Located in the Kentwood School District just eight miles outside of Grand Rapids, Crossroads Alternative High School serves students who have not been able to complete their education in a traditional setting. Designed for ages 14 through 19, Crossroads aims to educate its students through a "flexible educational program." Crossroads provides course work aimed at ensuring students learn the "basic skills" necessary for a high school diploma. It also focuses on job skills and development.
Lake Michigan Academy is a viable alternative school for those teens whose troubled behavior has stemmed from a frustration with the traditional methods of learning employed by many public schools. Boasting a cooperative relationship between students, teachers, educational professionals and parents that puts the needs of individual students first, Lake Michigan Academy is located in the heart of Grand Rapids and is divided into a lower school and a high school.
Developed to serve the needs of students whose first language is Spanish, Adelante (which means "go forward") also targets students who have fallen behind in the grade-level coursework. Spanish-speaking youth who need extra assistance with English as well as guidance in bringing their academic credits up to grade level benefit from Adelante's language study and academic programs. Adelante also offers vocational training opportunities.
Grand Rapids Public School system offers a number of choices designed to appeal to areas of particular interest to students. Troubled students often need to be sparked in the direction of a passion or interest, so choosing a "theme" school offered free of charge through the public school system can be a viable alternative to costly private day and boarding schools. Some of the theme schools offered in Grand Rapids are: C.A. Frost Environmental Science Academy, Martin Luther King, Jr. Leadership Academy, Sherwood Park Global Studies Academy and Zoo School.