Indiana Code § 20-30-8-6 defines alternative education as “an educational program for eligible students that instructs the eligible students in a different manner than the manner of instruction available in a traditional school setting.” The program must also “comply with the rules that are adopted under IC 4-22-2 by the state board to govern alternative education programs and admission of eligible students to alternative education programs.”

• Formats: alternative classrooms, school-within-a-school programs, schools in districts, charter schools, private schools, community schools, virtual schools, second or “last chance” schools, adult high schools (though they are not considered within the state’s definition of alternative education)
• Operators: school districts/school operations
• State governance: Alternatives in Indiana are generally governed by the Indiana Department of Education (IDOE)

Approximately 28 adult high schools and over 300 approved alternative education programs.†

There is not a clear picture of how many students are enrolled in alternative education in the state. There are7,800 students in adult high schools.†

Alternative programs are funded to serve students up to age 21, but districts can choose to enroll students who are over 21 without funding.

According to Indiana Code § 20-30-8-10, to be eligible for an alternative education program or school, students must meet at least one of the following criteria:

• Intends to withdraw or has withdrawn before graduation
• Has failed to comply academically and would benefit from instruction offered in a different manner from the traditional school
• Is a parent or expectant parent
• Is employed and employment is necessary for the support of the student or the student’s immediate family
• Is a disruptive student

While placement is ultimately determined by the school, many programs consider student and parent input.

Alternative high schools in Indiana are funded through the state’s per-pupil funding allocation (known as tuition support), supplemental grants, and, for charter schools in some districts, a mandated share of a district’s local property tax.

Supplemental grants used by alternative high schools include:

• Alternative Education Grants – offered by the IDOE to public schools that operate programs designed to meet the needs of students at risk of academic failure or who have withdrawn from school
• Charter and Innovation Network School Grant – administered by the state board and provides $1,400 per student for virtual charter schools and adult high schools

Currently, aside from adult high schools, Indiana alternative schools are subject to the same accountability measures as traditional schools. Schools receive a “report card” with the following datapoints to inform students and families:

• Performance on standardized testing
• Graduation rate
• Percentage of students who enrolled in and passed an Advanced Placement (AP) exam, an International Baccalaureate (IB) exam, a dual credit course, or a Cambridge International exam
• Per student funding

Indiana Code § 20-31-8 establishes alternative accountability provisions for adult high schools, including academic outcomes tailored to adult learners, industry certification, and post-graduation success.

*Indiana’s accountability framework is currently under reconstruction. House Bill 1498 mandates that the state board develop a new grading methodology by December 2025.

The Alternative Education Grant program is a state initiative established in 1999 that provides schools in Indiana additional funding (up to $750.00 per FTE) to offer specialized services to students in grades 6–12 who face challenges to success in traditional settings. To qualify for this funding, students must meet one or more of the specific criteria provided under the “student eligibility” section above.

To receive this grant, approved programs must:

• Match at least a third of the grant amount through local expenditures on alternative education programs
• Operate a minimum of three consecutive hours per instructional day
• Maintain a student-to-teacher ratio of 15:1 or less
• Employ licensed teachers
• Develop individualized service plans (ISPs) for each student
• Have a clearly stated mission and discipline code

The program assists schools in implementing programs that align with students’ unique needs. The grant focuses on evidence-based best practices including individualized support, small student-to-teacher ratios, and flexible learning environments that enhance the likelihood of academic success and high school graduation for at-risk students.

†Information provided by State Action Collaborative members.