were excluded from the above table because they have an exercise price that is greater than the average market price of the Company’s common stock and therefore their impact on reported (loss) earnings per share would have been antidilutive. In 2014 and 2013, the Company issued certain members of management performance shares that vest when certain performance conditions are met. As of December 31, 2016, 2015 and 2014 none of these performance conditions were met. Accordingly, 73,827; 152,837; and 360,402 shares of outstanding performance shares have been excluded from the computation of diluted earnings per share for the year ended December 31, 2016, 2015 and 2014, respectively. Refer to Note 9 for more information on performance shares.

DISCONTINUED OPERATIONS

DISCONTINUED OPERATIONS	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2016
DISCONTINUED OPERATIONS [Abstract]
DISCONTINUED OPERATIONS	4. DISCONTINUED OPERATIONS 2016/2015 In November 2015, the Board of Directors approved a plan for the Company to divest the schools included in the Healthcare and Other Professions business segment. In December 2015, the Board of Directors approved a plan to cease operations of the school in this segment located in Hartford, Connecticut which closed in the fourth quarter of 2016 and is included in discontinued operations. In addition, in the fourth quarter of 2016, the Board of Directors approved a plan to cease operations at our schools in Henderson (Green Valley), Nevada, Center City Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, Northeast Philadelphia, Pennsylvania and West Palm Beach, Florida. The Henderson, Nevada campus also closed in the fourth quarter of 2016 and is included in discontinued operations. Divestiture of the Company’s Healthcare and Other Professions business segment marks a strategic shift in business strategy that will enable us to focus energy and resources predominantly on Transportation and Skilled Trades segment. The results of operations of the 15 campuses included in Healthcare and Other Professions business segment are reflected as discontinued operations in the consolidated financial statements. The results of operations at these campuses for the three year periods ended December 31, 2016 were as follows (in thousands): Year Ended December 31, 2016 2015 2014 Revenue $ 88,649 $ 97,846 $ 106,982 Loss before income tax (6,341 ) (3,491 ) (26,684 ) Income tax benefit - - (2,746 ) Net loss from discontinued operations $ (6,341 ) $ (3,491 ) $ (23,938 ) Amounts include impairments of goodwill and long-lived assets for these campuses of $17.5 million and $19.0 million for the year ended December 31, 2016 and 2014, respectively. 2014 In December 2014, the Company’s Board of Directors approved a plan to cease operations at five training sites in Florida. The Company performed a cost benefit analysis on several schools and concluded that the training sites contained a high fixed cost component and have had difficulty attracting enough students due to high competition to maintain a stable profit margin. Accordingly, the Company ceased operations at these campuses as of December 31, 2014. This was a strategic shift to close all of the Company’s training sites and all locations that do not accept Title IV payments. The results of operations of these campuses are reflected as discontinued operations in the consolidated financial statements. The results of operations at these five training sites for the two year periods ended December 31, 2014 were as follows (in thousands): Year Ended December 31, 2014 Revenue $ 2,140 Loss before income tax (6,731 ) Income tax benefit (85 ) Net loss from discontinued operations $ (6,646 ) Amounts include impairments of goodwill and long-lived assets for these campuses of $2.1 million for the year ended December 31, 2014.

GOODWILL AND OTHER INTANGIBLES

GOODWILL AND OTHER INTANGIBLES	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2016
GOODWILL AND OTHER INTANGIBLES [Abstract]
GOODWILL AND OTHER INTANGIBLES	5. GOODWILL AND OTHER INTANGIBLES Changes in the carrying amount of goodwill during the years ended December 31, 2016 and 2015 are as follows: Gross Goodwill Balance Accumulated Impairment Losses Net Goodwill Balance Balance as of January 1, 2015 $ 115,872 $ (93,665 ) $ 22,207 Asset held for sale (1) (7,455 ) - (7,455 ) Goodwill impairment - (216 ) (216 ) Balance as of December 31, 2015 108,417 (93,881 ) 14,536 Adjustment - - - Balance as of December 31, 2016 $ 108,417 $ (93,881 ) $ 14,536 (1) Amount consists of $1.3 million of goodwill held for sale as of December 31, 2014 offset by $8.8 million of goodwill as of December 31, 2015. Refer to Note 6 for more information on assets held for sale. As of December 31, 2016 and 2015 the goodwill balance of $14.5 million is related to the Transportation and Skilled Trades Segment. The goodwill related to the Healthcare and Other Professions Segment of $8.8 million was included in assets held for sale as of December 31, 2015 and was fully impaired as of December 31, 2016. Intangible assets, which are included in other assets in the accompanying consolidated balance sheets, consisted of the following: Trade Name Accreditation Curriculum Total Gross carrying amount at December 31, 2015 $ 310 $ - $ 160 $ 470 Additions - - - - Gross carrying amount at December 31, 2016 310 - 160 470 Accumulated amortization at December 31, 2015 308 - 112 420 Amortization 2 - 16 18 Accumulated amortization at December 31, 2016 310 - 128 438 Net carrying amount at December 31, 2016 $ - $ - $ 32 $ 32 Weighted average amortization period (years) 7 Indefinite 10 Trade Name Accreditation Curriculum Total Gross carrying amount at December 31, 2014 $ 310 $ 1,064 $ 550 $ 1,924 Asset held for sale (1) - (1,064 ) (390 ) (1,454 ) Gross carrying amount at December 31, 2015 310 - 160 470 Accumulated amortization at December 31, 2014 264 - 469 733 Amortization 44 - 21 65 Asset held for sale (1) - - (378 ) (378 ) Accumulated amortization at December 31, 2015 308 - 112 420 Net carrying amount at December 31, 2015 $ 2 $ - $ 48 $ 50 Weighted average amortization period (years) 7 Indefinite 10 (1) Refer to Note 6 for more information on assets held for sale. Amortization of intangible assets for the years ended December 31, 2016, 2015 and 2014 was approximately $0.1 million, $0.1 million and $0.2 million, respectively. The following table summarizes the estimated future amortization expense: Year Ending December 31, 2017 $ 16 2018 16 $ 32

PROPERTY, EQUIPMENT AND FACILIT

PROPERTY, EQUIPMENT AND FACILITIES	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2016
PROPERTY, EQUIPMENT AND FACILITIES [Abstract]
PROPERTY, EQUIPMENT AND FACILITIES	6. PROPERTY, EQUIPMENT AND FACILITIES Property, equipment and facilities consist of the following: Useful life (years) At December 31, 2016 2015 Land (a) - $ 6,969 $ 10,054 Buildings and improvements (a) 1-25 105,433 112,281 Equipment, furniture and fixtures 1-7 65,776 66,838 Vehicles 3 534 617 Construction in progress - 925 159 179,637 189,949 Less accumulated depreciation and amortization (124,192 ) (123,324 ) $ 55,445 $ 66,625 (a) Amounts are reduced by a $1.4 million impairment charge in 2016 related to a property in Suffield, Connecticut. Depreciation and amortization expense of property, equipment and facilities was $10.9 million, $10.2 million and $14.5 million for the years ended December 31, 2016, 2015 and 2014, respectively. As discussed in Note 4, the Board of Directors approved a plan for the Company to divest schools included in its Healthcare and Other Professions business segment. In addition in 2016, the Board of Directors approved a plan to close the West Palm Beach, Florida schools and for the Company to sell owned the real estate in West Palm Beach, Florida. The Company anticipates that these properties will be sold during 2017. Accordingly, the assets have been reflected as held for sale in the accompanying consolidated balance sheet. The assets and liabilities held for sale consist of the following: At December 31, 2016 At December 31, 2015 Assets held for sale Inventories $ 629 $ 646 Accounts receivable, less allowance of $3,930 and $3,261 at December 31, 2016 and 2015, respectively 5,089 4,526 Prepaid expense and other current assets 460 724 Noncurrent receivables, less allowance of $212 and $189 at December 31, 2016 and 2015, respectively 1,690 1,384 Property, equipment and facilities - at cost, net of accumluated depreciation and amortization of $41,703 and $34,751 at December 31, 2016 and 2015, respectively (b) (c) 16,847 27,133 Goodwill (d) - 8,759 Other assets, net (e) 71 1,197 Assets held for sale 24,786 44,369 Liabilities held for sale Unearned tuition (7,255 ) (7,929 ) Accrued expenses (2,553 ) (2,668 ) Accrued rent (1,770 ) (1,735 ) Liabilities held for sale (11,578 ) (12,332 ) Assets held for sale, net $ 13,208 $ 32,037 (b) Amount is reduced by a $2.5 million impairment charge in 2016 related to a property in West Palm Beach, Florida. (c) Amount is reduced by a $7.6 million impairment charge in 2016 related to long-lived assets. (d) Amount is reduced by an $8.8 million impairment charge in 2016 related to goodwill. (e) Amount is reduced by a $1.1 million impairment charge in 2016 related to indefinite-lived assets.

ACCRUED EXPENSES

ACCRUED EXPENSES	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2016
ACCRUED EXPENSES [Abstract]
ACCRUED EXPENSES	7. ACCRUED EXPENSES Accrued expenses consist of the following: At December 31, 2016 2015 Accrued compensation and benefits $ 6,664 $ 6,151 Accrued rent and real estate taxes $ 2,917 $ 2,012 Other accrued expenses 3,234 3,046 $ 12,815 $ 11,209

LONG-TERM DEBT AND LEASE OBLIGA

LONG-TERM DEBT AND LEASE OBLIGATIONS	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2016
LONG-TERM DEBT AND LEASE OBLIGATIONS [Abstract]
LONG-TERM DEBT AND LEASE OBLIGATIONS	8. LONG-TERM DEBT AND LEASE OBLIGATIONS Long-term debt and lease obligations consist of the following: At December 31, 2016 2015 Term loan (a) $ 44,267 $ 44,653 Finance obligation (b) - 9,672 Capital lease-property (with a rate of 8.0%) (c) - 3,899 44,267 58,224 Less current maturities (11,713 ) (10,114 ) $ 32,554 $ 48,110 (a) A portion of the proceeds of the Term Loan were used by the Company to (i) repay approximately $6.3 million in outstanding principal, accrued interest and fees due under the previously existing revolving credit facility, (ii) fund the $20.3 million cash collateral account securing the portion of the Term Loan provided by Alostar, (iii) fund approximately $7.4 million in a cash collateral account securing the letters of credit issued under the previously existing revolving credit facility that remain outstanding after the termination of that facility and (iv) pay transaction expenses in connection with the Term Loan and the termination of the previously existing revolving credit facility. The remaining proceeds of the Term Loan of approximately $11 million may be used by the Company to finance capital expenditures and for general corporate purposes consistent with the terms of the Credit Agreement. Interest will accrue on the Term Loan at a per annum rate equal to the greater of (i) 11% or (ii) 90-day LIBOR plus 9% determined monthly by the Agent and will be payable monthly in arrears. The principal balance of the Term Loan will be repaid in equal monthly installments, commencing on August 1, 2017, determined as the quotient of (i) 10% of the outstanding principal balance of the Term Loan as of July 2, 2017 divided by (ii) 12. A final installment of principal and all accrued and unpaid interest will be due on the maturity date of the Term Loan. The Term Loan may be prepaid in whole or in part at any time, subject to the payment of a prepayment premium equal to (i) 5% of the principal amount prepaid at any time up to but not including the second anniversary of the Closing Date and (ii) 3% of the principal amount prepaid at any time commencing on the second anniversary of the Closing Date up to but not including the third anniversary of the Closing Date. In the event of any sale or other disposition of a school or real property by the Company permitted under the Term Loan, the net proceeds of such sale or disposition must be used to prepay the Loan in an amount determined pursuant to the Credit Agreement, subject to the applicable prepayment premium; provided, however, that no prepayment premium will be due with respect to up to $15 million of aggregate repayments of the Term Loan made during the first year that the Term Loan is outstanding. A portion of the net cash proceeds of any disposition of a school in an amount determined pursuant to the terms of the Term Loan, must be deposited and held as cash collateral in a deposit account controlled by the Agent until the conditions for release set forth in the Term Loan are satisfied. In connection with the assets which are currently classified as held for sale and are expected to be sold within one year, the Company is required to classify $10 million as short term debt due to the Term Loan prepayment minimum required with respect to any such disposition. The Term Loan contains customary representations, warranties and covenants such as minimum financial responsibility composite score, cohort default rate, and other financial covenants, including minimum liquidity, maximum capital expenditures, maximum 90/10 ratio and minimum EBITDA (as defined in the Term Loan), as well as affirmative and negative covenants and events of default customary for facilities of this type. The Company was in compliance with all covenants as of December 31, 2016. Subsequent to the 2015 fiscal year end, pursuant to the Second Amendment, the financial covenants were adjusted and, at the Company’s election, will be adjusted for fiscal year 2017 and for each subsequent fiscal year until the maturity of the Term Loan at either the levels applicable to fiscal year 2016 (and each fiscal quarter thereof) contained in the Credit Agreement as of the Closing Date or the levels applicable to fiscal year 2016 (and each fiscal quarter thereof) contained in the Second Amendment. The Company elected to re-set the financial covenants at the 2016 covenant levels contained in the Second Amendment and as required paid $4 million before January 15, 2017, without prepayment penalty. In addition, in February 2017 the Company elected to repay $5 million of restricted cash without prepayment penalty. The Credit Agreement contains events of default, the occurrence and continuation of which provide the Company’s lenders with the right to exercise remedies against the Company and the collateral securing the Term Loan, including the Company’s cash. These events of default include, among other things, the Company’s failure to pay any amounts due under the Term Loan, a breach of covenants under the Credit Agreement, the Company’s insolvency and the insolvency of its subsidiaries, the occurrence of a material adverse effect, the occurrence of any default under certain other indebtedness, and a final judgment against the Company in an amount greater than $1 million. Also, in connection with the Term Loan, the Company paid to the Agent a commitment fee of $1 million on the Closing Date and is required to pay to the Agent other customary fees for facilities of this type. Total fees for the Term Loan were $2.8 million during fiscal year 2015. During the first quarter of 2016, in connection with the effectiveness of the Second Amendment, the Company paid loan modification fees of $0.5 million. These deferred finance fees are netted against the Term Loan on the Consolidated Balance Sheets and amortized to interest expense on the Consolidated Statement of Operations. As of December 31, 2016 and December 31, 2015, the Company had $44.3 million and $44.7 million outstanding under the Term Loan; offset by $2.3 million and $2.5 million of deferred finance fees, respectively. (b) The Company completed a sale and a leaseback of four facilities on December 28, 2001. The Company retained a continuing involvement in the lease and, as a result, the Company was prohibited from utilizing sale-leaseback accounting. Accordingly, the Company had treated this transaction as a finance lease. In January 2016, the lease was amended to cure certain provisions related to continuing involvement and, as a consequence, achieved sales treatment. In the first quarter of 2016, the lease was converted to an operating lease and rent payments are included in educational, services and facilities expense in the Consolidated Statement of Operations. In addition, the finance obligation, net of land and buildings, was amortized on the straight-line basis through December 31, 2016. (c) In 2009, the Company assumed a real estate capital lease for a property located in Fern Park, Florida having a term continuing through October 31, 2032. I approved a plan to cease operations of its school located at the In connection with the closure of the school the Company paid a $2.8 million lease termination fee to the landlord in connection with the amendment and early termination of the 2009 lease agreement. The amended lease agreement subsequently expired on April 10, 2016. In December 2015, the Company’s Board of Directors approved a plan to cease operations at the Company paid a $5 million lease termination fee to its landlord in connection with the early termination of a lease agreement under which the Company leased property in Hartford, Connecticut for a term continuing through July 31, 2031. (d) Scheduled maturities of long-term debt and lease obligations at December 31, 2016 are as follows: Year ending December 31, 2017 $ 11,713 2018 3,427 2019 29,127 2020 - 2021 - Thereafter - $ 44,267

