Alternative education is a program operated as a subdivision of the regular K-12 program. It is designed for students who can be better served in an alternative delivery system. Students served include those who have specific needs and are often at risk of not graduating. Alternative education programs seek to provide added flexibility and alternative instructional models. These often include expanded services from the traditional setting such as online learning, institutional programs, counseling, childcare, and transportation in an effort to help students overcome barriers and meet the goals of the Michigan Merit Curriculum.

Alternative education pupils are funded under the K-12 foundation rate.

If you have any questions regarding the alternative education program, please contact Brian Barber by phone at 517-241-6895 or by email at barberb2@michigan.gov.

"Alternative Education" is a separate, non-traditional program within a K-12 public school district or a public school academy established to provide personalized educational services for students who:

• are at risk of not graduating with their class; and/or
• have individual needs not being met in a traditional setting. 

Click here to join the MDE Alternative Education Listserv