Alternative Schools: What’s in a Name?

Alternative Schools: What’s in a Name? is an Education Policy Brief published by Center for Evaluation and Education Policy at Indiana University in Bloomington. The brief sheds light on the evolution of alternative schooling, which has gone from being the primary option outside of traditional schooling to one of many. The origins of alternative schools, different structures of alternative schools and programs, and student achievement are examined in the brief. It also addresses how stereotypes affect alternative schools and their students as well as whether alternative schools support and/or segregate specific groups of students.

Recommendations are offered for educators and policymakers to consider for the future of alternative education.