alternative high school programs

The Alternative High School programs provide an opportunity for students and young adults to earn high school credits. The Alternative High School programs are designed to:

• • Provide additional credit courses, for select MSDE-approved courses, for secondary school students enrolled in their comprehensive high school.

  • Provide options for credit recovery.

  • Provide flexible schedules for those students who wish to continue their education but are unable to attend their comprehensive high school.

  • Provide an educational program for those under 21 who only need to earn a few credits in order to obtain a Maryland High School Diploma.

Students participating in Alternative High School programs can earn academic credit in the areas required for graduation and select elective credits.

Students currently enrolled in a SMCPS high school should contact their school counselor.

Courses completed during the alternative program to satisfy a graduation credit will be added to the student’s record as a separate course unless the credits are units of recovery within a currently enrolled course. The grade does not eliminate the previous grade for the same course taken at the home school. The course grade will be used to calculate the cumulative grade point average (GPA) for each student. It should be noted, however, that school system policy states that alternative school credit will not apply in determining the grade point average (GPA) for students to become eligible for extracurricular activities.

Eligibility For Enrollment

Applicants must meet the following requirements:

• 1. The student must be actively enrolled in an SMCPS school.

  2. Written permission of parent(s)/guardian(s), if the student is under 18 years of age.

  3. Approval of the appropriate director if the student is expelled from day school.

Transportation And Resources

Students are responsible for providing their own transportation arrangements for alternative programs and any technology resources required for home online access (as appropriate to the course of study).