About

What is the Alternative School?

South Carolina Bridge Connections Academy is an online alternative education campus serving South Carolina students in grades 9–12 who have experienced significant barriers to success in traditional programs. 

Offering a high level of flexibility and support as well as personalized learning plans, our school aims to empower students between the ages of 16 and 21* to:

South Carolina 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.  

* Students must meet eligibility requirements.

Eligibility Requirements

Why the Alternative Program 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 those who: 

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

How It Works

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

Our 24-credit pathway offers students 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 holding her schoolwork and headphones.

Built For You

The Difference Between the Alternative and Traditional School

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

Approximately 4 per Semester

NCAA Eligibility

NCAA eligible

Alternative

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 program.

Required Student Age

Ages 16–21

Grade Levels Served

Grades 9–12

Instructional Model

Personalized learning paths allow students to either work on multiple courses daily or focus intensively on fewer subjects to accelerate completion. Diagnostic, adaptive, and prescriptive tools are used to tailor instruction, ensuring students spend time where it’s needed most.

Courseload

Flexible courseload

NCAA Eligibility

Not NCAA eligible

High School Bridge Student working on his laptop

Ready to Join South Carolina Bridge Connections Academy?

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

Learn More

Connect With A Counselor To Learn More

We're Here To Help

Contact our school counselor to learn more about our alternative program and whether it might be a good fit for your child.

Jamie Dula

School Counselor

Email

jdula@lcca.connectionsacademy.org

Learn More About Us

Get Our Free eGuide

Our free eGuide is designed to help you feel empowered to make the best decision for your child’s learning journey. Get a sneak peek at the online school experience, and we’ll give you a call to answer your questions. 

Sample Schedules

Sample Lessons

Student Stories

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Thanks for getting in touch,

We appreciate you taking the time to sign up for our free eGuide. We look forward to sharing all the ways our online public school can help your child thrive.

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.