STOCKHOLDERS' EQUITY

STOCKHOLDERS' EQUITY	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2016
STOCKHOLDERS' EQUITY [Abstract]
STOCKHOLDERS' EQUITY	9. STOCKHOLDERS' EQUITY Restricted Stock The Company has two stock incentive plans: a Long-Term Incentive Plan (the “LTIP”) and a Non-Employee Directors Restricted Stock Plan (the “Non-Employee Directors Plan”). Under the LTIP, certain employees received awards of restricted shares of common stock based on service and performance. The number of shares granted to each employee is based on the fair market value of a share of common stock on the date of grant. On May 13, 2016, performance-based shares were granted which vest over two years on March 15, 2017 and March 15, 2018 based upon the attainment of a financial responsibility ratio during each fiscal year ending December 31, 2016 and 2017. There is no restriction on the right to vote or the right to receive dividends with respect to any of the restricted shares. On June 2, 2014 and December 18, 2014, performance-based shares were granted which vest over three years based upon the attainment of (i) a specified operating income margin during any one or more of the fiscal years in the period beginning January 1, 2015 and ending December 31, 2017 and (ii) the attainment of earnings before interest, taxes, depreciation and amortization targets during each of the fiscal years ended December 31, 2015 through 2017. There is no restriction on the right to vote or the right to receive dividends with respect to any of the restricted shares. On April 29, 2013, performance-based shares were granted which vest over four years based upon the attainment of (i) a specified operating income margin during any one or more of the fiscal years in the period beginning January 1, 2013 and ending December 31, 2016 and (ii) the attainment of earnings before interest, taxes, depreciation and amortization targets during each of the fiscal years ended December 31, 2013 through 2016. There is no restriction on the right to vote or the right to receive dividends with respect to any of the restricted shares. Pursuant to the Non-Employee Directors Plan, each non-employee director of the Company receives an annual award of restricted shares of common stock on the date of the Company’s annual meeting of shareholders. The number of shares granted to each non-employee director is based on the fair market value of a share of common stock on that date. There is no restriction on the right to vote or the right to receive dividends with respect to any of the restricted shares. In 2016, 2015 and 2014, the Company completed a net share settlement for 71,805, 85,740 and 144,983 restricted shares and stock options exercised, respectively, on behalf of certain employees that participate in the LTIP upon the vesting of the restricted shares pursuant to the terms of the LTIP or exercise of the stock options. The net share settlement was in connection with income taxes incurred on restricted shares or stock option exercises that vested and were transferred to the employee during 2016, 2015 and/or 2014, creating taxable income for the employee. At the employees’ request, the Company will pay these taxes on behalf of the employees in exchange for the employees returning an equivalent value of restricted shares or stock options to the Company. These transactions resulted in a decrease of approximately $0.2 million, $0.2 million and $0.4 million in 2016, 2015 and 2014, respectively, to equity as the cash payment of the taxes effectively was a repurchase of the restricted shares or stock options granted in previous years. The following is a summary of transactions pertaining to restricted stock: Shares Weighted Average Grant Date Fair Value Per Share Nonvested restricted stock outstanding at December 31, 2014 925,819 $ 5.04 Granted 234,651 2.28 Cancelled (354,462 ) 4.97 Vested (355,514 ) 5.00 Nonvested restricted stock outstanding at December 31, 2015 450,494 3.69 Granted 1,105,487 1.67 Cancelled (76,200 ) 2.98 Vested (336,182 ) 3.33 Nonvested restricted stock outstanding at December 31, 2016 1,143,599 1.89 The restricted stock expense for each of the years ended December 31, 2016, 2015 and 2014 was $1.4 million, $1.1 million and $2.5 million, respectively. The unrecognized restricted stock expense as of December 31, 2016 and 2015 was $1.5 million and $1.3 million, respectively. As of December 31, 2016, unrecognized restricted stock expense will be expensed over the weighted-average period of approximately 1.9 years. As of December 31, 2016, outstanding restricted shares under the LTIP had an aggregate intrinsic value of $2.2 million. For the year ended December 31, 2016, 26,200 shares were cancelled as the performance criteria was not met. Stock Options During 2016, 2015 and 2014 there were no new stock option grants. The following is a summary of transactions pertaining to the option plans: Shares Weighted Average Exercise Price Per Share Weighted Average Remaining Contractual Term Aggregate Intrinsic Value Outstanding December 31, 2013 547,125 $ 14.73 4.56 years $ - Cancelled (122,958 ) 18.49 - Outstanding December 31, 2014 424,167 13.65 4.18 years - Cancelled (178,000 ) 15.20 - Outstanding December 31, 2015 246,167 12.52 3.98 years - Cancelled (28,000 ) 15.76 Outstanding December 31, 2016 218,167 12.11 3.33 years - Vested or expected to vest as of December 31, 2016 218,167 12.11 3.33 years - Exercisable as of December 31, 2016 218,167 12.11 3.33 years - As of December 31, 2016, there are no unrecognized pre-tax compensation expense for unvested stock option awards. The following table presents a summary of options outstanding at December 31, 2016: At December 31, 2016 Stock Options Outstanding Stock Options Exercisable Range of Exercise Prices Shares Contractual Weighted Average life (years) Weighted Average Exercise Price Shares Weighted Average Exercise Price $ 4.00-$13.99 165,167 3.35 $ 9.46 165,167 $ 9.46 $ 14.00-$19.99 22,000 2.84 19.98 22,000 19.98 $ 20.00-$25.00 31,000 3.59 20.62 31,000 20.62 218,167 3.33 12.11 218,167 12.11

PENSION PLAN

PENSION PLAN	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2016
PENSION PLAN [Abstract]
PENSION PLAN	10. PENSION PLAN The Company sponsors a noncontributory defined benefit pension plan covering substantially all of the Company's union employees. Benefits are provided based on employees' years of service and earnings. This plan was frozen on December 31, 1994 for non-union employees. The following table sets forth the plan's funded status and amounts recognized in the consolidated financial statements: Year Ended December 31, 2016 2015 2014 CHANGES IN BENEFIT OBLIGATIONS: Benefit obligation-beginning of year $ 23,341 $ 24,299 $ 20,314 Service cost 28 28 23 Interest cost 888 884 892 Actuarial (gain) loss (255 ) (782 ) 4,149 Benefits paid (1,086 ) (1,088 ) (1,079 ) Benefit obligation at end of year 22,916 23,341 24,299 CHANGE IN PLAN ASSETS: Fair value of plan assets-beginning of year 17,792 19,000 18,792 Actual return on plan assets 842 (120 ) 1,017 Employer contributions - - 270 Benefits paid (1,086 ) (1,088 ) (1,079 ) Fair value of plan assets-end of year 17,548 17,792 19,000 BENEFIT OBLIGATION IN EXCESS OF FAIR VALUE FUNDED STATUS: $ (5,368 ) $ (5,549 ) $ (5,299 ) For the year ended December 31, 2016, the actuarial gain of $0.3 million was due to the decrease in the discount rate from 3.94% to 3.81%. Amounts recognized in the consolidated balance sheets consist of: At December 31, 2016 2015 2014 Noncurrent liabilities $ (5,368 ) $ (5,549 ) $ (5,299 ) Amounts recognized in accumulated other comprehensive loss consist of: Year Ended December 31, 2016 2015 2014 Accumulated loss $ (8,467 ) $ (9,438 ) $ (9,833 ) Deferred income taxes 2,366 2,366 2,366 Accumulated other comprehensive loss $ (6,101 ) $ (7,072 ) $ (7,467 ) The accumulated benefit obligation was $22.9 million and $23.3 million at December 31, 2016 and 2015, respectively. The following table provides the components of net periodic cost for the plan: Year Ended December 31, 2016 2015 2014 COMPONENTS OF NET PERIODIC BENEFIT COST Service cost $ 28 $ 28 $ 23 Interest cost 888 884 892 Expected return on plan assets (1,118 ) (1,243 ) (1,287 ) Recognized net actuarial loss 991 976 513 Net periodic benefit cost $ 789 $ 645 $ 141 The estimated net loss, transition obligation and prior service cost for the plan that will be amortized from accumulated other comprehensive loss into net periodic benefit cost over the next year is $0.9 million. The following tables present plan assets using the fair value hierarchy as of December 31, 2016 and 2015. The fair value hierarchy has three levels based on the reliability of inputs used to determine fair value. Level 1 refers to fair values determined based on quoted prices in active markets for identical assets. Level 2 refers to fair values estimated using observable prices that are based on inputs not quoted in active markets but observable by market data, while Level 3 includes the fair values estimated using significant non-observable inputs. The level in the fair value hierarchy within which the fair value measurement falls is determined based on the lowest level input that is significant to the fair value measurement in its entirety. Quoted Prices in Active Markets for Identical Assets (Level 1) Significant Other Observable Inputs (Level 2) Significant Unobservable Inputs (Level 3) Total Equity securities $ 8,509 $ - $ - $ 8,509 Fixed income 6,548 - - 6,548 International equities 2,484 - - 2,484 Cash and equivalents 7 - - 7 Balance at December 31, 2016 $ 17,548 $ - $ - $ 17,548 Quoted Prices in Active Markets for Identical Assets (Level 1) Significant Other Observable Inputs (Level 2) Significant Unobservable Inputs (Level 3) Total Equity securities $ 8,473 $ - $ - $ 8,473 Fixed income 5,943 - - 5,943 International equities 3,288 - - 3,288 Cash and equivalents 88 - - 88 Balance at December 31, 2015 $ 17,792 $ - $ - $ 17,792 Fair value of total plan assets by major asset category as of December 31: 2016 2015 2014 Equity securities 49 % 48 % 50 % Fixed income 37 % 33 % 32 % International equities 14 % 19 % 18 % Cash and equivalents 0 % 0 % 0 % Total 100 % 100 % 100 % Weighted-average assumptions used to determine benefit obligations as of December 31: 2016 2015 2014 Discount rate 3.81 % 3.94 % 3.66 % Rate of compensation increase 2.50 % 2.50 % 1.13 % Weighted-average assumptions used to determine net periodic pension cost for years ended December 31: 2016 2015 2014 Discount rate 3.81 % 3.94 % 4.46 % Rate of compensation increase 2.50 % 2.50 % 1.13 % Long-term rate of return 6.25 % 6.50 % 7.00 % As this plan was frozen to non-union employees on December 31, 1994, the difference between the projected benefit obligation and accumulated benefit obligation is not significant in any year. The Company invests plan assets based on a total return on investment approach, pursuant to which the plan assets include a diversified blend of equity and fixed income investments toward a goal of maximizing the long-term rate of return without assuming an unreasonable level of investment risk. The Company determines the level of risk based on an analysis of plan liabilities, the extent to which the value of the plan assets satisfies the plan liabilities and the plan's financial condition. The investment policy includes target allocations ranging from 30% to 70% for equity investments, 20% to 60% for fixed income investments and 0% to 10% for cash equivalents. The equity portion of the plan assets represents growth and value stocks of small, medium and large companies. The Company measures and monitors the investment risk of the plan assets both on a quarterly basis and annually when the Company assesses plan liabilities. The Company uses a building block approach to estimate the long-term rate of return on plan assets. This approach is based on the capital markets assumption that the greater the volatility, the greater the return over the long term. An analysis of the historical performance of equity and fixed income investments, together with current market factors such as the inflation and interest rates, are used to help make the assumptions necessary to estimate a long-term rate of return on plan assets. Once this estimate is made, the Company reviews the portfolio of plan assets and makes adjustments thereto that the Company believes are necessary to reflect a diversified blend of equity and fixed income investments that is capable of achieving the estimated long-term rate of return without assuming an unreasonable level of investment risk. The Company also compares the portfolio of plan assets to those of other pension plans to help assess the suitability and appropriateness of the plan's investments. The Company does not expect to make contributions to the plan in 2017. However after considering the funded status of the plan, movements in the discount rate, investment performance and related tax consequences, the Company may choose to make additional contributions to the plan in any given year. The total amount of the Company’s contributions paid under its pension plan was zero for the each of the years ended December 31, 2016 and 2015, respectively. Information about the expected benefit payments for the plan is as follows: Year Ending December 31, 2017 $ 1,257 2018 1,323 2019 1,357 2020 1,369 2021 1,376 Years 2022-2026 7,039 The Company has a 401(k) defined contribution plan for all eligible employees. Employees may contribute up to 25% of their compensation into the plan. The Company may contribute an up to an additional 30% of the employee's contributed amount up to 6% of compensation. For the years ended December 31, 2016, 2015 and 2014, the Company's expense for the 401(k) plan amounted to $0.7 million, $0.7 million and $1.6 million, respectively.

INCOME TAXES

INCOME TAXES	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2016
INCOME TAXES [Abstract]
INCOME TAXES	11. INCOME TAXES Components of the provision for income taxes from continuing operations were as follows: Year Ended December 31, 2016 2015 2014 Current: Federal $ - $ - $ - State 200 242 200 Total 200 242 200 Deferred: Federal - - (1,420 ) State - - (259 ) Total - - (1,679 ) Total provision (benefit) $ 200 $ 242 $ (1,479 ) The components of the deferred tax assets are as follows: At December 31, 2016 2015 Noncurrent deferred tax assets (liabilities) Allowance for bad debts $ 5,904 $ 5,617 Accrued rent 3,191 2,952 Accrued bonus 1,429 - Accrued benefits 198 - Stock-based compensation 557 498 Depreciation 20,372 14,941 Goodwill 1,959 (380 ) Other intangibles 562 274 Pension plan liabilities 2,142 2,215 Net operating loss carryforwards 17,846 14,765 Sale leaseback-deferred gain - 2,629 AMT credit 424 424 Total noncurrent deferred tax assets 54,584 43,935 Less valuation allowance (54,584 ) (43,935 ) Noncurrent deferred tax assets, net of valuation allowance $ - $ - Management assesses the available positive and negative evidence to estimate if sufficient future taxable income will be generated to use the existing deferred tax assets. A significant piece of objective negative evidence was the cumulative losses incurred by the Company in recent years. On the basis of this evaluation the Company believes it is not more likely than not that it will realize its net deferred tax assets. As a result, as of December 31, 2016 and 2015, the Company has recorded a valuation allowance of $54.6 million and $43.9 million, respectively, against its net deferred tax assets. The difference between the actual tax provision and the tax provision that would result from the use of the Federal statutory rate is as follows: Year Ended December 31, 2016 2015 2014 (Loss) gain from continuing operations before taxes $ (4,298 ) $ 383 $ (27,028 ) Expected tax benefit $ (1,504 ) 35.0 % $ 134 35.0 % $ (9,460 ) 35.0 % State tax benefit (net of federal) 200 (4.7 ) 242 63.2 (43 ) 0.2 Valuation allowance 1,394 (32.4 ) (274 ) (71.5 ) 7,876 (29.1 ) Other 110 (2.6 ) 140 36.5 148 (0.6 ) Total $ 200 -4.7 % $ 242 63.2 % $ (1,479 ) 5.5 % As of December 31, 2016 and 2015, the Company has NOL carryforwards of $39.7 million and $32.6 million, respectively, which, if unused, will expire beginning in 2027 and ending in 2036. Utilization of the NOL carryforwards may be subject to a substantial limitation due to ownership change limitations that may occur in the future, as required by Section 382 of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended (the “Code”), as well as similar state and foreign provisions. These ownership changes may limit the amount of NOL and tax credit carryforwards that can be utilized annually to offset future taxable income and tax, respectively. In general, an “ownership change” as defined by Section 382 of the Code results from a transaction or series of transactions over a three-year period resulting in an ownership change of more than 50 percentage points of the outstanding stock of a company by certain stockholders or public groups. The following table summarizes the activity related to the Company’s uncertain tax positions: Year Ended December 31, 2016 2015 2014 Balance at January 1, $ - $ - $ - Decrease for tax positions of prior years - - - Increase for tax positions of current year - - - Balance at December 31, $ - $ - $ - As of December 31, 2016, 2015 and 2014, the Company no longer has any liability for uncertain tax positions. The Company recognizes accrued interest and penalties related to uncertain tax positions in income tax expense. The Company or one of its subsidiaries files income tax returns in the U.S. federal jurisdiction, and various states. The Company is no longer subject to U.S. federal income tax examinations for years before 2014 and, generally, is no longer subject to state and local income tax examinations by tax authorities for years before 2011.

FAIR VALUE

FAIR VALUE	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2016
FAIR VALUE [Abstract]
FAIR VALUE	12. FAIR VALUE The carrying amount and estimated fair value of the Company’s financial instrument assets and liabilities, which are not measured at fair value on the Consolidated Balance Sheets, are listed in the table below: December 31, 2016 Carrying Amount Quoted Prices in Active Markets for Identical Assets (Level 1) Significant Other Observable Inputs (Level 2) Significant Unobservable Inputs (Level 3) Total Financial Assets: Cash and cash equivalents $ 21,064 $ 21,064 $ - $ - $ 21,064 Restricted cash 6,399 6,399 - - 6,399 Prepaid expenses and other current assets 2,434 - 2,434 - 2,434 Noncurrent restricted cash 20,252 20,252 - - 20,252 Financial Liabilities: Accrued expenses $ 12,815 $ - $ 12,815 $ - $ 12,815 Other short term liabilities 653 - 653 - 653 Term loan 44,267 - 40,687 - 40,687 December 31, 2015 Carrying Amount Quoted Prices in Active Markets for Identical Assets (Level 1) Significant Other Observable Inputs (Level 2) Significant Unobservable Inputs (Level 3) Total Financial Assets: Cash and cash equivalents $ 38,420 $ 38,420 $ - $ - $ 38,420 Restricted cash 7,362 7,362 - - 7,362 Prepaid expenses and other current assets 2,710 - 2,710 - 2,710 Noncurrent restricted cash 15,259 15,259 - - 15,259 Financial Liabilities: Accrued expenses $ 11,209 $ - $ 11,209 $ - $ 11,209 Other short term liabilities 686 - 686 - 686 Term loan 44,653 - 36,795 - 36,795 The fair value of the Term loan is estimated based on a present value analysis utilizing aggregate market yields obtained from independent pricing sources for similar financial instruments. The carrying amounts reported on the Consolidated Balance Sheets for Cash and cash equivalents, Restricted cash and Noncurrent restricted cash approximate fair value because they are highly liquid. The carrying amounts reported on the Consolidated Balance Sheets for Prepaid expenses and other current assets, Accrued expenses and Other short term liabilities approximate fair value due to the short-term nature of these items.

