Should Your Teen Consider an Alternative High School?

There are many alternatives to the normal public school setting. These alternative schools, like The Assisted Learning Centre, are designed to give students a chance to excel when the normal high school classroom is not quite a right fit.

There are many reasons why parents and students may consider an alternative school. Troubled teens, young parents and students who do not fit in socially may benefit from a different environment and teaching style.

Likewise, gifted children can also find alternatives to public school.

Education is vitally important to your teens' future. Not all teens perform well in the traditional public school setting and many are at high risk for dropping out. 

The good news is that there are numerous alternatives to the traditional high school. Teens that perform poorly in a traditional academic program often do much better in an alternative high school.

Alternative schools are not confined to those designed to help troubled teens. These may appeal to gifted teens or those with a specific and deep interest in a subject like music, art or science.

One of the first questions that parents ask is, "Is an alternative high school right for my teen?”

This can be a difficult decision and one that should be discussed with the school's administration and counsellors.

Alternative high schools are available to any teen that isn't succeeding in their current academic setting. This includes students who:

- have poor grades

- are behind in academic credits

- refuse to attend school

- have a learning style that doesn’t match what is being taught

- are frequently engage in conflict with teachers

- have been kicked out or suspended from school

- are unable to attend due to illness 

- require individual attention

- experience social difficulties in the school setting

- have a learning disability

- are pregnant or parenting

- have dropped out or plan to drop out of school

- have a special talent or interest not offered in public school

Alternative high schools offer an array of options for earning a high school diploma that are very different from the public school model. 

Since these schools are designed to teach students at risk of failing, they provide more support and attention:

•  Classes are smaller.

•  Instruction is individualized.

•  Schedules are more flexible.

In addition to academics, the social and emotional needs of each student are addressed. This can make a significant difference for troubled teens.

Some alternative schools offer unique opportunities such as studying subjects not offered in traditional schools, internships in the community or high-level vocational training.

Others offer online classes or schedules that split normal classroom time with virtual classes.