alternative school

American  

noun

1. any public or private school having a special curriculum, especially an elementary or secondary school offering a more flexible program of study than a traditional school.

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Etymology

Origin of alternative school

First recorded in 1970–75

Example Sentences

She’s also been director of whole child education for Roseland School District and a secondary alternative school principal.

From Los Angeles Times • May 1, 2026

Catherine Faulks, lead member for family and children's services at RBKC, said children will have alternative school places "secured as swiftly and smoothly as possible" if the primary school closes.

From BBC • Apr. 16, 2025

Then, over the objections of many in the audience who demanded a chance to comment before a vote was taken, the board officially transferred Dressback from Cahaba Heights Elementary to the alternative school.

From Salon • Sep. 19, 2024

Mr. Zhou, always a free spirit, had worked in Shanghai as a teacher at an alternative school.

From New York Times • Feb. 4, 2024

It’s an alternative school that aims to re-enroll and re-engage children who may have dropped out or faced trouble in traditional schools.

From Seattle Times • Jan. 27, 2024