SEGMENT REPORTING

SEGMENT REPORTING	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2016
SEGMENT REPORTING [Abstract]
SEGMENT REPORTING	13. SEGMENT REPORTING The for-profit education industry has been impacted by numerous regulatory changes, the changing economy and an onslaught of negative media attention. As a result of these actions, student populations have declined and operating costs have increased. Over the past few years, the Company has closed over ten locations and exited its online business. On November 3, 2015, the Board of Directors approved a plan for the divestiture of the Company’s schools included in the Healthcare and Other Professions business segment. In December 2015, the Board of Directors approved a plan to cease operations of the school located in Hartford, Connecticut which Then In the past, we offered any combination of programs at any campus. We have changed our focus to program offerings that create greater differentiation and attain excellence to attract more students and gain market share. Also strategically, we began offering continuing education training to employers who hire our students and this is best achieved at campuses focused on their profession. As a result of the regulatory environment, market forces and strategic decisions, we now operate in two reportable segments: a) Transportation and Skilled Trades and b) Transitional. Our which have been determined based on a method by which we evaluate performance and allocate resources Transportation and Skilled Trades – Transitional – We evaluate segment performance based on operating results. Adjustments to reconcile segment results to consolidated results are included under the caption “Corporate,” which primarily includes unallocated corporate activity. Summary financial information by reporting segment is as follows: For the Year Ended December 31, Revenue Operating (Loss) Income 2016 % of Total 2015 % of Total 2014 % of Total 2016 2015 2014 Transportation and Skilled Trades $ 177,882 90.3 % $ 183,821 88.3 % $ 188,669 86.5 % $ 21,278 $ 26,778 $ 19,519 Transitional 19,028 9.7 % 24,435 11.7 % 29,371 13.5 % (6,334 ) (1,689 ) (19,814 ) Corporate - 0.0 % - 0.0 % - 0.0 % (20,107 ) (19,140 ) (23,364 ) Total $ 196,910 100 % $ 208,256 100 % $ 218,040 100 % $ (5,163 ) $ 5,949 $ (23,659 ) Total Assets December 31, 2016 December 31, 2015 Transportation and Skilled Trades $ 83,320 $ 90,045 Transitional 1,594 4,492 Corporate 53,507 68,844 Discontinued Operations 24,786 44,369 Total $ 163,207 $ 207,750

COMMITMENTS AND CONTINGENCIES

COMMITMENTS AND CONTINGENCIES	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2016
COMMITMENTS AND CONTINGENCIES [Abstract]
COMMITMENTS AND CONTINGENCIES	14. COMMITMENTS AND CONTINGENCIES Lease Commitments Year Ending December 31, Credit Agreement Operating Leases 2017 $ 16,048 $ 21,428 2018 6,881 19,132 2019 30,958 16,521 2020 - 12,439 2021 - 7,202 Thereafter - 20,484 53,887 97,206 Less amount representing interest (9,620 ) - $ 44,267 $ 97,206 Rent expense, included in operating expenses in the accompanying consolidated statements of operations for the three years ended December 31, 2016, 2015 and 2014 is $12.0 million, $10.9 million and $11.1 million, respectively. Litigation and Regulatory Matters — On November 21, 2012, the Company received a Civil Investigative Demand from the Attorney General of the Commonwealth of Massachusetts relating to its investigation of whether the Company and certain of its academic institutions have complied with certain Massachusetts state consumer protection laws. On July 29, 2013, and January 17, 2014, the Company received additional Civil Investigative Demands pursuant to which the Attorney General requested from the Company and certain of its academic institutions in Massachusetts documents and detailed information for the time period from January 1, 2008 to the present. On July 13, 2015, the Commonwealth of Massachusetts filed a complaint against the Company in the Suffolk County Superior Court alleging certain violations of the Massachusetts Consumer Protection Act since at least 2010 and continuing through 2013. At the same time, the Company agreed to the entry of a Final Judgment by Consent in order to avoid the time, burden, and expense of contesting such liability. As part of the Final Judgment by Consent, the Company denied all allegations of wrongdoing and any liability for the claims asserted in the complaint. The Company, however, paid the sum of $850,000 to the Attorney General and has agreed to forgive $165,000 of debt consisting of unpaid balances owed to the Company by certain graduates in the sole discretion of the Massachusetts Attorney General. The Final Judgment by Consent also provided certain requirements for calculation of job placement rates in Massachusetts and imposed certain disclosure obligations that are consistent with the regulations that have been previously enacted by the Massachusetts Attorney General’s Office. On December 15, 2015, the Company received an administrative subpoena from the Attorney General of the State of Maryland. Pursuant to the subpoena, Maryland’s Attorney General has requested from the Company documents and detailed information relating to its Columbia, Maryland campus. The Company has responded to this request and intends to continue cooperating with the Maryland Attorney General’s Office. Student Loans — Vendor Relationship — The Company is party to an agreement with Snap-on Industrial (“Snap-on”), which expires on December 31, 2018. The Company has agreed to grant Snap-on exclusive rights to one automotive campus to display advertising and supply certain tools. The Company earns credits that are redeemable for certain tools and equipment based on the sales to students and to the Company. Executive Employment Agreements Change in Control Agreements Surety Bonds

RELATED PARTY

RELATED PARTY	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2016
RELATED PARTY [Abstract]
RELATED PARTY	15. RELATED PARTY The Company has an agreement with MATCO Tools, whereby MATCO will provide to the Company, on an advance commission basis, credits in MATCO-branded tools, tool storage, equipment, and diagnostics products. The CEO of the parent company of MATCO is considered an immediate family member of one of the Company’s board members. The Company’s purchases from this third party were $1.0 million for the year ended December 31, 2016. Management believes that such transactions are at arm’s length and on similar terms as would have been obtained from unaffiliated third parties.

UNAUDITED QUARTERLY FINANCIAL I

UNAUDITED QUARTERLY FINANCIAL INFORMATION	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2016
UNAUDITED QUARTERLY FINANCIAL INFORMATION [Abstract]
UNAUDITED QUARTERLY FINANCIAL INFORMATION	16. UNAUDITED QUARTERLY FINANCIAL INFORMATION The following tables have been updated to reflect changes in discontinued operations. Quarterly financial information for 2016 and 2015 is as follows: Quarter 2016 First Second Third Fourth Revenue $ 47,423 $ 46,263 $ 52,877 $ 50,348 (Loss) income from continuing operations (4,638 ) (1,642 ) 1,697 84 (Loss) income from discontinued operations (1,430 ) (1,496 ) (2,168 ) (18,711 ) Loss income (6,068 ) (3,138 ) (471 ) (18,627 ) Basic (Loss) earnings per share from continuing operations $ (0.20 ) $ (0.07 ) $ 0.07 $ 0.00 (Loss) earnings per share from discontinued operations (0.06 ) (0.06 ) (0.09 ) (0.79 ) Net (loss) earnings per share $ (0.26 ) $ (0.13 ) $ (0.02 ) $ (0.79 ) Diluted (Loss) earnings per share from continuing operations $ (0.20 ) $ (0.07 ) $ 0.07 $ 0.00 (Loss) earnings per share from discontinued operations (0.06 ) (0.06 ) (0.09 ) (0.76 ) Net (loss) earnings per share $ (0.26 ) $ (0.13 ) $ (0.02 ) $ (0.76 ) Weighted average number of common shares outstanding: Basic 23,351 23,448 23,499 23,514 Diluted 23,351 23,448 24,680 24,602 Quarter 2015 First Second Third Fourth Revenue $ 51,345 $ 48,607 $ 55,752 $ 52,552 (Loss) income from continuing operations (4,786 ) (4,169 ) 5,217 3,878 (Loss) income from discontinued operations (2,097 ) (3,436 ) (2,636 ) 4,679 Net (loss) income (6,883 ) (7,605 ) 2,581 8,557 Basic (Loss) earnings per share from continuing operations $ (0.21 ) $ (0.18 ) $ 0.22 $ 0.17 (Loss) earnings per share from discontinued operations (0.09 ) (0.15 ) (0.11 ) 0.20 Net (loss) earnings per share $ (0.30 ) $ (0.33 ) $ 0.11 $ 0.37 Diluted (Loss) earnings per share from continuing operations $ (0.21 ) $ (0.18 ) $ 0.22 $ 0.17 (Loss) earnings per share from discontinued operations (0.09 ) (0.15 ) (0.11 ) 0.20 Net (loss) earnings per share $ (0.30 ) $ (0.33 ) $ 0.11 $ 0.37 Weighted average number of common shares outstanding: Basic 23,056 23,132 23,230 23,247 Diluted 23,056 23,132 23,270 23,347

DIVIDENDS

DIVIDENDS	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2016
DIVIDENDS [Abstract]
DIVIDENDS	17. DIVIDENDS During 2014, the Board of Directors declared cash dividends of $0.18 per share of common stock outstanding. On February 27, 2015, the Board of Directors discontinued the quarterly cash dividend.

Schedule II-Valuation and Quali

Schedule II-Valuation and Qualifying Accounts	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2016
Schedule II-Valuation and Qualifying Accounts [Abstract]
Schedule II-Valuation and Qualifying Accounts	Schedule II—Valuation and Qualifying Accounts (in thousands, continuing and discontinued operations) Description Balance at Beginning of Period Charged to Expense Accounts Written-off Balance at End of Period Allowance accounts for the year ended: December 31, 2016 Student receivable allowance $ 14,074 $ 14,592 $ (13,872 ) $ 14,794 December 31, 2015 Student receivable allowance $ 14,849 $ 13,583 $ (14,358 ) $ 14,074 December 31, 2014 Student receivable allowance $ 14,769 $ 15,500 $ (15,420 ) $ 14,849

SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUN27

SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES (Policies)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2016
SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES [Abstract]
Business Activities	Business Activities — Lincoln Educational Services Corporation and its subsidiaries (collectively, the “Company”, “we”, “our” and “us”, as applicable) provide diversified career-oriented post-secondary education to recent high school graduates and working adults. The Company, which currently operates 28 schools in 15 states, In the first quarter of 2015, we reorganized our operations into three reportable business segments: (a) Transportation and Skilled Trades, (b) Healthcare and Other Professions (“HOPS”), and (c) Transitional which refers to businesses that have been or are currently being taught out. I strategic shift in business strategy that will enable us to focus energy and resources predominantly on the Transportation and Skilled Trades business segment. The Company continues to actively market the schools comprising the HOPS business segment and has offers which are under consideration. The results of operations of the campuses included in the HOPS business segment are reflected as discontinued operations in the consolidated financial statements. The following table lists the schools that are included in the HOPS and Transitional Segments and their status as of December 31, 2016 and 2015: Segment Status School 2015 2016 2015 2016 Allentown, PA HOPS (Discontinued Operations) HOPS (Discontinued Operations) Held for sale Held for sale 1 Edison, NJ HOPS (Discontinued Operations) HOPS (Discontinued Operations) Held for sale Held for sale 1 Moorestown, NJ HOPS (Discontinued Operations) HOPS (Discontinued Operations) Held for sale Held for sale 1 Paramus, NJ HOPS (Discontinued Operations) HOPS (Discontinued Operations) Held for sale Held for sale 1 Lincoln, RI HOPS (Discontinued Operations) HOPS (Discontinued Operations) Held for sale Held for sale 1 Brockton, MA HOPS (Discontinued Operations) HOPS (Discontinued Operations) Held for sale Held for sale 1 Somerville, MA HOPS (Discontinued Operations) HOPS (Discontinued Operations) Held for sale Held for sale 1 Lowell, MA HOPS (Discontinued Operations) HOPS (Discontinued Operations) Held for sale Held for sale 1 New Britain, CT HOPS (Discontinued Operations) HOPS (Discontinued Operations) Held for sale Held for sale 1 Shelton, CT HOPS (Discontinued Operations) HOPS (Discontinued Operations) Held for sale Held for sale 1 Las Vegas (Summerlin), NV HOPS (Discontinued Operations) HOPS (Discontinued Operations) Held for sale Held for sale 1 Southington, CT HOPS (Discontinued Operations) HOPS (Discontinued Operations) Held for sale Held for sale 1 Marietta, GA HOPS (Discontinued Operations) HOPS (Discontinued Operations) Held for sale Held for sale 1 Hartford, CT Transitional (Continuing Operations) HOPS (Discontinued Operations) Teach-out Closed 2 Henderson (Green Valley), NV HOPS (Discontinued Operations) HOPS (Discontinued Operations) Held for sale Closed 3 Center City Philadelphia, PA HOPS (Discontinued Operations) Transitional (Continuing Operations) Held for sale Teach-out 4 Northeast Philadelphia, PA HOPS (Discontinued Operations) Transitional (Continuing Operations) Held for sale Teach-out 4 West Palm Beach, FL HOPS (Discontinued Operations) Transitional (Continuing Operations) Held for sale Teach-out 5 Fern Park, FL Transitional (Continuing Operations) Transitional (Continuing Operations) Teach-out Closed 6 1 In November 2015, the Board of Directors approved a plan to divest these schools and thus they are included in discontinued operations as of December 31, 2016 and 2015. 2 In November 2015, the Board of Directors approved a plan to divest this school. In December 2015, the Board of Directors approved a plan to cease operations at this school. The school was included in the Transitional Segment and included in continuing operations until it closed in the fourth quarter of 2016; it is included in discontinued operations as of December 31, 2016. 3 In November 2015, the Board of Directors approved a plan to divest this school. In the fourth quarter of 2016, the Board of Directors approved a plan to cease operations at this school, which closed in the fourth quarter of 2016 and is included in discontinued operations as of December 31, 2016. 4 In November 2015, the Board of Directors approved a plan to divest these schools. In the fourth quarter of 2016, the Board of Directors approved a plan to cease operations at these schools which are being taught-out and expected to be closed in 2017. These schools are included in the Transitional segment and continuing operations as of December 31, 2016. 5 In November 2015, the Board of Directors approved a plan to divest this school. In the third quarter of 2016, the Board of Directors approved a plan to teach–out certain programs at this school. Then, in the fourth quarter of 2016, the Board of Directors approved a plan to teach-out the remainder of the programs at this school. The school is expected to be closed in 2017. This school’s operations are included in the Transitional segment and continuing operations as of December 31, 2016. However, as part of this plan, the Board of Directors approved the divestiture of the properties for this school and therefore the properties are included in held for sale as of December 31, 2016. 6 On February 27, 2015, our Board of Directors approved a plan to cease operations at this school, which was fully taught out and officially closed as of March 31, 2016 and is included in the Transitional segment and continuing operations as of December 31, 2016. The plan to teach out this school was approved prior to the plan to exit the HOPS segment and as such does not meet the discontinued operations criteria.
Liquidity	Liquidity — In addition to the current sources of capital discussed above that provides short term liquidity, the Company plans to sell approximately $13.2 million in assets net of liabilities, which are currently classified as held for sale and are expected to be sold within one year from the date of classification in which up to $10 million will be required to pay down debt. The Company continues to actively market these schools and has offers which are under consideration.
Principles of Consolidation	Principles of Consolidation
Revenue Recognition	Revenue Recognition — Revenues are derived primarily from programs taught at the Company’s schools. Tuition revenues, textbook sales and one-time fees, such as nonrefundable application fees and course material fees, are recognized on a straight-line basis over the length of the applicable program as the student proceeds through the program, which is the period of time from a student’s start date through his or her graduation date, including internships or externships that take place prior to graduation, and the Company completes the performance of teaching the student which entitles the Company to the revenue. Refunds are calculated and paid in accordance with federal, state and accrediting agency standards. The Company evaluates whether collectability of revenue is reasonably assured prior to the student attending class and reassesses collectability of tuition and fees when a student withdraws from a course. The Company calculates the amount to be returned under Title IV and its stated refund policy to determine eligible charges and, if there is a balance due from the student after this calculation, the Company expect payment from the student and the Company has a process to pursue uncollected accounts whereby, based upon the student’s financial means and ability to pay, a payment plan is established with the student to ensure that collectability is reasonable. The Company continuously monitors its historical collections to identify potential trends that may impact our determination that collectability of receivables for withdrawn students is realizable.
Cash and Cash Equivalents	Cash and Cash Equivalents
Restricted Cash	Restricted Cash
Accounts Receivable	Accounts Receivable
Allowance for uncollectible accounts	Allowance for uncollectible accounts
Inventories	Inventories
Property, Equipment and Facilities - Depreciation and Amortization	Property, Equipment and Facilities Depreciation and Amortization
Rent Expense	Rent Expense
Advertising Costs	Advertising Costs
Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets	Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets At December 31, 2016, the Company conducted its annual test for goodwill impairment and determined it did not have an impairment for continuing operations. The fair value of the Company’s reporting units were determined using Level 3 inputs included in its multiple of earnings and discounted cash flow approach. Our disposal group assets held for sale are required to be measured at the lower of carrying value or fair value less cost to sell. As a result of the consideration of offers received on our disposal group assets held for sale, we concluded that an pre-tax non-cash impairment charge of $9.9 million was required for our goodwill and intangible assets relating to this group ($9.9 million was included in discontinued operations). At December 31, 2016, the Company conducted its annual test for goodwill impairment and determined it did not have an impairment. The fair value of the Company’s reporting units were determined using Level 3 inputs included in its multiple of earnings and discounted cash flow approach. At December 31, 2015, the Company conducted its annual test for goodwill impairment and determined it did not have an impairment. The fair value of the Company’s reporting units were determined using Level 3 inputs included in its multiple of earnings and discounted cash flow approach. The Company concluded that as of September 30, 2015 there was an indicator of potential impairment as a result of a decrease in market capitalization and, accordingly, the Company tested goodwill for impairment. The test indicated that one of the Company’s reporting units was impaired, which resulted in a pre-tax non-cash charge of $0.2 million ($0.2 million of which is included in the transportation and skilled trades segment) for the three months ended September 30, 2015. At December 31, 2014, the Company conducted its annual test for goodwill impairment and determined it did not have an impairment. The fair value of the Company’s reporting units were determined using Level 3 inputs included in its multiple of earnings and discounted cash flow approach. The Company concluded that as of September 30, 2014 there was an indicator of potential impairment as a result of a decrease in market capitalization and, accordingly, the Company tested goodwill for impairment. The test indicated that ten of the Company’s reporting units were impaired, which resulted in a pre-tax non-cash charge of $39.0 million for the three months ended September 30, 2014 ($0.2 million and $38.8 million of which is included in the transportation and skilled trades segment and discontinued operations, respectively).
Impairment of Long-Lived Assets	Impairment of Long-Lived Assets — The Company concluded that, for the three months ended December 31, 2016, there was sufficient evidence to conclude that there was an impairment of certain long-lived assets at two of the Company’s campuses for continuing operations. The long-lived assets impairment resulted in a pre-tax charge of $3.9 million for land and buildings. Our disposal group assets held for sale are required to be measured at the lower of carrying value or fair value less cost to sell. As a result of the consideration of offers received on our disposal group assets held for sale, we concluded that an impairment charge of $7.6 million was required for our long-lived assets relating to this group ($7.6 million was included in discontinued operations). The Company concluded that for the three months ended December 31, 2015, there was no long-lived asset impairment. Long-lived assets were tested at the campuses as a result of classifying assets held for sale and certain financial indicators such as the Company’s history of losses, current respective period losses, as well as future projected losses at these campuses. The Company concluded that for the three months ended December 31, 2014 and September 30, 2014 , there was sufficient evidence to conclude that there was an impairment of certain long-lived assets at one and six of the Company’s campuses, respectively. Long-lived assets had been tested at these campuses as a result of certain financial indicators such as the Company’s history of losses, current respective period losses, as well as future projected losses at these campuses. The long-lived assets impairment resulted in a pre-tax charge of $1.5 million for leasehold improvements ($1.5 million included in the Transportation and Skilled Trades segment) as of December 31, 2014 and $1.9 million for leasehold improvements ($1.5 million and $0.4 million included in the transitional segment and discontinued operations, respectively) and $0.5 million ($0.5 million included in discontinued operations) for intangible assets as of September 30, 2014.
Concentration of Credit Risk	Concentration of Credit Risk The Company extends credit for tuition and fees to many of its students. The credit risk with respect to these accounts receivable is mitigated through the students' participation in federally funded financial aid programs unless students withdraw prior to the receipt of federal funds for those students. In addition, the remaining tuition receivables are primarily comprised of smaller individual amounts due from students. With respect to student receivables, the Company had no significant concentrations of credit risk as of December 31, 2016 and 2015.
Use of Estimates in the Preparation of Financial Statements	Use of Estimates in the Preparation of Financial Statements
Stock-Based Compensation Plans	Stock-Based Compensation Plans The Company measures the value of service and performance-based restricted stock on the fair value of a share of common stock on the date of the grant. The Company amortizes the fair value of service based restricted stock utilizing straight-line amortization of compensation expense over the requisite service period of the grant. The Company amortizes the fair value of the performance-based restricted stock based on determination of the probable outcome of the performance condition. If the performance condition is expected to be met, then the Company amortizes the fair value of the number of shares expected to vest utilizing straight-line basis over the requisite performance period of the grant. However, if the associated performance condition is not expected to be met, then the Company does not recognize the stock-based compensation expense.
Income Taxes	Income Taxes — The Company Income Taxes In accordance with ASC 740, the Company assesses our deferred tax asset to determine whether all or any portion of the asset is more likely than not unrealizable. A valuation allowance is required to be established or maintained when, based on currently available information, it is more likely than not that all or a portion of a deferred tax asset will not be realized. In accordance with ASC 740, our assessment considers whether there has been sufficient income in recent years and whether sufficient income is expected in future years in order to utilize the deferred tax asset. In evaluating the realizability of deferred income tax assets, the Company considered, among other things, historical levels of income, expected future income, the expected timing of the reversals of existing temporary reporting differences, and the expected impact of tax planning strategies that may be implemented to prevent the potential loss of future income tax benefits. Significant judgment is required in determining the future tax consequences of events that have been recognized in our consolidated financial statements and/or tax returns. Differences between anticipated and actual outcomes of these future tax consequences could have a material impact on the Company’s consolidated financial position or results of operations. Changes in, among other things, income tax legislation, statutory income tax rates, or future income levels could materially impact the Company’s valuation of income tax assets and liabilities and could cause our income tax provision to vary significantly among financial reporting periods. The Company recognizes accrued interest and penalties related to unrecognized tax benefits in income tax expense. During the years ended December 31, 2016 and 2015, the interest and penalties expense associated with uncertain tax positions are not significant to the Company’s results of operations or financial position.
Start-up Costs	Start-up Costs —
Reclassification	Reclassification — During the year ended December 31, 2016, the Board of Directors approved a plan for the Company to teach-out the West Palm Beach, Florida, Center City Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, and Northeast Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, campuses which are included in the Transitional segment. In addition, during the year ended December 31, 2016, the and Hartford, Connecticut campuses closed and are included in discontinued operations. In 2016, the Company reclassified related held for sale amounts reflected in the 2015 Consolidated Balance Sheet and discontinued operations in Consolidated Statements of Operations.
New Accounting Pronouncements	New Accounting Pronouncements In January 2017, the issued Accounting Standards Update (“ASU”) No. 2017-04, "Simplifying the Test for Goodwill Impairment" ("ASU 2017-04"). ASU 2017-04 provides amendments to ASC No. 350, "Intangibles - Goodwill and Other" ("ASC 350"), which eliminate Step 2 from the goodwill impairment test. Entities should perform their goodwill impairment tests by comparing the fair value of a reporting unit with its carrying amount and recognize an impairment charge for the amount by which the carrying amount exceeds the reporting unit's fair value. The amendments in this update are effective prospectively during interim and annual periods beginning after December 15, 2019, with early adoption permitted. The Company is currently assessing the impact of this update on the Company’s Consolidated Financial Statements. The FASB Revenue from Contracts with Customers Revenue from Contracts with Customers (Topic 606)—Principal versus Agent Considerations , Revenue from Contracts with Customers (Topic 606)—Identifying Performance Obligations and Licensing The new standard permits adoption either by using (i) a full retrospective approach for all periods presented in the period of adoption or (ii) a modified retrospective approach with the cumulative effect of initially applying the new standard recognized at the date of initial application and providing certain additional disclosures. The new standard is effective for annual reporting periods beginning after December 15, 2017, with early adoption permitted for annual reporting periods beginning after December 15, 2016. We do not plan to early adopt, and accordingly, we will adopt the new standard effective January 1, 2018. We currently plan to adopt using the modified retrospective approach. However, a final decision regarding the adoption method has not been finalized at this time. Our final determination will depend on a number of factors, such as the significance of the impact of the new standard on our financial results, system readiness, including that of software procured from third-party providers, and our ability to accumulate and analyze the information necessary to assess the impact on prior period financial statements, as necessary. We are in the initial stages of our evaluation of the impact of the new standard on our accounting policies, processes, and system requirements. We have assigned internal resources to assist in the evaluation. Furthermore, we have made and will continue to make investments in systems to enable timely and accurate reporting under the new standard. While we continue to assess all potential impacts under the new standard, there is the potential for significant impacts to the timing of recognition of revenue. While we continue to assess the potential impacts of the new standard and this standard could have a material impact on our consolidated financial statements, we do not know or cannot reasonably estimate quantitative information related to the impact of the new standard on our financial statements at this time. In November 2016, the FASB issued ASU No. 2016-18: “Statement of Cash Flows (Topic 230): Restricted Cash.” This guidance was issued to address the diversity that exists in the classification and presentation of changes in restricted cash on the statement of cash flows. The amendments will require that the statement of cash flows explain the change during the period in total cash, cash equivalents and restricted cash. The amendments are effective for financial statements issued for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2017, and interim periods within those fiscal years. The amendments will be applied using a retrospective transition method to each period presented. The Company anticipates that the adoption will not have a significant impact on the Company’s Consolidated Financial Statements. In August 2016, FASB issued ASU No. 2016-15: “Statement of Cash Flows (Topic 230): Classification of Certain Cash Receipts and Cash Payments” to address eight specific cash flow issues with the objective of reducing the existing diversity in practice. The amendments are effective for financial statements issued for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2017, and interim periods within those fiscal years. The Company anticipates that the adoption will not have a significant impact on the Company’s Consolidated Financial Statements. In February 2016, the FASB issued guidance requiring lessees to recognize a right-of-use asset and a lease liability on the balance sheet for substantially all leases, with the exception of short-term leases. Leases will be classified as either financing or operating, with classification affecting the pattern of expense recognition in the statement of income. The guidance is effective for annual periods, including interim periods within those periods, beginning after December 15, 2018, with early adoption permitted. We are currently evaluating the impact that the update will have on our results of operations, financial condition and financial statement disclosures. In November 2015, the issued guidance which simplifies the balance sheet classification of deferred taxes requiring that all deferred tax assets and liabilities, along with any related valuation allowance, be classified as noncurrent on the balance sheet. This guidance is effective for public business entities for annual periods, and for interim periods within those periods, beginning after December 15, 2016 with early adoption permitted. The Company early adopted as of December 31, 2015. While the guidance does have an impact on our balance sheet classification, it does not have a material impact on our results of operations, financial condition or the financial statement disclosures. In August 2014, the FASB issued ASU No. 2014-15, Disclosure of Uncertainties about an Entity’s Ability to Continue as a Going Concern

SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUN28

SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2016
SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES [Abstract]
Status of schools included in the HOPS and Transitional Segments	The following table lists the schools that are included in the HOPS and Transitional Segments and their status as of December 31, 2016 and 2015: Segment Status School 2015 2016 2015 2016 Allentown, PA HOPS (Discontinued Operations) HOPS (Discontinued Operations) Held for sale Held for sale 1 Edison, NJ HOPS (Discontinued Operations) HOPS (Discontinued Operations) Held for sale Held for sale 1 Moorestown, NJ HOPS (Discontinued Operations) HOPS (Discontinued Operations) Held for sale Held for sale 1 Paramus, NJ HOPS (Discontinued Operations) HOPS (Discontinued Operations) Held for sale Held for sale 1 Lincoln, RI HOPS (Discontinued Operations) HOPS (Discontinued Operations) Held for sale Held for sale 1 Brockton, MA HOPS (Discontinued Operations) HOPS (Discontinued Operations) Held for sale Held for sale 1 Somerville, MA HOPS (Discontinued Operations) HOPS (Discontinued Operations) Held for sale Held for sale 1 Lowell, MA HOPS (Discontinued Operations) HOPS (Discontinued Operations) Held for sale Held for sale 1 New Britain, CT HOPS (Discontinued Operations) HOPS (Discontinued Operations) Held for sale Held for sale 1 Shelton, CT HOPS (Discontinued Operations) HOPS (Discontinued Operations) Held for sale Held for sale 1 Las Vegas (Summerlin), NV HOPS (Discontinued Operations) HOPS (Discontinued Operations) Held for sale Held for sale 1 Southington, CT HOPS (Discontinued Operations) HOPS (Discontinued Operations) Held for sale Held for sale 1 Marietta, GA HOPS (Discontinued Operations) HOPS (Discontinued Operations) Held for sale Held for sale 1 Hartford, CT Transitional (Continuing Operations) HOPS (Discontinued Operations) Teach-out Closed 2 Henderson (Green Valley), NV HOPS (Discontinued Operations) HOPS (Discontinued Operations) Held for sale Closed 3 Center City Philadelphia, PA HOPS (Discontinued Operations) Transitional (Continuing Operations) Held for sale Teach-out 4 Northeast Philadelphia, PA HOPS (Discontinued Operations) Transitional (Continuing Operations) Held for sale Teach-out 4 West Palm Beach, FL HOPS (Discontinued Operations) Transitional (Continuing Operations) Held for sale Teach-out 5 Fern Park, FL Transitional (Continuing Operations) Transitional (Continuing Operations) Teach-out Closed 6 1 In November 2015, the Board of Directors approved a plan to divest these schools and thus they are included in discontinued operations as of December 31, 2016 and 2015. 2 In November 2015, the Board of Directors approved a plan to divest this school. In December 2015, the Board of Directors approved a plan to cease operations at this school. The school was included in the Transitional Segment and included in continuing operations until it closed in the fourth quarter of 2016; it is included in discontinued operations as of December 31, 2016. 3 In November 2015, the Board of Directors approved a plan to divest this school. In the fourth quarter of 2016, the Board of Directors approved a plan to cease operations at this school, which closed in the fourth quarter of 2016 and is included in discontinued operations as of December 31, 2016. 4 In November 2015, the Board of Directors approved a plan to divest these schools. In the fourth quarter of 2016, the Board of Directors approved a plan to cease operations at these schools which are being taught-out and expected to be closed in 2017. These schools are included in the Transitional segment and continuing operations as of December 31, 2016. 5 In November 2015, the Board of Directors approved a plan to divest this school. In the third quarter of 2016, the Board of Directors approved a plan to teach–out certain programs at this school. Then, in the fourth quarter of 2016, the Board of Directors approved a plan to teach-out the remainder of the programs at this school. The school is expected to be closed in 2017. This school’s operations are included in the Transitional segment and continuing operations as of December 31, 2016. However, as part of this plan, the Board of Directors approved the divestiture of the properties for this school and therefore the properties are included in held for sale as of December 31, 2016. 6 On February 27, 2015, our Board of Directors approved a plan to cease operations at this school, which was fully taught out and officially closed as of March 31, 2016 and is included in the Transitional segment and continuing operations as of December 31, 2016. The plan to teach out this school was approved prior to the plan to exit the HOPS segment and as such does not meet the discontinued operations criteria.

WEIGHTED AVERAGE COMMON SHARES

WEIGHTED AVERAGE COMMON SHARES (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2016
WEIGHTED AVERAGE COMMON SHARES [Abstract]
Weighted average number of common shares used to compute basic and diluted income per share	The weighted average number of common shares used to compute basic and diluted income per share for the years ended December 31, 2016, 2015 and 2014, respectively were as follows: Year Ended December 31, 2016 2015 2014 Basic shares outstanding 23,453,427 23,166,977 22,814,105 Dilutive effect of stock options - 60,161 - Diluted shares outstanding 23,453,427 23,227,138 22,814,105

DISCONTINUED OPERATIONS (Tables

DISCONTINUED OPERATIONS (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2016
Income Statement, Balance Sheet and Additional Disclosures by Disposal Groups, Including Discontinued Operations [Line Items]
Results of operations at campuses	The results of operations at these campuses for the three year periods ended December 31, 2016 were as follows (in thousands): Year Ended December 31, 2016 2015 2014 Revenue $ 88,649 $ 97,846 $ 106,982 Loss before income tax (6,341 ) (3,491 ) (26,684 ) Income tax benefit - - (2,746 ) Net loss from discontinued operations $ (6,341 ) $ (3,491 ) $ (23,938 )
Five Training Sites [Member]
Income Statement, Balance Sheet and Additional Disclosures by Disposal Groups, Including Discontinued Operations [Line Items]
Results of operations at campuses	The results of operations at these five training sites for the two year periods ended December 31, 2014 were as follows (in thousands): Year Ended December 31, 2014 Revenue $ 2,140 Loss before income tax (6,731 ) Income tax benefit (85 ) Net loss from discontinued operations $ (6,646 )

GOODWILL AND OTHER INTANGIBLES

GOODWILL AND OTHER INTANGIBLES (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2016
GOODWILL AND OTHER INTANGIBLES [Abstract]
Changes in carrying amount of goodwill	Changes in the carrying amount of goodwill during the years ended December 31, 2016 and 2015 are as follows: Gross Goodwill Balance Accumulated Impairment Losses Net Goodwill Balance Balance as of January 1, 2015 $ 115,872 $ (93,665 ) $ 22,207 Asset held for sale (1) (7,455 ) - (7,455 ) Goodwill impairment - (216 ) (216 ) Balance as of December 31, 2015 108,417 (93,881 ) 14,536 Adjustment - - - Balance as of December 31, 2016 $ 108,417 $ (93,881 ) $ 14,536 (1) Amount consists of $1.3 million of goodwill held for sale as of December 31, 2014 offset by $8.8 million of goodwill as of December 31, 2015. Refer to Note 6 for more information on assets held for sale.
Summary of finite-lived and indefinite-lived intangible assets	Intangible assets, which are included in other assets in the accompanying consolidated balance sheets, consisted of the following: Trade Name Accreditation Curriculum Total Gross carrying amount at December 31, 2015 $ 310 $ - $ 160 $ 470 Additions - - - - Gross carrying amount at December 31, 2016 310 - 160 470 Accumulated amortization at December 31, 2015 308 - 112 420 Amortization 2 - 16 18 Accumulated amortization at December 31, 2016 310 - 128 438 Net carrying amount at December 31, 2016 $ - $ - $ 32 $ 32 Weighted average amortization period (years) 7 Indefinite 10 Trade Name Accreditation Curriculum Total Gross carrying amount at December 31, 2014 $ 310 $ 1,064 $ 550 $ 1,924 Asset held for sale (1) - (1,064 ) (390 ) (1,454 ) Gross carrying amount at December 31, 2015 310 - 160 470 Accumulated amortization at December 31, 2014 264 - 469 733 Amortization 44 - 21 65 Asset held for sale (1) - - (378 ) (378 ) Accumulated amortization at December 31, 2015 308 - 112 420 Net carrying amount at December 31, 2015 $ 2 $ - $ 48 $ 50 Weighted average amortization period (years) 7 Indefinite 10 (1) Refer to Note 6 for more information on assets held for sale.
Summary of estimated future amortization expense	The following table summarizes the estimated future amortization expense: Year Ending December 31, 2017 $ 16 2018 16 $ 32

PROPERTY, EQUIPMENT AND FACIL32

PROPERTY, EQUIPMENT AND FACILITIES (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2016
PROPERTY, EQUIPMENT AND FACILITIES [Abstract]
Property, equipment and facilities	Property, equipment and facilities consist of the following: Useful life (years) At December 31, 2016 2015 Land (a) - $ 6,969 $ 10,054 Buildings and improvements (a) 1-25 105,433 112,281 Equipment, furniture and fixtures 1-7 65,776 66,838 Vehicles 3 534 617 Construction in progress - 925 159 179,637 189,949 Less accumulated depreciation and amortization (124,192 ) (123,324 ) $ 55,445 $ 66,625 (a) Amounts are reduced by a $1.4 million impairment charge in 2016 related to a property in Suffield, Connecticut.
Schedule of assets and liabilities held for sale	The assets and liabilities held for sale consist of the following: At December 31, 2016 At December 31, 2015 Assets held for sale Inventories $ 629 $ 646 Accounts receivable, less allowance of $3,930 and $3,261 at December 31, 2016 and 2015, respectively 5,089 4,526 Prepaid expense and other current assets 460 724 Noncurrent receivables, less allowance of $212 and $189 at December 31, 2016 and 2015, respectively 1,690 1,384 Property, equipment and facilities - at cost, net of accumluated depreciation and amortization of $41,703 and $34,751 at December 31, 2016 and 2015, respectively (b) (c) 16,847 27,133 Goodwill (d) - 8,759 Other assets, net (e) 71 1,197 Assets held for sale 24,786 44,369 Liabilities held for sale Unearned tuition (7,255 ) (7,929 ) Accrued expenses (2,553 ) (2,668 ) Accrued rent (1,770 ) (1,735 ) Liabilities held for sale (11,578 ) (12,332 ) Assets held for sale, net $ 13,208 $ 32,037 (b) Amount is reduced by a $2.5 million impairment charge in 2016 related to a property in West Palm Beach, Florida. (c) Amount is reduced by a $7.6 million impairment charge in 2016 related to long-lived assets. (d) Amount is reduced by an $8.8 million impairment charge in 2016 related to goodwill. (e) Amount is reduced by a $1.1 million impairment charge in 2016 related to indefinite-lived assets.

