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Alternative Schools & Programs of Choice

Provides different means of attaining the objectives of regular education and meeting students' needs; voluntary for districts, teachers, students, and their parents.

Program Summary
Information on program purpose, services, outcomes, funding, students served, and results.

Assembly Bill (AB) 130, Statutes of 2021 Changes to Independent Study
AB 130 makes significant changes to independent study (IS) and, for the 2021–22 school year only, requires school districts and county offices of education to offer independent study as an educational option (California Education Code Section 51745). This IS notice pertaining to AB 130 and Alternative Schools and Programs of Choice provides guidance on the implementation of independent study in accordance with the new statutory provisions signed into law on July 9, 2021

Alternative Schools & Programs of Choice - CalEdFacts
Part of California Department of Education's information and media guide about education in the State of California.

Checklist: Preparing an Application for a New School
A checklist that helps new alternative school of choice prepare for application review.

Examples of Alternative Schools & Programs of Choice
Examples and links to common types of alternative schools and programs of choice.

Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently asked questions about alternative schools and programs of choice.

Annual Report

Annual Evaluation Report Guidelines
Guidelines to assist educators responsible for submitting the required annual evaluation report on alternative schools and programs of choice.

Waivers

Instructions for Preparing a Waiver Request
Guidelines and instructions for preparing a waiver request for Alternative Schools and Programs of Choice pursuant to California Education Code Section 58509.

Waiver Request Form (DOC)
Alternative Schools and Programs of Choice Waiver Request form.

Questions:   Educational Options Office | altschoolschoice@cde.ca.gov
Last Reviewed: Tuesday, February 27, 2024