Alternative Schools
- 2025-2026 Alternative Schools
- 2024-2025 Alternative Schools
- 2023-2024 Alternative Schools
- 2022-2023 Alternative Schools
- 2021-2022 Alternative Schools
- 2020-2021 Alternative Schools
- 2019-2020 Alternative Schools
- 2018-2019 Alternative Schools
- 2017-2018 Alternative Schools
- 2016-2017 Alternative Schools
- 2015-2016 Alternative Schools
- 2014-2015 Alternative Schools
- 2013-2014 Alternative Schools
- 2012-2013 Alternative Schools
- 2011-2012 Alternative Schools
- 2010-2011 Alternative Schools
- 2009-2010 Alternative Schools
Information
Alternative schools are defined as schools that meet the Arizona State Board of Education approved definition (updated 12/08/2025) as schools whose sole and clearly-stated mission is to serve specific populations of at-risk students.
Arizona statute supports 6th through 12th grade alternative school programs for accountability purposes. It is the intent of the Arizona Department of Education to be in alignment with this statute (Section C of 15-796).
Schools operating a Dropout Recovery Program (DRP) must be approved for alternative school status. Information and the requirements for the Dropout Recovery Program can be found on the School Support and Improvement Page. Questions about the Dropout Recovery Program should be directed to [email protected].
Criteria
- A district school has adopted a mission statement that clearly identifies its purpose is to serve a student population that is unable to profit from a traditional school setting; a charter holder expressly states in their charter that its purpose is to serve a student population that is unable to profit from a traditional school setting.
- The educational program and related student support services of the school must align with the mission and charter (if applicable) of the school.
- Schools serving students in grade 12 must offer a high school diploma that fulfills the Arizona State Board of Education graduation requirements.
- The school will receive current year state assessment scores for their students.
- The school must intend to serve students in one or more of the following categories that may be unable to profit from a traditional school setting:
- Students who have a documented history of disruptive behavior issues.
- Students who have dropped out of school and are now returning.
- Students who are behind on academic credits or grade level performance at initial enrollment.
- Students who are primary caregivers or are financially responsible for dependents and, therefore, may require a flexible school schedule.
- Students who are adjudicated.
- Students who are wards of the state, in foster care, or are homeless.
- Students with high mobility.
- Students who are over-age (18+).
- Students returning to education from a residental or mental health facility.
- All schools shall be subject to a quantitative review for student enrollment verification prior to confirmation of alternative status.
Requirements
- Existing alternative schools must recertify each fiscal year.
- Schools must fill out the online application and upload their mission statement. The mission statement that is uploaded must be the one that is in effect on October 1st of the current school year.
- The Arizona State Charter Board will review the list of charter school applicants as a verification point. Other alternative school sponsors will be contacted for verification if there is any abnormality or additional clarification needed regarding their applicants.
Alternative status is granted by application to the Arizona Department of Education and applies to the state accountability system.
Districts and charter holders (LEAs) must apply for alternative school status for their schools by filling out and submitting the application below. Please see the guidance document below to further clarify and for examples of how a school might verify student enrollment in any one category.
Alternative School Application Guides
School Year 2026-2027 Alternative School Status Annual Application Guide
School Year 2026-2027 Alternative School Status FAQs
AZ School Report Cards Mission Statement Update Guidance
Alternative School Mission Statement Rubric Guidance
Alternative Application Flowchart
Alternative School Application
School Year 2026-2027 Alternative School Application
Alternative School FY27 Application Timeline
All schools, including those that wish to continue their alternative status from FY26 into FY27, must recertify by filling out and providing all requested information. Schools operating a Dropout Recovery Program (DRP) must apply for alternative school status.
February 1, 2026: Application window opens for FY27
April 1, 2026: Application window closes for FY27
June, 2026: Schools notified of alternative status
