An alternative high school is a public or charter school designed for students who have not done well in a traditional setting, often because they are behind on credits, have missed a lot of school or need a smaller, more flexible environment. Continuation schools are one type, used in some states for older students catching up. Many students graduate from them and go on to college or work.
What an alternative or continuation high school is
Names and models vary by state and district: continuation school, opportunity school, independent study, credit recovery academy or simply alternative school. Common features include:
- Small classes and closer relationships with staff.
- Flexible or shorter schedules, sometimes with morning and afternoon sessions.
- Self-paced or block courses that let students earn credits faster.
- Built-in credit recovery.
- More counseling and support, and sometimes work-study or career programs.
Some districts also run separate disciplinary alternative programs for students removed from their school for a set period. Those work differently, so ask which type a school is.
Who attends and how enrollment works
Students land in alternative schools for many reasons: falling behind on credits, chronic absences, working to support a family, being a parent, or simply needing a smaller setting. Enrollment usually happens one of two ways:
- Choice. The student and family apply or ask the counselor about a transfer.
- Referral. The school or district recommends the move, often after a meeting with the family.
Eligibility rules, such as minimum age or credit deficiency, depend on the state and district. Ask what the process is, whether the move is voluntary, and how a student can return to their original school. If your student has an IEP, the IEP team should be part of any change in placement; see the IEP and 504 plan guide.
Can students still graduate on time and go to college?
Often, yes. The diploma from an alternative school is usually the same district diploma other students earn, but confirm that before enrolling. A few points to check:
- On-time graduation. Self-paced courses can help a student catch up quickly when attendance is steady.
- College course requirements. Some alternative schools offer only the minimum graduation requirements, which may not include courses many four-year colleges expect, such as world language or lab science. Ask the counselor.
- Diploma type. See diploma types and endorsements and high school equivalency vs a diploma.
- Community college. Open admission at most community colleges keeps the door wide. See community college first.
Helping a student make the most of a smaller school
- Get a credit plan in writing. Know exactly which courses remain and the target date for each.
- Make attendance the first goal. Most progress at these schools depends on showing up.
- Use the relationships. Encourage your student to get to know one or two staff members well.
- Set weekly targets. Credits finished, assignments turned in, hours attended.
- Add something outside school. A job, volunteer role or career and technical education class builds confidence.
- Talk about after graduation early. See paths after high school.
Avoid framing the move as a punishment. For many students it is the place they finally get traction. If anxiety, low mood or school refusal is driving the absences, a licensed professional is the right step. In a crisis, call or text 988.
Where a mentor helps
Students who end up at alternative schools have often heard a lot about what went wrong. A mentor helps them focus on the next step: a weekly plan, attendance and credit goals, and someone checking in between sessions by text or phone. Mentors are not tutors or advocates, and they work alongside the school and family. Parents get regular updates. Learn more about mentoring for high school students.
Related
- Types of schools: a guide for families
- When a teen is struggling in school
- When a teen wants to drop out
- Credit recovery explained
- Early College High Schools: Earning a Degree Alongside a Diploma
Common questions
Is a continuation school bad for college?
Not necessarily. Students graduate and go on to community colleges and four-year colleges. Check that the courses offered meet the admission requirements of colleges your student may apply to.
Can my child go back to a regular high school?
Often, yes. Policies vary by district, so ask about the return process when your student enrolls.
Does an alternative school diploma look different?
In many districts the diploma is the same as from any other district high school. Confirm with the school and your district.
How should my teen explain an alternative school on a college application?
Briefly and honestly. Colleges see transcripts from many kinds of schools, and a clear upward trend in grades and attendance after the move tells a strong story on its own.
Get started
Want weekly support to help your student finish strong? Call (888) 305 5422, email contact@blackburnmentoring.com or start with a short assessment. A member of our team reviews every assessment personally and sets up a free intro call.