Alternative EducationAcademic Excellence :

Alternative programs allow students who are at risk of not graduating to attend nontraditional schools, both public and private, and earn a diploma. Minnesota has more than 150 alternative programs at more than 600 sites throughout the state. Although most are focused on helping high school and adult students, alternative programs also serve students in grades K-8 whose education might otherwise be at risk. Many programs combine academics with a strong vocational emphasis.

Eligible students under age 21 are those who meet any of the following criteria: (1) are performing substantially below grade level; (2) at least one year behind in credits for graduation; (3) are pregnant or parents; (4) have experienced physical or sexual abuse; (5) are chemically dependent; (6) have mental health problems; (7) have been homeless recently; (8) have withdrawn from school or been chronically truant; or (9) speak English as a second language or have limited English proficiency.