ACCRUED EXPENSES (Tables)

ACCRUED EXPENSES (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2016
ACCRUED EXPENSES [Abstract]
Accrued expenses	Accrued expenses consist of the following: At December 31, 2016 2015 Accrued compensation and benefits $ 6,664 $ 6,151 Accrued rent and real estate taxes $ 2,917 $ 2,012 Other accrued expenses 3,234 3,046 $ 12,815 $ 11,209

LONG-TERM DEBT AND LEASE OBLI34

LONG-TERM DEBT AND LEASE OBLIGATIONS (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2016
LONG-TERM DEBT AND LEASE OBLIGATIONS [Abstract]
Long-term debt and lease obligations	Long-term debt and lease obligations consist of the following: At December 31, 2016 2015 Term loan (a) $ 44,267 $ 44,653 Finance obligation (b) - 9,672 Capital lease-property (with a rate of 8.0%) (c) - 3,899 44,267 58,224 Less current maturities (11,713 ) (10,114 ) $ 32,554 $ 48,110 (a) A portion of the proceeds of the Term Loan were used by the Company to (i) repay approximately $6.3 million in outstanding principal, accrued interest and fees due under the previously existing revolving credit facility, (ii) fund the $20.3 million cash collateral account securing the portion of the Term Loan provided by Alostar, (iii) fund approximately $7.4 million in a cash collateral account securing the letters of credit issued under the previously existing revolving credit facility that remain outstanding after the termination of that facility and (iv) pay transaction expenses in connection with the Term Loan and the termination of the previously existing revolving credit facility. The remaining proceeds of the Term Loan of approximately $11 million may be used by the Company to finance capital expenditures and for general corporate purposes consistent with the terms of the Credit Agreement. Interest will accrue on the Term Loan at a per annum rate equal to the greater of (i) 11% or (ii) 90-day LIBOR plus 9% determined monthly by the Agent and will be payable monthly in arrears. The principal balance of the Term Loan will be repaid in equal monthly installments, commencing on August 1, 2017, determined as the quotient of (i) 10% of the outstanding principal balance of the Term Loan as of July 2, 2017 divided by (ii) 12. A final installment of principal and all accrued and unpaid interest will be due on the maturity date of the Term Loan. The Term Loan may be prepaid in whole or in part at any time, subject to the payment of a prepayment premium equal to (i) 5% of the principal amount prepaid at any time up to but not including the second anniversary of the Closing Date and (ii) 3% of the principal amount prepaid at any time commencing on the second anniversary of the Closing Date up to but not including the third anniversary of the Closing Date. In the event of any sale or other disposition of a school or real property by the Company permitted under the Term Loan, the net proceeds of such sale or disposition must be used to prepay the Loan in an amount determined pursuant to the Credit Agreement, subject to the applicable prepayment premium; provided, however, that no prepayment premium will be due with respect to up to $15 million of aggregate repayments of the Term Loan made during the first year that the Term Loan is outstanding. A portion of the net cash proceeds of any disposition of a school in an amount determined pursuant to the terms of the Term Loan, must be deposited and held as cash collateral in a deposit account controlled by the Agent until the conditions for release set forth in the Term Loan are satisfied. In connection with the assets which are currently classified as held for sale and are expected to be sold within one year, the Company is required to classify $10 million as short term debt due to the Term Loan prepayment minimum required with respect to any such disposition. The Term Loan contains customary representations, warranties and covenants such as minimum financial responsibility composite score, cohort default rate, and other financial covenants, including minimum liquidity, maximum capital expenditures, maximum 90/10 ratio and minimum EBITDA (as defined in the Term Loan), as well as affirmative and negative covenants and events of default customary for facilities of this type. The Company was in compliance with all covenants as of December 31, 2016. Subsequent to the 2015 fiscal year end, pursuant to the Second Amendment, the financial covenants were adjusted and, at the Company’s election, will be adjusted for fiscal year 2017 and for each subsequent fiscal year until the maturity of the Term Loan at either the levels applicable to fiscal year 2016 (and each fiscal quarter thereof) contained in the Credit Agreement as of the Closing Date or the levels applicable to fiscal year 2016 (and each fiscal quarter thereof) contained in the Second Amendment. The Company elected to re-set the financial covenants at the 2016 covenant levels contained in the Second Amendment and as required paid $4 million before January 15, 2017, without prepayment penalty. In addition, in February 2017 the Company elected to repay $5 million of restricted cash without prepayment penalty. The Credit Agreement contains events of default, the occurrence and continuation of which provide the Company’s lenders with the right to exercise remedies against the Company and the collateral securing the Term Loan, including the Company’s cash. These events of default include, among other things, the Company’s failure to pay any amounts due under the Term Loan, a breach of covenants under the Credit Agreement, the Company’s insolvency and the insolvency of its subsidiaries, the occurrence of a material adverse effect, the occurrence of any default under certain other indebtedness, and a final judgment against the Company in an amount greater than $1 million. Also, in connection with the Term Loan, the Company paid to the Agent a commitment fee of $1 million on the Closing Date and is required to pay to the Agent other customary fees for facilities of this type. Total fees for the Term Loan were $2.8 million during fiscal year 2015. During the first quarter of 2016, in connection with the effectiveness of the Second Amendment, the Company paid loan modification fees of $0.5 million. These deferred finance fees are netted against the Term Loan on the Consolidated Balance Sheets and amortized to interest expense on the Consolidated Statement of Operations. As of December 31, 2016 and December 31, 2015, the Company had $44.3 million and $44.7 million outstanding under the Term Loan; offset by $2.3 million and $2.5 million of deferred finance fees, respectively. (b) The Company completed a sale and a leaseback of four facilities on December 28, 2001. The Company retained a continuing involvement in the lease and, as a result, the Company was prohibited from utilizing sale-leaseback accounting. Accordingly, the Company had treated this transaction as a finance lease. In January 2016, the lease was amended to cure certain provisions related to continuing involvement and, as a consequence, achieved sales treatment. In the first quarter of 2016, the lease was converted to an operating lease and rent payments are included in educational, services and facilities expense in the Consolidated Statement of Operations. In addition, the finance obligation, net of land and buildings, was amortized on the straight-line basis through December 31, 2016. (c) In 2009, the Company assumed a real estate capital lease for a property located in Fern Park, Florida having a term continuing through October 31, 2032. I approved a plan to cease operations of its school located at the In connection with the closure of the school the Company paid a $2.8 million lease termination fee to the landlord in connection with the amendment and early termination of the 2009 lease agreement. The amended lease agreement subsequently expired on April 10, 2016. In December 2015, the Company’s Board of Directors approved a plan to cease operations at the Company paid a $5 million lease termination fee to its landlord in connection with the early termination of a lease agreement under which the Company leased property in Hartford, Connecticut for a term continuing through July 31, 2031. (d)
Scheduled maturities of long-term debt and lease obligation	Scheduled maturities of long-term debt and lease obligations at December 31, 2016 are as follows: Year ending December 31, 2017 $ 11,713 2018 3,427 2019 29,127 2020 - 2021 - Thereafter - $ 44,267

STOCKHOLDERS' EQUITY (Tables)

STOCKHOLDERS' EQUITY (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2016
STOCKHOLDERS' EQUITY [Abstract]
Summary of transactions pertaining to restricted stock	The following is a summary of transactions pertaining to restricted stock: Shares Weighted Average Grant Date Fair Value Per Share Nonvested restricted stock outstanding at December 31, 2014 925,819 $ 5.04 Granted 234,651 2.28 Cancelled (354,462 ) 4.97 Vested (355,514 ) 5.00 Nonvested restricted stock outstanding at December 31, 2015 450,494 3.69 Granted 1,105,487 1.67 Cancelled (76,200 ) 2.98 Vested (336,182 ) 3.33 Nonvested restricted stock outstanding at December 31, 2016 1,143,599 1.89
Summary of transactions pertaining to option plans	The following is a summary of transactions pertaining to the option plans: Shares Weighted Average Exercise Price Per Share Weighted Average Remaining Contractual Term Aggregate Intrinsic Value Outstanding December 31, 2013 547,125 $ 14.73 4.56 years $ - Cancelled (122,958 ) 18.49 - Outstanding December 31, 2014 424,167 13.65 4.18 years - Cancelled (178,000 ) 15.20 - Outstanding December 31, 2015 246,167 12.52 3.98 years - Cancelled (28,000 ) 15.76 Outstanding December 31, 2016 218,167 12.11 3.33 years - Vested or expected to vest as of December 31, 2016 218,167 12.11 3.33 years - Exercisable as of December 31, 2016 218,167 12.11 3.33 years -
Summary of options outstanding	The following table presents a summary of options outstanding at December 31, 2016: At December 31, 2016 Stock Options Outstanding Stock Options Exercisable Range of Exercise Prices Shares Contractual Weighted Average life (years) Weighted Average Exercise Price Shares Weighted Average Exercise Price $ 4.00-$13.99 165,167 3.35 $ 9.46 165,167 $ 9.46 $ 14.00-$19.99 22,000 2.84 19.98 22,000 19.98 $ 20.00-$25.00 31,000 3.59 20.62 31,000 20.62 218,167 3.33 12.11 218,167 12.11

PENSION PLAN (Tables)

PENSION PLAN (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2016
PENSION PLAN [Abstract]
Schedule of plan's funded status	The following table sets forth the plan's funded status and amounts recognized in the consolidated financial statements: Year Ended December 31, 2016 2015 2014 CHANGES IN BENEFIT OBLIGATIONS: Benefit obligation-beginning of year $ 23,341 $ 24,299 $ 20,314 Service cost 28 28 23 Interest cost 888 884 892 Actuarial (gain) loss (255 ) (782 ) 4,149 Benefits paid (1,086 ) (1,088 ) (1,079 ) Benefit obligation at end of year 22,916 23,341 24,299 CHANGE IN PLAN ASSETS: Fair value of plan assets-beginning of year 17,792 19,000 18,792 Actual return on plan assets 842 (120 ) 1,017 Employer contributions - - 270 Benefits paid (1,086 ) (1,088 ) (1,079 ) Fair value of plan assets-end of year 17,548 17,792 19,000 BENEFIT OBLIGATION IN EXCESS OF FAIR VALUE FUNDED STATUS: $ (5,368 ) $ (5,549 ) $ (5,299 )
Amounts recognized in consolidated balance sheets	Amounts recognized in the consolidated balance sheets consist of: At December 31, 2016 2015 2014 Noncurrent liabilities $ (5,368 ) $ (5,549 ) $ (5,299 )
Amounts recognized in accumulated other comprehensive loss	Amounts recognized in accumulated other comprehensive loss consist of: Year Ended December 31, 2016 2015 2014 Accumulated loss $ (8,467 ) $ (9,438 ) $ (9,833 ) Deferred income taxes 2,366 2,366 2,366 Accumulated other comprehensive loss $ (6,101 ) $ (7,072 ) $ (7,467 )
Components of net periodic cost for plan	The following table provides the components of net periodic cost for the plan: Year Ended December 31, 2016 2015 2014 COMPONENTS OF NET PERIODIC BENEFIT COST Service cost $ 28 $ 28 $ 23 Interest cost 888 884 892 Expected return on plan assets (1,118 ) (1,243 ) (1,287 ) Recognized net actuarial loss 991 976 513 Net periodic benefit cost $ 789 $ 645 $ 141
Plan assets using fair value hierarchy	The following tables present plan assets using the fair value hierarchy as of December 31, 2016 and 2015. The fair value hierarchy has three levels based on the reliability of inputs used to determine fair value. Level 1 refers to fair values determined based on quoted prices in active markets for identical assets. Level 2 refers to fair values estimated using observable prices that are based on inputs not quoted in active markets but observable by market data, while Level 3 includes the fair values estimated using significant non-observable inputs. The level in the fair value hierarchy within which the fair value measurement falls is determined based on the lowest level input that is significant to the fair value measurement in its entirety. Quoted Prices in Active Markets for Identical Assets (Level 1) Significant Other Observable Inputs (Level 2) Significant Unobservable Inputs (Level 3) Total Equity securities $ 8,509 $ - $ - $ 8,509 Fixed income 6,548 - - 6,548 International equities 2,484 - - 2,484 Cash and equivalents 7 - - 7 Balance at December 31, 2016 $ 17,548 $ - $ - $ 17,548 Quoted Prices in Active Markets for Identical Assets (Level 1) Significant Other Observable Inputs (Level 2) Significant Unobservable Inputs (Level 3) Total Equity securities $ 8,473 $ - $ - $ 8,473 Fixed income 5,943 - - 5,943 International equities 3,288 - - 3,288 Cash and equivalents 88 - - 88 Balance at December 31, 2015 $ 17,792 $ - $ - $ 17,792
Fair value of total plan assets by major asset category	Fair value of total plan assets by major asset category as of December 31: 2016 2015 2014 Equity securities 49 % 48 % 50 % Fixed income 37 % 33 % 32 % International equities 14 % 19 % 18 % Cash and equivalents 0 % 0 % 0 % Total 100 % 100 % 100 %
Expected benefit payments for plan	Information about the expected benefit payments for the plan is as follows: Year Ending December 31, 2017 $ 1,257 2018 1,323 2019 1,357 2020 1,369 2021 1,376 Years 2022-2026 7,039
Benefit Obligations [Member]
Defined Benefit Plans and Other Postretirement Benefit Plans Table Text Block [Line Items]
Weighted-average assumptions used	Weighted-average assumptions used to determine benefit obligations as of December 31: 2016 2015 2014 Discount rate 3.81 % 3.94 % 3.66 % Rate of compensation increase 2.50 % 2.50 % 1.13 %
Periodic Pension Cost [Member]
Defined Benefit Plans and Other Postretirement Benefit Plans Table Text Block [Line Items]
Weighted-average assumptions used	Weighted-average assumptions used to determine net periodic pension cost for years ended December 31: 2016 2015 2014 Discount rate 3.81 % 3.94 % 4.46 % Rate of compensation increase 2.50 % 2.50 % 1.13 % Long-term rate of return 6.25 % 6.50 % 7.00 %

INCOME TAXES (Tables)

INCOME TAXES (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2016
INCOME TAXES [Abstract]
Components of provision for income taxes from continuing operations	Components of the provision for income taxes from continuing operations were as follows: Year Ended December 31, 2016 2015 2014 Current: Federal $ - $ - $ - State 200 242 200 Total 200 242 200 Deferred: Federal - - (1,420 ) State - - (259 ) Total - - (1,679 ) Total provision (benefit) $ 200 $ 242 $ (1,479 )
Components of deferred tax assets	The components of the deferred tax assets are as follows: At December 31, 2016 2015 Noncurrent deferred tax assets (liabilities) Allowance for bad debts $ 5,904 $ 5,617 Accrued rent 3,191 2,952 Accrued bonus 1,429 - Accrued benefits 198 - Stock-based compensation 557 498 Depreciation 20,372 14,941 Goodwill 1,959 (380 ) Other intangibles 562 274 Pension plan liabilities 2,142 2,215 Net operating loss carryforwards 17,846 14,765 Sale leaseback-deferred gain - 2,629 AMT credit 424 424 Total noncurrent deferred tax assets 54,584 43,935 Less valuation allowance (54,584 ) (43,935 ) Noncurrent deferred tax assets, net of valuation allowance $ - $ -
Difference between actual tax provision and tax provision that would result from use of Federal statutory rate	The difference between the actual tax provision and the tax provision that would result from the use of the Federal statutory rate is as follows: Year Ended December 31, 2016 2015 2014 (Loss) gain from continuing operations before taxes $ (4,298 ) $ 383 $ (27,028 ) Expected tax benefit $ (1,504 ) 35.0 % $ 134 35.0 % $ (9,460 ) 35.0 % State tax benefit (net of federal) 200 (4.7 ) 242 63.2 (43 ) 0.2 Valuation allowance 1,394 (32.4 ) (274 ) (71.5 ) 7,876 (29.1 ) Other 110 (2.6 ) 140 36.5 148 (0.6 ) Total $ 200 -4.7 % $ 242 63.2 % $ (1,479 ) 5.5 %
Activity related to uncertain tax positions	The following table summarizes the activity related to the Company’s uncertain tax positions: Year Ended December 31, 2016 2015 2014 Balance at January 1, $ - $ - $ - Decrease for tax positions of prior years - - - Increase for tax positions of current year - - - Balance at December 31, $ - $ - $ -

FAIR VALUE (Tables)

FAIR VALUE (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2016
FAIR VALUE [Abstract]
Fair value, by balance sheet grouping	The carrying amount and estimated fair value of the Company’s financial instrument assets and liabilities, which are not measured at fair value on the Consolidated Balance Sheets, are listed in the table below: December 31, 2016 Carrying Amount Quoted Prices in Active Markets for Identical Assets (Level 1) Significant Other Observable Inputs (Level 2) Significant Unobservable Inputs (Level 3) Total Financial Assets: Cash and cash equivalents $ 21,064 $ 21,064 $ - $ - $ 21,064 Restricted cash 6,399 6,399 - - 6,399 Prepaid expenses and other current assets 2,434 - 2,434 - 2,434 Noncurrent restricted cash 20,252 20,252 - - 20,252 Financial Liabilities: Accrued expenses $ 12,815 $ - $ 12,815 $ - $ 12,815 Other short term liabilities 653 - 653 - 653 Term loan 44,267 - 40,687 - 40,687 December 31, 2015 Carrying Amount Quoted Prices in Active Markets for Identical Assets (Level 1) Significant Other Observable Inputs (Level 2) Significant Unobservable Inputs (Level 3) Total Financial Assets: Cash and cash equivalents $ 38,420 $ 38,420 $ - $ - $ 38,420 Restricted cash 7,362 7,362 - - 7,362 Prepaid expenses and other current assets 2,710 - 2,710 - 2,710 Noncurrent restricted cash 15,259 15,259 - - 15,259 Financial Liabilities: Accrued expenses $ 11,209 $ - $ 11,209 $ - $ 11,209 Other short term liabilities 686 - 686 - 686 Term loan 44,653 - 36,795 - 36,795

SEGMENT REPORTING (Tables)

SEGMENT REPORTING (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2016
SEGMENT REPORTING [Abstract]
Summary financial information by reporting segment	Summary financial information by reporting segment is as follows: For the Year Ended December 31, Revenue Operating (Loss) Income 2016 % of Total 2015 % of Total 2014 % of Total 2016 2015 2014 Transportation and Skilled Trades $ 177,882 90.3 % $ 183,821 88.3 % $ 188,669 86.5 % $ 21,278 $ 26,778 $ 19,519 Transitional 19,028 9.7 % 24,435 11.7 % 29,371 13.5 % (6,334 ) (1,689 ) (19,814 ) Corporate - 0.0 % - 0.0 % - 0.0 % (20,107 ) (19,140 ) (23,364 ) Total $ 196,910 100 % $ 208,256 100 % $ 218,040 100 % $ (5,163 ) $ 5,949 $ (23,659 ) Total Assets December 31, 2016 December 31, 2015 Transportation and Skilled Trades $ 83,320 $ 90,045 Transitional 1,594 4,492 Corporate 53,507 68,844 Discontinued Operations 24,786 44,369 Total $ 163,207 $ 207,750

COMMITMENTS AND CONTINGENCIES (

COMMITMENTS AND CONTINGENCIES (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2016
COMMITMENTS AND CONTINGENCIES [Abstract]
Lease commitments	The Company leases office premises, educational facilities and various equipment for varying periods through the year 2030 at basic annual rentals (excluding taxes, insurance, and other expenses under certain leases) as follows: Year Ending December 31, Credit Agreement Operating Leases 2017 $ 16,048 $ 21,428 2018 6,881 19,132 2019 30,958 16,521 2020 - 12,439 2021 - 7,202 Thereafter - 20,484 53,887 97,206 Less amount representing interest (9,620 ) - $ 44,267 $ 97,206

