Alternative education
More options for achieving a high school diploma or GED
Alternative Learning Experiences (ALE) are public education opportunities where some or all of the instruction is delivered outside of a regular classroom. There are many types of alternative education setting and options for K-12 students. These options include online learning, parent partnerships for homeschooling families, Competency Education, and GED preparation and testing. Learn more about in-district options available through Heights Campus and a variety of out-of-district options below.
Home‐Based Instruction
Is provided by the parent or guardian as authorized under RCW 28A.200 and 28A.225.010.
Students are not enrolled in public education and are not subject to the rules and regulations governing public schools, including course, graduation, and assessment requirements.
The public school is under no obligation to provide instruction or instructional materials, or otherwise supervise the student’s education.Alternative Learning Experience: Student Recovery Program
Is authorized under WAC 392‐121‐182.
Students are enrolled in public education either full‐time or part‐time.
Students are subject to the rules and regulations governing public school students including course, graduation, and assessment requirements for all portions of the ALE.
Learning experiences are: Supervised, monitored, assessed, and evaluated by certificated staff; Provided via a written student learning plan; and Provided in whole, or part outside the regular classroom.Part‐time Enrollment of Home‐Based Instruction Students
Home‐based instruction students may enroll in public school programs, including ALE programs, on a part‐time basis and retain their home‐based instruction status. In the case of part‐time enrollment in ALE, the student must comply with the requirements of the ALE written student learning plan, but is not required to participate in state assessments or meet state graduation requirements.
Contact
Student welfare and attendance:
360-313-1330
Vancouver Home Connection at Heights Campus
Vancouver Home Connection consists of several alternative learning options, including a K-8 school parent partnership that is a combination of direct instruction from certificated teachers and homeschooling. Another option is homeschool support, which provides a consulting teacher who supports the homeschooling parent. Both of these options require a high level of parent involvement and engagement.
Intent to Homeschool
In accordance with state law, a parent planning to administer home-based instruction must complete an Intent to Homeschool form and submit it to the student welfare and attendance office. An Intent to Homeschool declaration must be completed yearly. Visit the Washington Homeschool Organization for more information.
You can also fill out VPS’ Declaration of Intent to Homeschool online; the form will be sent directly to the student welfare and attendance office for processing. The Intent to Homeschool form is now available.
Intent to Homeschool form
Students who wish to transfer out of the Vancouver Public Schools to participate in online programs such as WAVA or Insight should visit the boundary exceptions page for more information.
Vancouver Open Doors at Heights Campus
Vancouver Open Doors at Heights Campus is an in-district option for 11th and 12th grade students who are significantly credit deficient and/or in danger of dropping out of high school. The supportive learning environment provides individualized pathways for students ages 16-21 to achieve their life goals. Depending on the student’s educational and career goals, they can access online courses, competency pathways, including work based learning, and GED preparation and testing.
Grad Alliance Open Doors
Grad Alliance Open Doors is a fully online program serving students who have previously dropped out, significantly behind in credits, and want to work completely online. Each student receives personalized guidance and learning opportunities designed to fit their unique goals and life circumstances. Open Doors, through the Grad Alliance platform, emphasizes holistic growth helping students gain social, emotional, and academic skills such as focus, collaboration, and real-world problem solving. Grad Alliance offers multiple pathways for learners to engage, succeed, and demonstrate mastery at their own pace. Staff maintain positive communication, model collaboration, and create supportive learning spaces tailored to student needs.
Washington Youth Academy is a free three-phase residential program that provides a highly disciplined, safe and professional learning environment for at-risk youth. Students can earn up to 8 credits and gain job skills while being challenged and developing self-discipline. Washington Youth Academy is located in Bremerton, Washington. Students must be legal resident of Washington and United States, not currently on parole or probation for anything other than juvenile offenses, have no felonies on record and must be drug-free upon enrollment.
Job Corps is a free career and academic training program for students who are ages 16-24. Opportunities available through Job Corps include GED and high school diploma, job placement and driver’s education. Housing, meals and basic medical services are provided. Students must be a U.S. citizen or legal resident, meet income guidelines and be motived and committed to the program.
Students must also be U. S citizen or a legal resident and meet income guidelines.
Connect 2 Careers Youth Workforce provides guidance and support for participants to develop strategies to achieve academic, personal and employment goals.
Students must be 16 to 21 years of age, currently out of school, low-income and facing barriers to success.