“We recognize that our students are all unique and learn, grow, and flourish in different ways – there is no ‘one way’ to success!”
This is a mantra of an Oregon Alternative High School called the Innovations Academy in The Dalles. We are noticing more alternative options for students and the philosophy of a different approach to education is being adopted. Students and their families are seeing success at schools that take a different approach to education, especially at the high school level. These schools focus on learning that is engaging to their students.
Options for alternative high schools are varied in Oregon. Some have a project-based and hands-on learning approach, some focus on CTE (Career Technical Education) others follow a different schedule for the school week. When considering attending an alternative school you will want to tour the campus and see the programs and activities they offer. Many schools have different ways to apply, so consulting with the school and your middle school guidance counselor to learn more about the process will be an important step.
Alternative High Schools like Innovations Academy attract students that are looking for something different. While other high schools across the region have recently experienced a slight reduction in enrollment, more students have enrolled to attend Innovations Academy over the last year. The school has 4 different pathways for completion: Liberal Arts, College and Dual Credit, Innovations Virtual and Workforce Ready.
“This school brings together pre-existing programs and new programs and has turned them into pathways to graduation based on student interests, skills, and future goals.” -Innovations Academy North Wasco County SD
Alternative schools provide students the opportunity to find education programs that meet the learning needs of their students, focused on a specific style of learning with the goal of success. In the 2024-25 school year, there were 5,852 students enrolled in alternative high schools in Oregon, according to the fall membership report. That is only 1% of high school students in Oregon are attending alternative high schools, which is similar across the US.
While there are more alternative schools located in the urban regions, there are some options in more rural locations such as Morrow Education Center in Hermiston and Falcon Heights Alternative School in Klamath Falls. If your area doesn’t offer an alternative school, consider making an appointment to speak with your school counselors to find out options for online learning, or summer enrichment courses. Some schools offer classes that allow students to complete required core courses and make time in their schedule during the school to take more elective classes. There are many ways to create your own path to successful learning.
The path to success in high school might be achieved by finding a different kind of learning setting, an alternative high school might be the path for you. Learn more about Oregon’s public alternative schools and approved private alternative school options on the ODE website here: https://www.oregon.gov/ode/learning-options/schooltypes/alted/pages/default.aspx **
**Please note, not all Private Alternative schools are listed on the Oregon Department of Schools Website, some private schools do not receive funding from the state and therefore are not included in the specific data compiled by the Oregon Department of Education.