UNAUDITED QUARTERLY FINANCIAL41

UNAUDITED QUARTERLY FINANCIAL INFORMATION (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2016
UNAUDITED QUARTERLY FINANCIAL INFORMATION [Abstract]
Quarterly financial information	The following tables have been updated to reflect changes in discontinued operations. Quarterly financial information for 2016 and 2015 is as follows: Quarter 2016 First Second Third Fourth Revenue $ 47,423 $ 46,263 $ 52,877 $ 50,348 (Loss) income from continuing operations (4,638 ) (1,642 ) 1,697 84 (Loss) income from discontinued operations (1,430 ) (1,496 ) (2,168 ) (18,711 ) Loss income (6,068 ) (3,138 ) (471 ) (18,627 ) Basic (Loss) earnings per share from continuing operations $ (0.20 ) $ (0.07 ) $ 0.07 $ 0.00 (Loss) earnings per share from discontinued operations (0.06 ) (0.06 ) (0.09 ) (0.79 ) Net (loss) earnings per share $ (0.26 ) $ (0.13 ) $ (0.02 ) $ (0.79 ) Diluted (Loss) earnings per share from continuing operations $ (0.20 ) $ (0.07 ) $ 0.07 $ 0.00 (Loss) earnings per share from discontinued operations (0.06 ) (0.06 ) (0.09 ) (0.76 ) Net (loss) earnings per share $ (0.26 ) $ (0.13 ) $ (0.02 ) $ (0.76 ) Weighted average number of common shares outstanding: Basic 23,351 23,448 23,499 23,514 Diluted 23,351 23,448 24,680 24,602 Quarter 2015 First Second Third Fourth Revenue $ 51,345 $ 48,607 $ 55,752 $ 52,552 (Loss) income from continuing operations (4,786 ) (4,169 ) 5,217 3,878 (Loss) income from discontinued operations (2,097 ) (3,436 ) (2,636 ) 4,679 Net (loss) income (6,883 ) (7,605 ) 2,581 8,557 Basic (Loss) earnings per share from continuing operations $ (0.21 ) $ (0.18 ) $ 0.22 $ 0.17 (Loss) earnings per share from discontinued operations (0.09 ) (0.15 ) (0.11 ) 0.20 Net (loss) earnings per share $ (0.30 ) $ (0.33 ) $ 0.11 $ 0.37 Diluted (Loss) earnings per share from continuing operations $ (0.21 ) $ (0.18 ) $ 0.22 $ 0.17 (Loss) earnings per share from discontinued operations (0.09 ) (0.15 ) (0.11 ) 0.20 Net (loss) earnings per share $ (0.30 ) $ (0.33 ) $ 0.11 $ 0.37 Weighted average number of common shares outstanding: Basic 23,056 23,132 23,230 23,247 Diluted 23,056 23,132 23,270 23,347

SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUN42

SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES (Details) $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended								12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2016USD ($)StateAssetsGroup		Dec. 31, 2015USD ($)		Sep. 30, 2015USD ($)Unit	Mar. 31, 2015Segment	Dec. 31, 2014USD ($)AssetsGroup	Sep. 30, 2014USD ($)UnitAssetsGroup	Dec. 31, 2016USD ($)SchoolStateCampusSegmentAssetsGroup		Dec. 31, 2015USD ($)		Dec. 31, 2014USD ($)AssetsGroup
Business Activities [Abstract]
Number of schools | School									28
Number of states in which schools operate across the United States | State	15								15
Number of campuses treated as destination schools | Campus									5
Number of reportable segments | Segment						3			2
Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets [Abstract]
Pre-tax non-cash impairment charge for goodwill and intangible assets									$ 9,900
Number of units impaired | Unit					1			10
Goodwill impairment loss pre tax charge					$ 200			$ 39,000
Goodwill, discontinued operations	$ 0	[1]	$ 8,759	[1]			$ 1,300	$ 38,800	$ 0	[1]	$ 8,759	[1]	$ 1,300
Impairment of Long-Lived Assets [Abstract]
Impairment of long-lived assets			0
Number of assets groups impaired | AssetsGroup	2						1	6	2				1
Pretax charge related to impairment of land and buildings	$ 3,900
Pretax charge related to leasehold improvements							$ 1,500	$ 1,900
Impairment related to discontinued operations								400	$ 7,600
Pretax charges related to definite-lived intangible assets								500
Impairment charge of intangible asset discontinued operations								500
Liquidity [Abstract]
Cash and cash equivalents	47,700								47,700
Restricted cash	26,700								26,700
Net, assets held for sale	13,208		32,037						13,208		32,037
Amount required to pay down debt									$ 10,000
Revenue Recognition [Abstract]
Reduction of net revenues											(300)
Reduction of bad debt expense											(200)
Increase in loss from continuing operations											100
Reduction in student receivables											(100)
Cash and Cash Equivalents [Abstract]
Maximum maturity period for classification of cash equivalents									3 months
Restricted Cash and Investments [Abstract]
Restricted cash in long-term assets	20,252		$ 15,259						$ 20,252		15,259
Advertising Costs [Abstract]
Advertising expense									18,200		$ 17,900		$ 18,000
Concentration of Credit Risk [Abstract]
Federal deposit insurance limit	250								250
Excess cash, FDIC insured amount	$ 46,300								$ 46,300
Transportation and Skilled Trades [Member]
Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets [Abstract]
Goodwill impairment loss pre tax charge					$ 200			200
Impairment of Long-Lived Assets [Abstract]
Pretax charge related to leasehold improvements							$ 1,500	$ 1,500
[1]	Amount is reduced by an $8.8 million impairment charge in 2016 related to goodwill.

FINANCIAL AID AND REGULATORY 43

FINANCIAL AID AND REGULATORY COMPLIANCE (Details) - Unit	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2016	Dec. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014
Public Utilities, General Disclosures [Line Items]
Percentage of net revenues on cash basis indirectly derived from funds	79.00%	80.00%	80.00%
Maximum specified percentage of net revenues on cash basis indirectly derived from funds	90.00%	90.00%	90.00%
Period over which entity became ineligible after receiving specified percentage as revenue from funds	2 years
Period for which entity may not reapply for eligibility	2 years
Composite score for financial responsibility	1.5	1.9	1.3
Minimum Composite required for financial responsibility	1.5
Maximum Period for institution to participate under the Zone Alternative	3 years
Maximum [Member]
Public Utilities, General Disclosures [Line Items]
Standard composite score for financial responsibility	3
Minimum [Member]
Public Utilities, General Disclosures [Line Items]
Standard composite score for financial responsibility	(1)
U.S. Department of Education [Member]
Public Utilities, General Disclosures [Line Items]
Maximum notification period	10 days
Minimum percentage Letter of credit amount equal Total Title IV Program funds	50.00%
Minimum percentage Letter of credit amount equal Prior Years Total Title IV Program funds	10.00%
U.S. Department of Education [Member] | Maximum [Member]
Public Utilities, General Disclosures [Line Items]
Composite score for financial responsibility	1.4
Minimum Composite required for financial responsibility	1.5
U.S. Department of Education [Member] | Minimum [Member]
Public Utilities, General Disclosures [Line Items]
Composite score for financial responsibility	1
Minimum Composite required for financial responsibility	1

WEIGHTED AVERAGE COMMON SHARE44

WEIGHTED AVERAGE COMMON SHARES (Details) - shares	3 Months Ended								12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2016	Sep. 30, 2016	Jun. 30, 2016	Mar. 31, 2016	Dec. 31, 2015	Sep. 30, 2015	Jun. 30, 2015	Mar. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2016	Dec. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014
Shares used to compute basic and diluted loss income per share [Abstract]
Basic shares outstanding (in shares)	23,514,000	23,499,000	23,448,000	23,351,000	23,247,000	23,230,000	23,132,000	23,056,000	23,453,427	23,166,977	22,814,105
Dilutive effect of stock options (in shares)									0	60,161	0
Diluted shares outstanding (in shares)	24,602,000	24,680,000	23,448,000	23,351,000	23,347,000	23,270,000	23,132,000	23,056,000	23,453,427	23,227,138	22,814,105
Stock Option 2 [Member]
Antidilutive Securities Excluded from Computation of Earnings Per Share [Line Items]
Antidilutive shares excluded from computation of income (loss) per share (in shares)									773,078		119,722
Stock Option 1 [Member]
Antidilutive Securities Excluded from Computation of Earnings Per Share [Line Items]
Antidilutive shares excluded from computation of income (loss) per share (in shares)									218,167	391,935	795,985
Performance Shares [Member]
Antidilutive Securities Excluded from Computation of Earnings Per Share [Line Items]
Antidilutive shares excluded from computation of income (loss) per share (in shares)									73,827	152,837	360,402

DISCONTINUED OPERATIONS (Detail

DISCONTINUED OPERATIONS (Details) $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended								12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2016USD ($)Campus	Sep. 30, 2016USD ($)	Jun. 30, 2016USD ($)	Mar. 31, 2016USD ($)	Dec. 31, 2015USD ($)Campus	Sep. 30, 2015USD ($)	Jun. 30, 2015USD ($)	Mar. 31, 2015USD ($)	Dec. 31, 2016USD ($)Campus	Dec. 31, 2015USD ($)Campus	Dec. 31, 2014USD ($)Site
Result of discontinued operations [Abstract]
Net loss from discontinued operations	$ (18,711)	$ (2,168)	$ (1,496)	$ (1,430)	$ 4,679	$ (2,636)	$ (3,436)	$ (2,097)	$ (23,806)	$ (3,491)	$ (30,584)
Impairments of goodwill and long-lived assets									$ 3,902	$ 216	$ 21,885
Healthcare and Other Professions Business Segment [Member]
Income Statement, Balance Sheet and Additional Disclosures by Disposal Groups, Including Discontinued Operations [Line Items]
Number of campuses | Campus	15				15				15	15
Florida [Member]
Income Statement, Balance Sheet and Additional Disclosures by Disposal Groups, Including Discontinued Operations [Line Items]
Number of training sites approved by board of directors to cease operations | Site											5
Fifteen Campuses [Member]
Result of discontinued operations [Abstract]
Revenue									$ 88,649	$ 97,846	$ 106,982
Loss before income tax									(6,341)	(3,491)	(26,684)
Income tax benefit									0	0	(2,746)
Net loss from discontinued operations									(6,341)	$ (3,491)	(23,938)
Impairments of goodwill and long-lived assets									$ 17,500		19,000
Five Training Sites [Member]
Result of discontinued operations [Abstract]
Impairments of goodwill and long-lived assets											2,100
Five Training Sites [Member] | Florida [Member]
Result of discontinued operations [Abstract]
Revenue											2,140
Loss before income tax											(6,731)
Income tax benefit											(85)
Net loss from discontinued operations											$ (6,646)

GOODWILL AND OTHER INTANGIBLE46

GOODWILL AND OTHER INTANGIBLES (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands		12 Months Ended
		Dec. 31, 2016	Dec. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2016		Dec. 31, 2015		Dec. 31, 2014	Sep. 30, 2014
GOODWILL AND OTHER INTANGIBLES [Abstract]
Goodwill held for sale					$ 0	[1]	$ 8,759	[1]	$ 1,300	$ 38,800
Changes in Carrying Amount of Goodwill [Abstract]
Gross Goodwill Balance					108,417		108,417		115,872
Accumulated Impairment Losses					(93,881)		(93,881)		(93,665)
Net Goodwill Balance					14,536		14,536		22,207
Asset held for sale	[2]		$ (7,455)
Goodwill impairment			(216)
Adjustments		$ 0
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets [Line Items]
Additions		0
Assets held for sale	[3]		(1,454)
Amortization		100	100	$ 200
Assets held for sale	[3]		(378)
Net carrying amount at end of the period		32
Intangible Assets (Excluding Goodwill) [Abstract]
Gross carrying amount, Total		470	1,924
Gross carrying amount, Total		470	470	1,924
Accumulated amortization, Total		420	733
Amortization		18	65
Accumulated amortization, Total		438	420	733
Net carrying amount					32		50
Amortization of intangible assets		100	100	200
Estimated future amortization expense [Abstract]
2,017					16
2,018					16
Total		32			32
Accreditation [Member]
Indefinite-lived Intangible Assets [Line Items]
Gross carrying amount, beginning balance		0	1,064
Additions		0
Assets held for sale	[3]		(1,064)
Gross carrying amount, ending balance		0	0	1,064
Accumulated amortization, beginning balance		0	0
Amortization		0	0
Assets held for sale	[3]		0
Accumulated amortization, ending balance		0	0	0
Net carrying amount at end of the period		0	0	1,064	0		0		$ 1,064
Trade Name [Member]
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets [Line Items]
Gross carrying amount, beginning balance		310	310
Additions		0
Assets held for sale	[3]		0
Gross carrying amount, ending balance		310	310	310
Accumulated amortization, beginning balance		308	264
Amortization		2	44
Assets held for sale	[3]		0
Accumulated amortization, ending balance		310	308	264
Net carrying amount at end of the period		$ 0	$ 2
Weighted average amortization period		7 years	7 years
Intangible Assets (Excluding Goodwill) [Abstract]
Amortization of intangible assets		$ 2	$ 44
Estimated future amortization expense [Abstract]
Total		0	2		0		2
Curriculum [Member]
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets [Line Items]
Gross carrying amount, beginning balance		160	550
Additions		0
Assets held for sale	[3]		(390)
Gross carrying amount, ending balance		160	160	550
Accumulated amortization, beginning balance		112	469
Amortization		16	21
Assets held for sale	[3]		(378)
Accumulated amortization, ending balance		128	112	$ 469
Net carrying amount at end of the period		$ 32	$ 48
Weighted average amortization period		10 years	10 years
Intangible Assets (Excluding Goodwill) [Abstract]
Amortization of intangible assets		$ 16	$ 21
Estimated future amortization expense [Abstract]
Total		$ 32	$ 48		$ 32		$ 48
[1]	Amount is reduced by an $8.8 million impairment charge in 2016 related to goodwill.
[2]	Amount consists of $1.3 million of goodwill held for sale as of December 31, 2014 offset by $8.8 million of goodwill as of December 31, 2015. Refer to Note 6 for more information on assets held for sale.
[3]	Refer to Note 6 for more information on assets held for sale.

PROPERTY, EQUIPMENT AND FACIL47

PROPERTY, EQUIPMENT AND FACILITIES (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands		12 Months Ended
		Dec. 31, 2016		Dec. 31, 2015		Dec. 31, 2014	Sep. 30, 2014
Property, equipment and facilities net [Abstract]
Property, equipment and facilities, Gross		$ 179,637		$ 189,949
Less accumulated depreciation and amortization		(124,192)		(123,324)
Property, equipment and facilities, Net		55,445		66,625
Depreciation and amortization expense		10,900		10,200		$ 14,500
Assets held for sale [Abstract]
Inventories		629		646
Accounts receivable, less allowance of $3,930 and $3,261 at December 31, 2016 and 2015, respectively		5,089		4,526
Prepaid expense and other current assets		460		724
Noncurrent receivables, less allowance of $212 and $189 at December 31, 2016 and 2015, respectively		1,690		1,384
Property, equipment and facilities - at cost, net of accumluated depreciation and amortization of $41,703 and $34,751 at December 31, 2016 and 2015, respectively	[1],[2]	16,847		27,133
Goodwill		0	[3]	8,759	[3]	$ 1,300	$ 38,800
Other assets, net	[4]	71		1,197
Assets held for sale		24,786		44,369
Liabilities held for sale [Abstract]
Unearned tuition		(7,255)		(7,929)
Accrued expenses		(2,553)		(2,668)
Accrued rent		(1,770)		(1,735)
Liabilities held for sale		(11,578)		(12,332)
Assets held for sale, net		13,208		32,037
Long lived assets held for sale, other information [Abstract]
Accounts receivable, allowance		3,930		3,261
Noncurrent receivables, allowance		212		189
Property, equipment and facilities - accumulated depreciation and amortization		41,703		34,751
Long-lived Assets [Member]
Long lived assets held for sale, other information [Abstract]
Reduction in impairment charge		7,600
Goodwill [Member]
Long lived assets held for sale, other information [Abstract]
Reduction in impairment charge		8,800
Indefinite-lived Intangible Assets [Member]
Long lived assets held for sale, other information [Abstract]
Reduction in impairment charge		1,100
Land [Member]
Property, equipment and facilities net [Abstract]
Property, equipment and facilities, Gross	[5]	6,969		10,054
Buildings and Improvements [Member]
Property, equipment and facilities net [Abstract]
Property, equipment and facilities, Gross	[5]	$ 105,433		112,281
Buildings and Improvements [Member] | Minimum [Member]
Property, equipment and facilities net [Abstract]
Useful life	[5]	1 year
Buildings and Improvements [Member] | Maximum [Member]
Property, equipment and facilities net [Abstract]
Useful life	[5]	25 years
Equipment, Furniture and Fixtures [Member]
Property, equipment and facilities net [Abstract]
Property, equipment and facilities, Gross		$ 65,776		66,838
Equipment, Furniture and Fixtures [Member] | Minimum [Member]
Property, equipment and facilities net [Abstract]
Useful life		1 year
Equipment, Furniture and Fixtures [Member] | Maximum [Member]
Property, equipment and facilities net [Abstract]
Useful life		7 years
Vehicles [Member]
Property, equipment and facilities net [Abstract]
Useful life		3 years
Property, equipment and facilities, Gross		$ 534		617
Construction in Progress [Member]
Property, equipment and facilities net [Abstract]
Property, equipment and facilities, Gross		925		$ 159
West Palm Beach Property [Member]
Long lived assets held for sale, other information [Abstract]
Reduction in impairment charge		2,500
Suffield [Member]
Long lived assets held for sale, other information [Abstract]
Reduction in impairment charge		$ 1,400
[1]	Amount is reduced by a $2.5 million impairment charge in 2016 related to a property in West Palm Beach, Florida.
[2]	Amount is reduced by a $7.6 million impairment charge in 2016 related to long-lived assets.
[3]	Amount is reduced by an $8.8 million impairment charge in 2016 related to goodwill.
[4]	Amount is reduced by a $1.1 million impairment charge in 2016 related to indefinite-lived assets.
[5]	Amounts are reduced by a $1.4 million impairment charge in 2016 related to a property in Suffield, Connecticut.

