Solutions
Reimagining Alternative Education
Re-engaging Students Through Flexible, Purpose-Driven Learning Pathways
How It Works
Not every student succeeds in a traditional classroom. CLS helps schools design and strengthen alternative education programs that meet students where they are—academically, socially, and emotionally—while maintaining rigor and accountability.
Programs that replace traditional suspension with accountability, restorative practices, and continued learning
Confidential coaching for leaders in alternative schools, focused on goal-setting, reflection, and action planning
Data-driven review of practices for serving students in the alternative setting who need “something different”
Help teachers prioritize Power Standards(™), improve assessment, and use fair and accurate grading
Educators learn to build and nurture classrooms that support all learners
Educators build strong student connections that foster belonging and confidence, while collaboration, cross-curricular learning, and high expectations make instruction relevant, rigorous, and impactful
Foundational sessions for reimagining Alternative Education
- Re-engages at-risk and non-traditional learners
- Supports credit recovery, graduation pathways, and re-entry success
- Strengthens student-adult relationships and trust
- Balances structure with flexibility to meet diverse needs
- Builds staff confidence and consistency across alternative settings
What Our Clients Are Saying
Frequently Asked Questions
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What is Fearless Alternatives, and how does it support Alternative Education schools?
Fearless Alternatives is a framework designed to support the unique needs within Alternative Education schools. It supports schools in improving graduation rates and addressing attendance, behavior, and academic achievement through aligned systems rather than isolated fixes. The work focuses on efficiency, coherence, and results while honoring the unique needs of alternative settings by intentionally partnering with site and district leaders and strengthening collaborative, team-based structures. Through leadership coaching and the development of effective multidisciplinary teams, this approach builds the internal capacity needed to move from reactive practices to proactive, sustainable systems change. By supporting leaders and teams to align vision, structures, and daily practices, schools are better positioned to create meaningful change that improves outcomes for students. -
What challenges does this work help Alternative Education programs address?
This work supports schools in responding to chronic absenteeism, credit deficiency, behavior challenges, low graduation rates, and the need to strengthen instructional practice. It helps sites move from reactive, band-aid solutions to proactive systems such as effective MTSS teams, restorative practices, flexible schedules, and improved credit recovery structures. -
What services are offered to help schools reimagine Alternative Education and engage in authentic systems change work?
Services include coaching for alternative site leaders, team-based intervention structures, PLC support, restorative practices, and district audits of alternative practices. Schools are also supported in the improvement of instructional leadership by focusing curriculum through power standards, improving grading practices, redesigning schedules, and strengthening credit recovery systems. All services are grounded in evidence-based practices and catered to those in alternative settings. Services are delivered by CLS Associates who have extensive experience in leading change and true insight into Alternative Education based on years of practical experience.
Related Resources
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Alternative EducationThe Extracurricular Advantage
To create the most positive classroom environment possible, education leaders must consider not only what happens inside the classroom, but also everything that affects students throughout the day. Extracurricular experiences are an important ingredient in this recipe.
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Alternative Education
What Does the Public Really Want?
Board members must separate fact from fiction when trying to figure out the real expectations their community has for the school district and from public education as a whole
Focus on what matters. Let us help you grow.
Our experts have decades of experience in K-12 education and administration and are dedicated to delivering personalized and differentiated learning opportunities to help your team grow.
