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| Home > Parents > Programs > Alternative Programs |
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| Alternative Programs |
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Alternative programs at Palo Alto Unified School District (PAUSD) middle and high schools serve students who need or desire an alternative instructional approach. They offer students opportunities to earn credits in a way that is compatible with their level of ability, interest, talent, and orientation to school. They allow students to complete high school in productive and purposeful ways.
To enroll in an alternative program, students must be recommended by a counselor or administrator at their school.
Middle School Programs
- Opportunity Class
The Opportunity Class, housed at JLS, serves 6 – 8th grade students from around the District who need a small, self-contained instructional setting. The program is designed to help students establish successful patterns of attendance, academic achievement, and social behavior. Students are placed in the program with the goal of eventually reentering mainstream programs. Standard curriculum is taught in a small, supportive, and personalized setting.
High School Programs
- Opportunity Class
Each high school has an Opportunity Class that serves 9th and 10th grade students under age 16 who need a small, self-contained instructional setting. The program is designed to help students establish successful patterns of attendance, academic achievement, and social behavior. Students are placed in this program with the goal of eventually reentering mainstream program. Standard curriculum is taught in a small, supportive, and personalized setting.
- Middle College at Foothill Community College
The Middle College program is designed for juniors and seniors who are mature enough to handle a college level environment and take responsibility for their own educational planning and credit completion. Students take both high school and college level classes on the Foothill campus and receive double credit for completed college level courses.
- Alta Vista Continuation High School
Students may enter this program the semester they turn 16 with a referral from a counselor or school administrator. The program emphasizes personalized instruction, integrated study, and vocational education and training. Students take core courses alongside elective and vocational education classes. Students may use this program to make up missing credits and graduate from Mountain View/Los Altos School District or PAUSD. Most students choose to return to Paly or Gunn after making-up credits.
- Independent Study
Independent Study programs are available at both Paly and Gunn high schools for students who need credits to graduate. Students meet with an Independent Study teacher to receive work assignments and tests.
- General Education Diploma (GED)
PAUSD students can enroll in classes to prepare for the GED shortly before their eighteenth birthday. Classes are offered through the Palo Alto Adult School.
- California High School Proficiency Exam
Administered by the State Department of Education, this exam yields the equivalent of a high school diploma. The exam is offered twice a year for high school students aged 16 and older. If students pass the exam and receive parental approval, they are no longer subject to mandatory school attendance and may leave high school to work or attend college.
- Santa Clara County Alternative Schools Department
The Santa Clara County Office of Education provides educational programs for students who are under court supervision or who are not attending regular school for a variety reasons. The program emphasizes academic competency as well as behavior and attitude change.
If you have questions, contact Student Services at (650)
833-4262 or altprog@pausd.org.
Revised October 2007 |
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