What is Alternative School?

Great Lakes Learning Academy Alternative School in Michigan serves students in grades 9–12 who have experienced significant barriers to success in high school. Offering a high level of flexibility and support, as well as personalized learning plans, our school aims to empower students under the age of 22* to gain core academic skills, build resilience, and work toward post-secondary success. Great Lakes Learning Academy's Alternative High School follows the same school calendar as Great Lakes Learning Academy. This includes one summer school session available for all students.

*Students must meet eligibility requirements.

ELIGIBILITY REQUIREMENTS

Why Alternative School Might Be Right for Your Student

Participation in this alternative path is limited to high school students under the age of 22* who need unique support, including:

  • students at risk of not completing graduation requirements before they exceed allowable age limits
  • students who are off-track for graduation by more than a semester or who were retained in grades 5–8
  • students who have failed three or more core classes
  • students who have dropped out of school for at least one semester
  • students who have difficulty succeeding in a traditional brick-and-mortar school setting

This program is not designed for students who wish to fast-track graduation, including students who plan to compete in intercollegiate athletics. Great Lakes Learning Academy counselors will review enrollment applications to determine if the Alternative High School is the right fit for your student.

*Students must meet eligibility requirements.

The Difference Between Alternative School and Traditional High School

ALTERNATIVE HIGH SCHOOL

  • Open to students under 22 whose age is outside of typical grade parameters by more than one year  
  • 18 core credits  
  • Designed for students unsure of post-graduation plans
  • Alternative instructional models  
  • Offers socialization opportunities like clubs and activities through the greater Great Lakes Learning Academy community

TRADITIONAL HIGH SCHOOL

  • Open to students under the age of 20 whose age is within one year of their classmates 
  • 22 credits, including 18 core credits and 4 elective credits  
  • Designed mostly for college-and-career-bound students
  • Traditional instructional models  
  • Offers socialization opportunities like clubs and activities 

TUESDAY DECEMBER 3, 2024

  • 8:30am — Chickfila, 5905 Spout Springs Rd, Flowery Branch, GA 30542
  • 10:00am — Community Cup, 125 Tribble Gap Rd, Suite 103, Cumming, GA 30040 
  • 12:00pm — Local on North 170, North St, Canton, GA 30114 
  • 2:00pm — Andretti Indoor Karting & Games, 1255 Roswell Rd Marietta, GA 30062
  • 5:00pm — A Taste of Cindy’s Kitchen, 3606 Atlanta Hwy Hiram, GA 30141

OCTOBER

  • Friday, October 18 at 8 a.m. — Starbucks, 3507 Camp Creek Pkwy Suite 20, East Point, GA
  • Wednesday, October 16 at 4:00 p.m. — Panera, 4875 Sugarloaf Pkwy, Lawrenceville, GA 30045

SEPTEMBER

  • Monday, September 16 at 4 p.m. — Starbucks, 1398 Boone St., Kingsland, GA Campden County
  • Monday, September 16 at 7:30 p.m. — Dairy Queen, 120 Screven Ave, Waycross GA
    Ware County
  • Tuesday, September 17 at 10 a.m. — Twin Pines Homestead and Market, 22477 Main St., Alapaha, GA (Berrien County)
  • Tuesday, September 17 at 11:30 a.m. — Hog N Bones BBQ, 2008 US HWY 82W, Tifton, GA (Tift County)
  • Tuesday, September 17 at 2:30 p.m. — Starbucks, 1211 16th Avenue, Cordele, GA (Crisp County)
  • Tuesday, September 17 at 4:30 p.m. — Fairway Grille, 80 Like Oak Trail, McRae-Helena, GA (Telfair County)
  • Wednesday, September 18 at 9 a.m. — S'Moore Coffee Shop, 207 E. First St., Vidalia, GA (Toombs County)
  • Wednesday, September 18 at 10 a.m. — Burlap and Lace Market, 10 N. Lewis St., Metter, GA (Candler County)
  • Wednesday, September 18 at 11:30 a.m. — Paddles Coffee, 401 N. Laurel Street, Springfield, GA (Effingham County)

JANUARY

  • Thursday, January 18 at 1 p.m. — Caribou Coffee House, 3261 Peachtree Rd NE, Atlanta, GA 30305​
  • Monday, January 22 at 5 p.m. — Starbucks, 314 Northside Dr E Statesboro, GA 30458​
  • Monday, January 22 at 1 p.m. — Savannah Coffee Roasters, 1215 W Liberty St, Savannah, GA 31401​
  • Tuesday, January 23 at 1 p.m. — Starbucks, 1522 Bradley Park Dr. Columbus, GA 31904
  • Tuesday, January 23 at 8 a.m. — Starbucks, 277 Perry Pkwy, Perry, GA 31069​
HOW IT WORKS

It’s Not Too Late to Earn a High School Diploma

Great Lakes Learning Academy Alternative School in Michigan is specifically designed to meet the needs of students who are at risk of not graduating with their class or who are facing significant barriers to their academic success. The concentrated, 18-credit pathway at Great Lakes Learning Academy Alternative School offers students in unique circumstances the opportunity to earn a traditional high school diploma. Along with a high level of personalized attention, students benefit from:

  • the opportunity to focus on just three courses at a time 

  • alternative instructional models and assessments based on real-world problem-solving 

  • progressing through course content grouped based on state standards 

  • individualized instruction and progression plans meant to meet the unique needs of every child.

Who is eligible for Alternative High School?

Participation in this alternative path is limited to high school students under the age of 22* who need unique support, including:

  • students at risk of not completing graduation requirements before they exceed allowable age limits

  • students who are off-track for graduation by more than a semester or who were retained in grades 5–8

  • students who have failed three or more core classes

  • students who have dropped out of school for at least one semester

  • students who have difficulty succeeding in a traditional brick-and-mortar school setting

*Students must meet eligibility requirements.

DISCLAIMER

Great Lakes Learning Academy Alternative School is specifically designed to meet the needs of students who are at risk of not graduating with their class or who are facing significant barriers to their academic success. This program is not designed for students who wish to fast-track graduation, including students who plan to compete in intercollegiate athletics. Great Lakes Learning Academy counselors will review enrollment applications to determine if the Alternative High School is the right fit for your student. 

ALTERNATIVE HIGH SCHOOL

  • Open to students under 22 whose age is outside of typical grade parameters by more than one year  
  • 18 core credits  
  • Designed for students unsure of post-graduation plans  
  • Alternative instructional models  
  • Offers socialization opportunities like clubs and activities through the greater Great Lakes Learning Academy community  

 

TRADITIONAL HIGH SCHOOL

  • Open to students under the age of 20 whose age is within one year of their classmates 
  • 22 credits, including 18 core credits and 4 elective credits  
  • Designed mostly for college-and-career-bound students  
  • Traditional instructional models  
  • Offers socialization opportunities like clubs and activities 

 

Class of 2024 Highlights

200+

Great Lakes Learning Academy graduates

38%

plan on attending a two- or four-year college

11%

indicated plans to enter the workforce upon graduation

Based on self-reported data by students in Connection’s Academy’s Class of 2024 report. 

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