About

What is the Alternative School?

Ohio Bridge Connections Academy is a dropout prevention and recovery program in Ohio serving students in grades 9–12* who have experienced significant barriers to success in school.

Offering a high level of flexibility and support as well as personalized learning plans, our program aims to empower at-risk students to:

  • Gain core academic skills
  • Build resilience
  • Get back on track for graduation
  • Achieve their college and career goals

Ohio Bridge Connections Academy students follow a traditional school calendar and have access to great socialization opportunities, clubs, and activities, designed to help them make connections while pursuing their interests.

Eligibility Requirements

Why the Alternative School Might Be Right for Your Student

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

  • Are at risk of not completing graduation requirements before they exceed allowable age limits
  • Are one grade level or more behind their cohort age groups
  • Have experienced crises that significantly interfere with their academic progress
  • Have difficulty succeeding in a traditional brick-and-mortar school setting

* Students must meet eligibility requirements, and those in grades 7-8 may qualify for the program with approval from the school’s counselor. 

How It Works

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

Our 20-credit pathway 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:

  • Individualized instruction and progression plans meant to meet the unique needs of every child
  • Daily pacing tailored to their needs with the ability to take multiple courses per day or block course work in individual subject areas
  • The ability to complete additional hours of schoolwork during the week or weekends to earn credits more quickly or catch up for graduation
  • Flexible paths that allow them to focus on areas of need without retaking lessons they already understand
Student sitting on a couch with a laptop in his lap

Built For You

The Difference Between Our Alternative and Traditional Schools

Alternative/Bridge

Academic History

Students who are at least one grade level behind and/or experience crises that significantly interfere with their academic progress in a traditional school. 

Required Student Age 

Ages 14-21

Grade Levels Served

Grades 9-12

Instructional Model 

Flexible, personalized paths. Uses diagnostic, adaptive, and prescriptive curriculum, so students don't need to retake lessons for standards they already understand. 

Courseload 

Flexible courseload, so students can focus on individual course completion. 

Early Career Readiness 

Offers a variety of early career readiness opportunities, plus every student receives an individual Career Plan 

NCAA Eligibility 

Not NCAA eligible

Traditional

Academic History

Students who have generally stayed on track with their peers and are set to graduate within a traditional timeline.
 

Required Student Age 

Best for on-track students

Grade Levels Served

K-12

Instructional Model 

Traditional semester-based instructional model with students working on all courses each day.
 

Courseload 

5–6 courses per semester
 

Early Career Readiness 

Offers a variety of early career readiness opportunities
 

NCAA Eligibility 

NCAA eligible

High School Bridge Student working on his laptop

Ready to Join Ohio Bridge Connections Academy?

We proudly serve at-risk students in grades 9-12 across Ohio who meet specific requirements. Check whether your student is eligible for enrollment.

Learn More

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.