Among the variety of alternative school options you will find charter schools, on-line schools, home-based schooling, special needs schools within the more traditional public school setting, as well as boarding school opportunities. In addition, State University indicates that the mainstream concept of alternative schools is defined with the term "Public Schools of Choice" which includes everything from religious and private not-for-profit schools, to public-alternative schools, technological educational options, charter schools and magnet schools. (See Reference 1)
Alternative schools do feature some basic structural constraints that unify them, according to State University. (See Reference 1) While the school models and structure may differ, they all basically adhere to the five essential components that include: caring teachers with high expectations, a safe learning environment, a customized curriculum that also allows for personalized instruction where needed, a small school size (typically under 250 students and as small as a single student) and voluntary participation.
Requirements for graduation from an alternative school are determined by the state high school graduation regulations. According to Inside Schools, those regulations are usually linked to passing the required state exams, plus adequate course credits earned in the required areas of study. (See Reference 3) Some alternative schools also require additional testing or credits of their own. In some states, there more than one kind of diploma to earn. In New York you can earn a local diploma, regents diploma, advanced regents diploma, General Educational Development (GED) diploma, or a special education diploma (IEP).
In the case of alternative schools for special needs students, the graduation requirements can vary more. According to ID Online, some states allow students with disabilities to have a reduction in course credit requirements or offer alternative courses to take and receive the required credit numbers. (See Reference 4) Also, modified curriculums and alternate performance standards can be adopted by states and local governing bodies. States that require exit exams often referred to as "high stakes-testing" most frequently allow modifications to their graduation requirements.