ACCRUED EXPENSES (Details)

ACCRUED EXPENSES (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Dec. 31, 2016	Dec. 31, 2015
ACCRUED EXPENSES [Abstract]
Accrued compensation and benefits	$ 6,664	$ 6,151
Accrued rent and real estate taxes	2,917	2,012
Other accrued expenses	3,234	3,046
Accrued expenses	$ 12,815	$ 11,209

LONG-TERM DEBT AND LEASE OBLI49

LONG-TERM DEBT AND LEASE OBLIGATIONS (Details)		Apr. 12, 2016USD ($)	Feb. 29, 2016USD ($)	Feb. 12, 2016USD ($)	Jul. 31, 2015USD ($)	Feb. 28, 2017USD ($)	Dec. 31, 2016USD ($)Lender	Dec. 31, 2015USD ($)
Long term debt and lease obligations [Abstract]
Long term debt and capital lease obligations							$ 44,267,000	$ 58,224,000
Less current maturities							(11,713,000)	(10,114,000)
Long-term debt and lease obligations							$ 32,554,000	48,110,000
Interest rate of debt instrument							11.00%
Percentage of outstanding principal balance of loan							10.00%
Percentage of principal amount prepaid but not including in the second anniversary							5.00%
Percentage of principal amount prepaid but not including in the third anniversary							3.00%
Sale and a leaseback of facilities, Date							December 28, 2001
Scheduled maturities of long-term debt and lease obligations [Abstract]
2,017							$ 11,713,000
2,018							3,427,000
2,019							29,127,000
2,020							0
2,021							0
Thereafter							0
Long term debt and capital lease obligations							$ 44,267,000
Hartford [Member]
Long term debt and lease obligations [Abstract]
Lease termination fee								5,000,000
Fern Park [Member]
Long term debt and lease obligations [Abstract]
Lease termination fee				$ 2,800,000
90-day LIBOR [Member]
Long term debt and lease obligations [Abstract]
Debt instrument, basis spread on variable rate							9.00%
Credit Agreement [Member]
Long term debt and lease obligations [Abstract]
Number of lenders | Lender							3
Expiration date of credit facility		Apr. 1, 2017
Percentage of letters of credit margin against available funds in cash collateral		100.00%
Maximum availability of amount under agreement		$ 9,500,000
Percentage of letter of credit fee, quarterly installment		1.75%
Aggregate principal amount outstanding							$ 6,100,000
Revolving Credit Facility [Member]
Long term debt and lease obligations [Abstract]
Expiration date of credit facility							Apr. 5, 2016
Repayment of outstanding principal, accrued interest and fees					$ 6,300,000
Proceeds for remaining loan amount					11,000,000
Revolving Credit Facility [Member] | Bank of America and Other Lenders [Member]
Long term debt and lease obligations [Abstract]
Long-term line of credit					20,000,000
Letter of Credit [Member]
Long term debt and lease obligations [Abstract]
Cash collateral amount					7,400,000
Term Loan Agreement [Member]
Long term debt and lease obligations [Abstract]
Long-term line of credit	[1]						$ 44,267,000	44,653,000
Outstanding term loan			$ 45,000,000		45,000,000
Expiration date of credit facility							Jul. 31, 2019
Deferred finance fees							$ 2,300	2,500
Short-term debt							10,000,000
Term loan amount paid under second amendment			4,000,000
Judgment amount to cause breach of covenant							1,000,000
Commitment fee							1,000,000
Amount of fees for term loan							500,000	2,800,000
Term Loan Agreement [Member] | Subsequent Event [Member]
Long term debt and lease obligations [Abstract]
Repayment of restricted cash without prepayment penalty						$ 5,000,000
Term Loan A [Member]
Long term debt and lease obligations [Abstract]
Outstanding term loan			25,000,000
Term Loan A [Member] | HPF Holdco, LLC, Rushing Creek 4, LLC and Tiger Capital Group, LLC [Member]
Long term debt and lease obligations [Abstract]
Outstanding term loan					30,000,000
Term Loan A [Member] | Alostar Bank of Commerce [Member]
Long term debt and lease obligations [Abstract]
Term loan principal repayment					5,000,000
Term Loan B [Member]
Long term debt and lease obligations [Abstract]
Outstanding term loan			20,000,000
Cash collateral amount			$ 20,300,000
Term Loan B [Member] | Alostar Bank of Commerce [Member]
Long term debt and lease obligations [Abstract]
Outstanding term loan					15,000,000
Cash collateral amount					15,300,000
Outstanding term loan additional amount					$ 5,000,000
Maximum [Member] | Term Loan Agreement [Member]
Long term debt and lease obligations [Abstract]
Aggregate repayments of the Loan							15,000,000
Finance Obligation [Member]
Long term debt and lease obligations [Abstract]
Capital lease and finance obligation	[2]						0	9,672,000
Capital Lease-Property (with a rate of 8.0%) [Member]
Long term debt and lease obligations [Abstract]
Capital lease and finance obligation	[3]						$ 0	$ 3,899,000
Interest rate of debt instrument							8.00%
[1]	On July 31, 2015, the Company entered into a credit agreement with three lenders, Alostar Bank of Commerce ("Alostar"), HPF Holdco, LLC and Rushing Creek 4, LLC, led by HPF Service, LLC, as administrative agent and collateral agent (the "Agent"), for an aggregate principal amount of $45 million (the "Term Loan"). The July 31, 2015 credit agreement, along with subsequent amendments to the Credit Agreement dated December 31, 2015 and February 29, 2016, are collectively referred to as the "Credit Agreement." As of December 31, 2015 and prior to the effectiveness of a second amendment to the Credit Agreement on February 29, 2016 (the "Second Amendment"), the Term Loan consisted of a $30 million term loan (the "Term Loan A") from HPF Holdco, LLC, Rushing Creek 4, LLC and Tiger Capital Group, LLC, secured by a first priority lien in favor of the Agent on substantially all of the real and personal property owned by the Company, and a $15 million term loan (the "Term Loan B") from Alostar secured by a $15.3 million cash collateral account. Pursuant to the Second Amendment, the Company received an additional $5 million term loan from Alostar with which the Company repaid $5 million of the principal amount of the Term Loan A. Accordingly, upon the effectiveness of the Second Amendment, the aggregate term loans outstanding under the Credit Agreement remains at approximately $45 million, consisting of an approximate $25 million Term Loan A and a $20 million Term Loan B. In addition, pursuant to the Second Amendment, the amount of cash collateral securing the Term Loan B was increased to $20.3 million. At the Company's request, a percentage of the cash collateral may be released to the Company at the Agent's sole discretion and with the consent of Alostar upon the satisfaction of certain criteria as outlined in the Credit Agreement. The Term Loan, which matures on July 31, 2019, replaces a previously existing $20 million revolving credit facility with Bank of America, N.A. and other lenders, which was due to expire on April 5, 2016. The previously existing revolving credit facility was terminated concurrently with the effective date of the Credit Agreement on July 31, 2015 (the "Closing Date"). A portion of the proceeds of the Term Loan were used by the Company to (i) repay approximately $6.3 million in outstanding principal, accrued interest and fees due under the previously existing revolving credit facility, (ii) fund the $20.3 million cash collateral account securing the portion of the Term Loan provided by Alostar, (iii) fund approximately $7.4 million in a cash collateral account securing the letters of credit issued under the previously existing revolving credit facility that remain outstanding after the termination of that facility and (iv) pay transaction expenses in connection with the Term Loan and the termination of the previously existing revolving credit facility. The remaining proceeds of the Term Loan of approximately $11 million may be used by the Company to finance capital expenditures and for general corporate purposes consistent with the terms of the Credit Agreement. Interest will accrue on the Term Loan at a per annum rate equal to the greater of (i) 11% or (ii) 90-day LIBOR plus 9% determined monthly by the Agent and will be payable monthly in arrears. The principal balance of the Term Loan will be repaid in equal monthly installments, commencing on August 1, 2017, determined as the quotient of (i) 10% of the outstanding principal balance of the Term Loan as of July 2, 2017 divided by (ii) 12. A final installment of principal and all accrued and unpaid interest will be due on the maturity date of the Term Loan. The Term Loan may be prepaid in whole or in part at any time, subject to the payment of a prepayment premium equal to (i) 5% of the principal amount prepaid at any time up to but not including the second anniversary of the Closing Date and (ii) 3% of the principal amount prepaid at any time commencing on the second anniversary of the Closing Date up to but not including the third anniversary of the Closing Date. In the event of any sale or other disposition of a school or real property by the Company permitted under the Term Loan, the net proceeds of such sale or disposition must be used to prepay the Loan in an amount determined pursuant to the Credit Agreement, subject to the applicable prepayment premium; provided, however, that no prepayment premium will be due with respect to up to $15 million of aggregate repayments of the Term Loan made during the first year that the Term Loan is outstanding. A portion of the net cash proceeds of any disposition of a school in an amount determined pursuant to the terms of the Term Loan, must be deposited and held as cash collateral in a deposit account controlled by the Agent until the conditions for release set forth in the Term Loan are satisfied. In connection with the assets which are currently classified as held for sale and are expected to be sold within one year, the Company is required to classify $10 million as short term debt due to the Term Loan prepayment minimum required with respect to any such disposition. The Term Loan contains customary representations, warranties and covenants such as minimum financial responsibility composite score, cohort default rate, and other financial covenants, including minimum liquidity, maximum capital expenditures, maximum 90/10 ratio and minimum EBITDA (as defined in the Term Loan), as well as affirmative and negative covenants and events of default customary for facilities of this type. The Company was in compliance with all covenants as of December 31, 2016. Subsequent to the 2015 fiscal year end, pursuant to the Second Amendment, the financial covenants were adjusted and, at the Company's election, will be adjusted for fiscal year 2017 and for each subsequent fiscal year until the maturity of the Term Loan at either the levels applicable to fiscal year 2016 (and each fiscal quarter thereof) contained in the Credit Agreement as of the Closing Date or the levels applicable to fiscal year 2016 (and each fiscal quarter thereof) contained in the Second Amendment. The Company elected to re-set the financial covenants at the 2016 covenant levels contained in the Second Amendment and as required to prepaid $4 million before January 15, 2017, without prepayment penalty. The Credit Agreement contains events of default, the occurrence and continuation of which provide the Company's lenders with the right to exercise remedies against the Company and the collateral securing the Term Loan, including the Company's cash. These events of default include, among other things, the Company's failure to pay any amounts due under the Term Loan, a breach of covenants under the Credit Agreement, the Company's insolvency and the insolvency of its subsidiaries, the occurrence of a material adverse effect, the occurrence of any default under certain other indebtedness, and a final judgment against the Company in an amount greater than $1 million. Also, in connection with the Term Loan, the Company paid to the Agent a commitment fee of $1 million on the Closing Date and is required to pay to the Agent other customary fees for facilities of this type. Total fees for the Term Loan were $2.8 million during fiscal year 2015. During the first quarter of 2016, in connection with the effectiveness of the Second Amendment, the Company paid loan modification fees of $0.5 million. These deferred finance fees are netted against the Term Loan on the Consolidated Balance Sheets and amortized to interest expense on the Consolidated Statement of Operations. As of December 31, 2016 and December 31, 2015, the Company had $44.3 million and $44.7 million outstanding under the Term Loan; offset by $2.5 million and $2.5 million of deferred finance fees, respectively.
[2]	The Company completed a sale and a leaseback of four facilities on December 28, 2001. The Company retained a continuing involvement in the lease and, as a result, the Company was prohibited from utilizing sale-leaseback accounting. Accordingly, the Company had treated this transaction as a finance lease. In January 2016, the lease was amended to cure certain provisions related to continuing involvement and, as a consequence, achieved sales treatment. In the first quarter of 2016, the lease was converted to an operating lease and rent payments are included in educational, services and facilities expense in the Consolidated Statement of Operations. In addition, the finance obligation, net of land and buildings, was amortized on the straight-line basis through December 31, 2016.
[3]	In 2009, the Company assumed a real estate capital lease for a property located in Fern Park, Florida having a term continuing through October 31, 2032. In February 2015, the Company's Board of Directors approved a plan to cease operations of its school located at the Fern Park, Florida property, which school closed in the first quarter of 2016. In connection with the closure of the school the Company paid a $2.8 million lease termination fee to the landlord in connection with the amendment and early termination of the 2009 lease agreement. The amended lease agreement subsequently expired on April 10, 2016. In December 2015, the Company's Board of Directors approved a plan to cease operations at the Hartford, Connecticut school which closed in the fourth quarter of 2016. In connection therewith, the Company paid a $5 million lease termination fee to its landlord in connection with the early termination of a lease agreement under which the Company leased property in Hartford, Connecticut for a term continuing through July 31, 2031.

STOCKHOLDERS' EQUITY (Details)

STOCKHOLDERS' EQUITY (Details) $ / shares in Units, $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2016USD ($)Plan$ / sharesshares	Dec. 31, 2015USD ($)$ / sharesshares	Dec. 31, 2014USD ($)$ / sharesshares	Dec. 31, 2013USD ($)$ / sharesshares
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Number of stock incentive plans | Plan	2
Vesting period of performance-based shares	2 years		3 years	4 years
Specified operating income margin period			1 year	1 year
Shares [Abstract]
Outstanding, beginning balance (in shares) | shares	246,167	424,167	547,125
Canceled (in shares) | shares	(28,000)	(178,000)	(122,958)
Outstanding, ending balance (in shares) | shares	218,167	246,167	424,167	547,125
Vested or expected to vest (in shares) | shares	218,167
Exercisable, ending balance (in shares) | shares	218,167
Weighted Average Exercise Price Per Share [Abstract]
Outstanding, beginning balance (in dollars per share)	$ 12.52	$ 13.65	$ 14.73
Cancelled (in dollars per share)	15.76	15.20	18.49
Outstanding, ending balance (in dollars per share)	12.11	$ 12.52	$ 13.65	$ 14.73
Vested or expected to vest (in dollars per share)	12.11
Exercisable, ending balance (in dollars per share)	$ 12.11
Weighted Average Remaining Contractual Term [Abstract]
Outstanding, balance	3 years 3 months 29 days	3 years 11 months 23 days	4 years 2 months 5 days	4 years 6 months 22 days
Vested or expected to vest	3 years 3 months 29 days
Exercisable, ending balance	3 years 3 months 29 days
Aggregate Intrinsic Value [Abstract]
Outstanding, beginning balance | $	$ 0	$ 0	$ 0
Cancelled | $		0	0
Outstanding, ending balance | $	0	$ 0	$ 0	$ 0
Vested or expected to vest | $	0
Exercisable, ending balance | $	$ 0
Stock Options Outstanding [Abstract]
Shares (in shares) | shares	218,167
Contractual Weighted Average Life	3 years 3 months 29 days
Weighted Average Price (in dollars per share)	$ 12.11
Stock Options Exercisable [Abstract]
Shares (in shares) | shares	218,167
Weighted Exercise Price (in dollars per share)	$ 12.11
Restricted Stock [Member]
Shares [Abstract]
Nonvested restricted stock outstanding, beginning balance (in shares) | shares	450,494	925,819
Granted (in shares) | shares	1,105,487	234,651
Cancelled (in shares) | shares	(76,200)	(354,462)
Vested (in shares) | shares	(336,182)	(355,514)
Nonvested restricted stock outstanding, ending balance (in shares) | shares	1,143,599	450,494	925,819
Weighted Average Grant Date Fair Value [Abstract]
Nonvested restricted stock outstanding, beginning balance (in dollars per share)	$ 3.69	$ 5.04
Granted (in dollars per share)	1.67	2.28
Cancelled (in dollars per share)	2.98	4.97
Vested (in dollars per share)	3.33	5
Nonvested restricted stock outstanding, ending balance (in dollars per share)	$ 1.89	$ 3.69	$ 5.04
Recognized restricted stock expense | $	$ 1,400	$ 1,100	$ 2,500
Unrecognized restricted stock expense | $	$ 1,500	$ 1,300
Weighted average period	1 year 10 months 24 days
Number of shares cancelled (in shares) | shares	26,200
Stock Options [Member]
Stock Options [Abstract]
Stock options granted (in shares) | shares	0	0	0
Aggregate Intrinsic Value [Abstract]
Unrecognized pre-tax compensation expense | $	$ 0
LTIP [Member]
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Net share settlement for restricted stock (in shares) | shares	71,805	85,740	144,983
Net share settlement for stock options (in shares) | shares	71,805	85,740	144,983
Decrease in equity due to payment of tax for employee | $	$ 200	$ 200	$ 400
LTIP [Member] | Restricted Stock [Member]
Weighted Average Grant Date Fair Value [Abstract]
Outstanding restricted shares, intrinsic value | $	$ 2,200
$ 4.00-$13.99 [Member]
Range of Exercise Prices [Abstract]
Range of Exercise Prices, Minimum (in dollars per share)	$ 4
Range of Exercise Prices, Maximum (in dollars per share)	$ 13.99
Stock Options Outstanding [Abstract]
Shares (in shares) | shares	165,167
Contractual Weighted Average Life	3 years 4 months 6 days
Weighted Average Price (in dollars per share)	$ 9.46
Stock Options Exercisable [Abstract]
Shares (in shares) | shares	165,167
Weighted Exercise Price (in dollars per share)	$ 9.46
$ 14.00-$19.99 [Member]
Range of Exercise Prices [Abstract]
Range of Exercise Prices, Minimum (in dollars per share)	14
Range of Exercise Prices, Maximum (in dollars per share)	$ 19.99
Stock Options Outstanding [Abstract]
Shares (in shares) | shares	22,000
Contractual Weighted Average Life	2 years 10 months 2 days
Weighted Average Price (in dollars per share)	$ 19.98
Stock Options Exercisable [Abstract]
Shares (in shares) | shares	22,000
Weighted Exercise Price (in dollars per share)	$ 19.98
$ 20.00-$25.00 [Member]
Range of Exercise Prices [Abstract]
Range of Exercise Prices, Minimum (in dollars per share)	20
Range of Exercise Prices, Maximum (in dollars per share)	$ 25
Stock Options Outstanding [Abstract]
Shares (in shares) | shares	31,000
Contractual Weighted Average Life	3 years 7 months 2 days
Weighted Average Price (in dollars per share)	$ 20.62
Stock Options Exercisable [Abstract]
Shares (in shares) | shares	31,000
Weighted Exercise Price (in dollars per share)	$ 20.62

