Debunking the Myths of "Alternative" Schools
Myth: Alternative schools are full of drop-outs
Fact: While some alternative schools were actually created to serve the youth that were once considered "drop-outs," most alternative schools require a strict process to actually enroll there. Alternative schools expect that their students are going to be serious about being in school and find out quickly who the serious ones are. The actual drop-outs are the ones that don't usually even make it through the enrollment screening.
Myth: The kids in alternative schools are all druggies.
Fact: Students that use drugs are present in all schools to some extent. Sometimes it seems like there are more students with drug and/or alcohol problems at an alternative school, but that may be because there are a lot of support services at alternative schools for students that are recovering from addiction and other issues. Alternative school students are held to the same district-wide standards of expectations and will face discipline action if they are found to be under the influence or in possession of drugs or alcohol. Alternative school staff are very good at identifying and intervening with this kind of behavior due to the more individualized attention students receive. Students that are actively using are usually screened out during the enrollment phase and are welcome to try again when they are ready to focus on being a student.
Myth: Alternative schools have easier work than regular schools.
Fact: Alternative schools are held to the same standards as regular high schools and students are required to meet the same requirements to be able to graduate. While alternative schools may sometimes use different methods of delivery, the content is still the same. Lots of students do better in alternative schools that provide smaller class sizes and real-life connections to the curriculum content.
Myth: You can't play sports or participate in other extra-curricular activities if you go to an Alternative School.
Fact: Any student that attends an alternative school can participate in any program offered within the school district. If a student wants to play football, for example, they can do so at the traditional high school that would normally be their serving school. Of course, they are still held to the same standards of eligibility. Other programs include Intra-district classes, Sno-Isle programs, Running Start, and even dances (like Prom).
Myth: Alternative schools are for pregnant girls.
Fact: A pregnant or parenting teen has the same opportunities for school as any other student. Pregnant and parenting teens can and do attend at all high schools. Some alternative schools offer extra support for teens that are pregnant or parenting. A few even have daycare available on site and parenting classes for both teen mothers and teen fathers. Should you be worried as a parent that your son or daughter would be influenced to have a baby themselves, by other students bringing their babies to school? No, if anything, being around a teen that is pregnant or parenting is a reality check for most teens. They see how difficult it is and that they aren't ready for that kind of responsibility.
Alternative (Choice) High Schools are best for students that do well in smaller class sizes, more hands-on approaches to learning, and a more individualized program. These schools are not for students that think they can take the easy way out or won't be held accountable for their actions. If you (or your son or daughter) are looking for a different school and still plan on getting your diploma, perhaps you feel you have slipped through some cracks at your previous school, or like your teachers don't care about you, it would do you good to check out all of your options.
Fact: While some alternative schools were actually created to serve the youth that were once considered "drop-outs," most alternative schools require a strict process to actually enroll there. Alternative schools expect that their students are going to be serious about being in school and find out quickly who the serious ones are. The actual drop-outs are the ones that don't usually even make it through the enrollment screening.
Myth: The kids in alternative schools are all druggies.
Fact: Students that use drugs are present in all schools to some extent. Sometimes it seems like there are more students with drug and/or alcohol problems at an alternative school, but that may be because there are a lot of support services at alternative schools for students that are recovering from addiction and other issues. Alternative school students are held to the same district-wide standards of expectations and will face discipline action if they are found to be under the influence or in possession of drugs or alcohol. Alternative school staff are very good at identifying and intervening with this kind of behavior due to the more individualized attention students receive. Students that are actively using are usually screened out during the enrollment phase and are welcome to try again when they are ready to focus on being a student.
Myth: Alternative schools have easier work than regular schools.
Fact: Alternative schools are held to the same standards as regular high schools and students are required to meet the same requirements to be able to graduate. While alternative schools may sometimes use different methods of delivery, the content is still the same. Lots of students do better in alternative schools that provide smaller class sizes and real-life connections to the curriculum content.
Myth: You can't play sports or participate in other extra-curricular activities if you go to an Alternative School.
Fact: Any student that attends an alternative school can participate in any program offered within the school district. If a student wants to play football, for example, they can do so at the traditional high school that would normally be their serving school. Of course, they are still held to the same standards of eligibility. Other programs include Intra-district classes, Sno-Isle programs, Running Start, and even dances (like Prom).
Myth: Alternative schools are for pregnant girls.
Fact: A pregnant or parenting teen has the same opportunities for school as any other student. Pregnant and parenting teens can and do attend at all high schools. Some alternative schools offer extra support for teens that are pregnant or parenting. A few even have daycare available on site and parenting classes for both teen mothers and teen fathers. Should you be worried as a parent that your son or daughter would be influenced to have a baby themselves, by other students bringing their babies to school? No, if anything, being around a teen that is pregnant or parenting is a reality check for most teens. They see how difficult it is and that they aren't ready for that kind of responsibility.
Alternative (Choice) High Schools are best for students that do well in smaller class sizes, more hands-on approaches to learning, and a more individualized program. These schools are not for students that think they can take the easy way out or won't be held accountable for their actions. If you (or your son or daughter) are looking for a different school and still plan on getting your diploma, perhaps you feel you have slipped through some cracks at your previous school, or like your teachers don't care about you, it would do you good to check out all of your options.
Alternative High Schools in Snohomish County by District
Arlington/Darrington/Lakewood/Smokey Point
Edmonds
Scriber Lake High School
23200 100th Avenue West
Edmonds, WA 98020
Website link: Scriber Lake High School
425-431-7275
Everett
Gold Bar/Sultan/Startup/Index
Sky Valley Options
514 4th Street (Mailing)
211 6th Street (Physical)
Sultan, WA 98294
Website link: Sky Valley Options
360-793-9810
514 4th Street (Mailing)
211 6th Street (Physical)
Sultan, WA 98294
Website link: Sky Valley Options
360-793-9810
Granite Falls/Lake Stevens
Crossroads High School
307 North Alder Avenue (Mailing)
405 North Alder Avenue (Physical)
Granite Falls, WA 98252
Website link: Crossroads Alternative High School
360-283-4407
307 North Alder Avenue (Mailing)
405 North Alder Avenue (Physical)
Granite Falls, WA 98252
Website link: Crossroads Alternative High School
360-283-4407
Marysville
Mountain View High School
4317 76th Street
Marysville, WA 98270
Website link: Mountain View High School
360-653-0628
4317 76th Street
Marysville, WA 98270
Website link: Mountain View High School
360-653-0628
Mukilteo
Monroe
Leaders in Learning
639 1/2 West Main Street
Monroe, WA 98272
Website link: Leaders in Learning
360-804-2800
Sky Valley Education Center
17072 Tye Street, Building B
Monroe, WA 98272
Website link: Sky Valley Ed Center
360-804-2700
639 1/2 West Main Street
Monroe, WA 98272
Website link: Leaders in Learning
360-804-2800
Sky Valley Education Center
17072 Tye Street, Building B
Monroe, WA 98272
Website link: Sky Valley Ed Center
360-804-2700
Snohomish
Stanwood
Lincoln Hill High School
7600 272nd Street NW
Stanwood, WA 98292
Website link: Lincoln Hill High School
360-629-1340
7600 272nd Street NW
Stanwood, WA 98292
Website link: Lincoln Hill High School
360-629-1340