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Alternative Education

Overview

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.

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.

MDE Contacts

Alternative Education / Innovative Programs Reduction of Hours and/or Days Waivers

The Michigan Department of Education (MDE) will start accepting applications on April 3, 2025, for Alternative Education and Innovative Programs that will operate during the 2025/26 school year. Applications and End-of-Year (EOY) Reports must be submitted prior to June 14, 2025, at 11:59 p.m.

Alternative Education

Application for Alternative Education Waiver
Entities that received an Alternative Education (Hours and/or Days) Waiver in 2024/25 must complete the Alternative Education EOY Report. The Alternative Education EOY Report is required for entities that were approved for the waiver for 2024/25.

Innovative Programs

Application for Innovative Program Waiver
Entities that received an Innovative Program (Hours and/or Days) Waiver in 2024/25 must complete the Innovative Program EOY Report. The Innovative Program EOY Report is required for entities that were approved for the waiver for 2024/25.

Additional Resources