PENSION PLAN, Plan's funded sta

PENSION PLAN, Plan's funded status (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2016	Dec. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014
CHANGES IN BENEFIT OBLIGATIONS [Roll Forward]
Benefit obligation-beginning of year	$ 23,341	$ 24,299	$ 20,314
Service cost	28	28	23
Interest cost	888	884	892
Actuarial (gain) loss	(255)	(782)	4,149
Benefits paid	(1,086)	(1,088)	(1,079)
Benefit obligation at end of year	22,916	23,341	24,299
CHANGE IN PLAN ASSETS [Roll Forward]
Fair value of plan assets-beginning of year	17,792	19,000	18,792
Actual return on plan assets	842	(120)	1,017
Employer contributions	0	0	270
Benefits paid	(1,086)	(1,088)	(1,079)
Fair value of plan assets-end of year	17,548	17,792	19,000
BENEFIT OBLIGATION IN EXCESS OF FAIR VALUE FUNDED STATUS:	$ (5,368)	$ (5,549)	$ (5,299)

PENSION PLAN (Details)

PENSION PLAN (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2016	Dec. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
Amounts recognized in the consolidated balance sheets [Abstract]
Noncurrent liabilities	$ (5,368)	$ (5,549)	$ (5,299)
Amounts recognized in accumulated other comprehensive loss [Abstract]
Accumulated loss	(8,467)	(9,438)	(9,833)
Deferred income taxes	2,366	2,366	2,366
Accumulated other comprehensive loss	(6,101)	(7,072)	(7,467)
Accumulated benefit obligation	22,900	23,300
COMPONENTS OF NET PERIODIC BENEFIT COST [Abstract]
Service cost	28	28	23
Interest cost	888	884	892
Expected return on plan assets	(1,118)	(1,243)	(1,287)
Recognized net actuarial loss	991	976	513
Net periodic benefit cost	789	645	141
Amortization of estimated net loss, transition obligation and prior service cost from accumulated other comprehensive income into net periodic benefit cost	900
Plan assets using the fair value hierarchy [Abstract]
Fair value of plan assets	$ 17,548	$ 17,792	$ 19,000	$ 18,792
Fair value of total plan assets by major asset category	100.00%	100.00%	100.00%
Weighted-average assumptions used to determine benefit obligations [Abstract]
Discount rate	3.81%	3.94%	3.66%
Rate of compensation increase	2.50%	2.50%	1.13%
Weighted-average assumptions used to determine net periodic pension cost [Abstract]
Pension contributions	$ 0	$ 0
Expected benefit payments for the plan [Abstract]
Maximum contribution by employee specified as percentage of compensation	25.00%
Additional contribution by employer	30.00%
Maximum percentage of compensation contributed by employer as matching contribution	6.00%
Compensation expense for the 401(k) plan	$ 700	700	$ 1,600
Quoted Prices in Active Markets for Identical Assets (Level 1) [Member]
Plan assets using the fair value hierarchy [Abstract]
Fair value of plan assets	17,548	17,792
Significant Other Observable Inputs (Level 2) [Member]
Plan assets using the fair value hierarchy [Abstract]
Fair value of plan assets	0	0
Significant Unobservable Inputs (Level 3) [Member]
Plan assets using the fair value hierarchy [Abstract]
Fair value of plan assets	0	0
Equity Securities [Member]
Plan assets using the fair value hierarchy [Abstract]
Fair value of plan assets	$ 8,509	$ 8,473
Fair value of total plan assets by major asset category	49.00%	48.00%	50.00%
Expected benefit payments for the plan [Abstract]
Target plan asset allocations, minimum	30.00%
Target plan asset allocations, maximum	70.00%
Equity Securities [Member] | Quoted Prices in Active Markets for Identical Assets (Level 1) [Member]
Plan assets using the fair value hierarchy [Abstract]
Fair value of plan assets	$ 8,509	$ 8,473
Equity Securities [Member] | Significant Other Observable Inputs (Level 2) [Member]
Plan assets using the fair value hierarchy [Abstract]
Fair value of plan assets	0	0
Equity Securities [Member] | Significant Unobservable Inputs (Level 3) [Member]
Plan assets using the fair value hierarchy [Abstract]
Fair value of plan assets	0	0
Fixed Income [Member]
Plan assets using the fair value hierarchy [Abstract]
Fair value of plan assets	$ 6,548	$ 5,943
Fair value of total plan assets by major asset category	37.00%	33.00%	32.00%
Expected benefit payments for the plan [Abstract]
Target plan asset allocations, minimum	20.00%
Target plan asset allocations, maximum	60.00%
Fixed Income [Member] | Quoted Prices in Active Markets for Identical Assets (Level 1) [Member]
Plan assets using the fair value hierarchy [Abstract]
Fair value of plan assets	$ 6,548	$ 5,943
Fixed Income [Member] | Significant Other Observable Inputs (Level 2) [Member]
Plan assets using the fair value hierarchy [Abstract]
Fair value of plan assets	0	0
Fixed Income [Member] | Significant Unobservable Inputs (Level 3) [Member]
Plan assets using the fair value hierarchy [Abstract]
Fair value of plan assets	0	0
International Equities [Member]
Plan assets using the fair value hierarchy [Abstract]
Fair value of plan assets	$ 2,484	$ 3,288
Fair value of total plan assets by major asset category	14.00%	19.00%	18.00%
International Equities [Member] | Quoted Prices in Active Markets for Identical Assets (Level 1) [Member]
Plan assets using the fair value hierarchy [Abstract]
Fair value of plan assets	$ 2,484	$ 3,288
International Equities [Member] | Significant Other Observable Inputs (Level 2) [Member]
Plan assets using the fair value hierarchy [Abstract]
Fair value of plan assets	0	0
International Equities [Member] | Significant Unobservable Inputs (Level 3) [Member]
Plan assets using the fair value hierarchy [Abstract]
Fair value of plan assets	0	0
Cash and Equivalents [Member]
Plan assets using the fair value hierarchy [Abstract]
Fair value of plan assets	$ 7	$ 88
Fair value of total plan assets by major asset category	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%
Expected benefit payments for the plan [Abstract]
Target plan asset allocations, minimum	0.00%
Target plan asset allocations, maximum	10.00%
Cash and Equivalents [Member] | Quoted Prices in Active Markets for Identical Assets (Level 1) [Member]
Plan assets using the fair value hierarchy [Abstract]
Fair value of plan assets	$ 7	$ 88
Cash and Equivalents [Member] | Significant Other Observable Inputs (Level 2) [Member]
Plan assets using the fair value hierarchy [Abstract]
Fair value of plan assets	0	0
Cash and Equivalents [Member] | Significant Unobservable Inputs (Level 3) [Member]
Plan assets using the fair value hierarchy [Abstract]
Fair value of plan assets	$ 0	$ 0
Pension Plan [Member]
Weighted-average assumptions used to determine net periodic pension cost [Abstract]
Discount rate	3.81%	3.94%	4.46%
Rate of compensation increase	2.50%	2.50%	1.13%
Long-term rate of return	6.25%	6.50%	7.00%
Expected benefit payments for the plan [Abstract]
2,017	$ 1,257
2,018	1,323
2,019	1,357
2,020	1,369
2,021	1,376
Years 2022-2026	$ 7,039

INCOME TAXES (Details)

INCOME TAXES (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2016	Dec. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014
Current [Abstract]
Federal	$ 0	$ 0	$ 0
State	200	242	200
Total	200	242	200
Deferred [Abstract]
Federal	0	0	(1,420)
State	0	0	(259)
Total	0	0	(1,679)
Total provision (benefit)	200	242	(1,479)
Noncurrent deferred tax assets (liabilities) [Abstract]
Allowance for bad debts	5,904	5,617
Accrued rent	3,191	2,952
Accrued bonus	1,429	0
Accrued benefits	198	0
Stock-based compensation	557	498
Depreciation	20,372	14,941
Goodwill	1,959	(380)
Other intangibles	562	274
Pension plan liabilities	2,142	2,215
Net operating loss carryforwards	17,846	14,765
Sale leaseback-deferred gain	0	2,629
AMT credit	424	424
Total noncurrent deferred tax assets	54,584	43,935
Less valuation allowance	(54,584)	(43,935)
Noncurrent deferred tax assets, net of valuation allowance	0	0
Difference between the actual tax provision and the tax provision that would result from the use of the Federal statutory rate [Abstract]
(Loss) gain from continuing operations before taxes	(4,298)	383	(27,028)
Expected tax benefit	(1,504)	134	(9,460)
State tax benefit (net of federal)	200	242	(43)
Valuation allowance	1,394	(274)	7,876
Other	110	140	148
Total provision (benefit)	$ 200	$ 242	$ (1,479)
Expected tax benefit	35.00%	35.00%	35.00%
State tax benefit (net of federal)	(4.70%)	63.20%	0.20%
Valuation allowance	(32.40%)	(71.50%)	(29.10%)
Other	(2.60%)	36.50%	(0.60%)
Total	(4.70%)	63.20%	5.50%
Net operating loss carryforwards	$ 39,700	$ 32,600
Net operating loss carryforwards, period of ownership change	3 years
Net operating loss carryforwards, minimum percentage of ownership change	50.00%
Activity related to uncertain tax positions [Roll Forward]
Balance, beginning of period	$ 0	0	$ 0
Decrease for tax positions of prior years	0	0	0
Increase for tax positions of current year	0	0	0
Balance, end of period	$ 0	$ 0	$ 0

FAIR VALUE (Details)

FAIR VALUE (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Dec. 31, 2016	Dec. 31, 2015
Carrying Amount [Member]
Financial Assets [Abstract]
Cash and cash equivalents	$ 21,064	$ 38,420
Restricted cash	6,399	7,362
Prepaid expenses and other current assets	2,434	2,710
Noncurrent restricted cash	20,252	15,259
Financial Liabilities [Abstract]
Accrued expenses	12,815	11,209
Other short term liabilities	653	686
Term loan	44,267	44,653
Fair Value [Member]
Financial Assets [Abstract]
Cash and cash equivalents	21,064	38,420
Restricted cash	6,399	7,362
Prepaid expenses and other current assets	2,434	2,710
Noncurrent restricted cash	20,252	15,259
Financial Liabilities [Abstract]
Accrued expenses	12,815	11,209
Other short term liabilities	653	686
Term loan	40,687	36,795
Quoted Prices in Active Markets for Identical Assets (Level 1) [Member] | Fair Value [Member]
Financial Assets [Abstract]
Cash and cash equivalents	21,064	38,420
Restricted cash	6,399	7,362
Prepaid expenses and other current assets	0	0
Noncurrent restricted cash	20,252	15,259
Financial Liabilities [Abstract]
Accrued expenses	0	0
Other short term liabilities	0	0
Term loan	0	0
Significant Other Observable Inputs (Level 2) [Member] | Fair Value [Member]
Financial Assets [Abstract]
Cash and cash equivalents	0	0
Restricted cash	0	0
Prepaid expenses and other current assets	2,434	2,710
Noncurrent restricted cash	0	0
Financial Liabilities [Abstract]
Accrued expenses	12,815	11,209
Other short term liabilities	653	686
Term loan	40,687	36,795
Significant Unobservable Inputs (Level 3) [Member] | Fair Value [Member]
Financial Assets [Abstract]
Cash and cash equivalents	0	0
Restricted cash	0	0
Prepaid expenses and other current assets	0	0
Noncurrent restricted cash	0	0
Financial Liabilities [Abstract]
Accrued expenses	0	0
Other short term liabilities	0	0
Term loan	$ 0	$ 0

SEGMENT REPORTING (Details)

SEGMENT REPORTING (Details) $ in Thousands	Nov. 03, 2015School	Mar. 31, 2015Segment	Dec. 31, 2016USD ($)SegmentLocation	Dec. 31, 2015USD ($)	Dec. 31, 2014USD ($)
SEGMENT REPORTING [Abstract]
Number of locations closed | Location			10
Number of reportable segments | Segment		3	2
Summary financial information by reporting segment [Abstract]
Revenues			$ 196,910	$ 208,256	$ 218,040
Percentage of Total Revenue			100.00%	100.00%	100.00%
Operating (Loss) Income			$ (5,163)	$ 5,949	$ (23,659)
Assets			163,207	207,750
Discontinued Operations [Member]
Summary financial information by reporting segment [Abstract]
Assets			24,786	44,369
Healthcare and Other Professions Business Segment [Member]
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Number of schools approved to divest | School	15
Reportable Segments [Member] | Transportation and Skilled Trades [Member]
Summary financial information by reporting segment [Abstract]
Revenues			$ 177,882	$ 183,821	$ 188,669
Percentage of Total Revenue			90.30%	88.30%	86.50%
Operating (Loss) Income			$ 21,278	$ 26,778	$ 19,519
Assets			83,320	90,045
Reportable Segments [Member] | Transitional [Member]
Summary financial information by reporting segment [Abstract]
Revenues			$ 19,028	$ 24,435	$ 29,371
Percentage of Total Revenue			9.70%	11.70%	13.50%
Operating (Loss) Income			$ (6,334)	$ (1,689)	$ (19,814)
Assets			1,594	4,492
Corporate [Member]
Summary financial information by reporting segment [Abstract]
Revenues			$ 0	$ 0	$ 0
Percentage of Total Revenue			0.00%	0.00%	0.00%
Operating (Loss) Income			$ (20,107)	$ (19,140)	$ (23,364)
Assets			$ 53,507	$ 68,844

COMMITMENTS AND CONTINGENCIES56

COMMITMENTS AND CONTINGENCIES (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Jul. 13, 2015	Dec. 31, 2016	Dec. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014
Credit Agreement [Abstract]
2,017		$ 16,048
2,018		6,881
2,019		30,958
2,020		0
2,021		0
Thereafter		0
Credit agreement, Total		53,887
Less amount representing interest		(9,620)
Credit agreement net of interest		44,267
Operating Leases [Abstract]
2,017		21,428
2,018		19,132
2,019		16,521
2,020		12,439
2,021		7,202
Thereafter		20,484
Operating Leases, Total		97,206
Less amount representing interest		0
Operating leases net of interest		97,206
Lease rent expense		12,000	$ 10,900	$ 11,100
Settlement amount	$ 850,000
Debt forgiveness	$ 165,000
Outstanding net loan commitment		30,000
Future employment contract commitments		3,100
Surety bonds		$ 14,300

RELATED PARTY (Details)

RELATED PARTY (Details) $ in Millions	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2016USD ($)
RELATED PARTY [Abstract]
Purchases from related party	$ 1

UNAUDITED QUARTERLY FINANCIAL58

UNAUDITED QUARTERLY FINANCIAL INFORMATION (Details) - USD ($) $ / shares in Units, $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended								12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2016	Sep. 30, 2016	Jun. 30, 2016	Mar. 31, 2016	Dec. 31, 2015	Sep. 30, 2015	Jun. 30, 2015	Mar. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2016	Dec. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014
UNAUDITED QUARTERLY FINANCIAL INFORMATION [Abstract]
Revenue	$ 50,348	$ 52,877	$ 46,263	$ 47,423	$ 52,552	$ 55,752	$ 48,607	$ 51,345	$ 196,910	$ 208,256	$ 218,040
(Loss) income from continuing operations	84	1,697	(1,642)	(4,638)	3,878	5,217	(4,169)	(4,786)	(4,498)	141	(25,549)
(Loss) income from discontinued operations	(18,711)	(2,168)	(1,496)	(1,430)	4,679	(2,636)	(3,436)	(2,097)	(23,806)	(3,491)	(30,584)
Net (loss) income	$ (18,627)	$ (471)	$ (3,138)	$ (6,068)	$ 8,557	$ 2,581	$ (7,605)	$ (6,883)	$ (28,304)	$ (3,350)	$ (56,133)
Basic [Abstract]
(Loss) earnings per share from continuing operations (in dollars per share)	$ 0	$ 0.07	$ (0.07)	$ (0.20)	$ 0.17	$ 0.22	$ (0.18)	$ (0.21)	$ (0.19)	$ 0.01	$ (1.12)
(Loss) earnings per share from discontinued operations (in dollars per share)	(0.79)	(0.09)	(0.06)	(0.06)	0.20	(0.11)	(0.15)	(0.09)	(1.02)	(0.15)	(1.34)
Net loss per share (in dollars per share)	(0.79)	(0.02)	(0.13)	(0.26)	0.37	0.11	(0.33)	(0.30)	(1.21)	(0.14)	(2.46)
Diluted [Abstract]
(Loss) earnings per share from continuing operations (in dollars per share)	0	0.07	(0.07)	(0.20)	0.17	0.22	(0.18)	(0.21)	(0.19)	0.01	(1.12)
(Loss) earnings per share from discontinued operations (in dollars per share)	(0.76)	(0.09)	(0.06)	(0.06)	0.20	(0.11)	(0.15)	(0.09)	(1.02)	(0.15)	(1.34)
Net loss income per share (in dollars per share)	$ (0.76)	$ (0.02)	$ (0.13)	$ (0.26)	$ 0.37	$ 0.11	$ (0.33)	$ (0.30)	$ (1.21)	$ (0.14)	$ (2.46)
Weighted average number of common shares outstanding:
Basic (in shares)	23,514,000	23,499,000	23,448,000	23,351,000	23,247,000	23,230,000	23,132,000	23,056,000	23,453,427	23,166,977	22,814,105
Diluted (in shares)	24,602,000	24,680,000	23,448,000	23,351,000	23,347,000	23,270,000	23,132,000	23,056,000	23,453,427	23,227,138	22,814,105

DIVIDENDS (Details)

DIVIDENDS (Details)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014$ / shares
DIVIDENDS [Abstract]
Cash dividend declared (in dollars per share)	$ 0.18

Schedule II-Valuation and Qua60

Schedule II-Valuation and Qualifying Accounts (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2016	Dec. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014
Movement in Valuation Allowances and Reserves [Abstract]
Balance at Beginning of Period	$ 14,074	$ 14,849	$ 14,769
Charged to Expense	14,592	13,583	15,500
Accounts Written-off	(13,872)	(14,358)	(15,420)
Balance at End of Period	$ 14,794	$ 14,074	$ 14,849