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For the Calgary school with this name see Alternative High School (Calgary)

In 1970, there were only a few alternative schools in operation in the United States. They originated to serve a growing population of students who were not experiencing success in the traditional schools. Today there are thousands, and the number continues to grow. The term "alternative" is now used to describe nearly every type of school imaginable, but many share certain distinguishing characteristics:

• Small size
• Close student-teacher relationship
• Student decision-making
• Diverse curriculum
• Peer guidance & Parental involvement

In education, the phrase alternative school usually refers to a school that is nontraditional, especially in educational ideals, methods of teaching, or curriculum. A wide range of philosophies and teaching methods are offered by alternative schools; some have strong political, scholarly, or philosophical orientations, while others are more ad-hoc assemblies of teachers and students dissatisfied with some aspect of mainstream education. In many instances the alternative schools tend to be smaller than regular schools and teachers and students are closer to each other i.e. calling teachers by their first names. They also usually work together as a community unlike a regular school. Ideally, alternative schools are aimed to gifted students. However they may accept students that may not be served well by traditional public schools in their communities. For example, pregnant teens or teen parents, drop-outs, students with special educational needs and other at-risk populations

See also

• Alternative school
• Alternative high schools
• Homeschooling

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