Rhode Island does not currently have a formal definition of alternative education. However, statute § 16-21-27 mandates that “each school district shall adopt a plan to ensure continued education of students who are removed from the classroom because of a suspension of more than ten (10) days or who are chronically truant. The plan shall be adopted by the school committee and shall be submitted to Rhode Island Department of Elementary and Secondary Education as part of its annual strategic plan submission.”

• Formats: programs in schools, schools in districts, adult high schools/transition programs 
• Operators: districts 
• State governance: Alternatives in Rhode Island are operated by the Rhode Island Department of Education (RIDE) 

Two programs self-identified as alternative schools (“Skip” Nowell Academy and Chariho Alternative Learning Academy).

With a clearer definition of alternative education, many more schools throughout the state might be identified as alternatives, but the state does not currently have a formal metric.†

Approximately 300 students are enrolled in the two self-identified alternative schools.

Alternative programs generally serve students to age 22.

Eligibility for alternative education varies by program. Most programs enroll students who have faced challenges such as academic difficulties or behavioral issues that have impeded their success in traditional school settings. 

Rhode Island’s weighted student funding formula allocates state education funds based on factors including student enrollment, student needs (e.g., those requiring special education or English language services), and the local community’s ability to contribute through property taxes. As part of the state’s Basic Education Plan (BEP), local education agencies must submit detailed budgets to RIDE for annual review to ensure appropriate allocation of funds in alignment with district needs. 

While the BEP includes provisions for additional funding for "educationally disadvantaged students" (defined as students whose educational readiness or achievement is below average for their age or grade level), disparities in funding remain for lower income districts who are not able to generate as much revenue.

Rhode Island uses the Comprehensive School Profile (CSP) to assess schools annually. The CSP combines multiple indicators, including:

• Performance on state assessments 
• Student growth 
• Graduation rate (four-year or extended cohorts) 
• College and career readiness (participation and performance in AP, dual enrollment, and career and technical education) 
• Chronic absenteeism 
• School climate 

Schools are categorized into different levels based on their performance, which guides supports they receive from RIDE.

Policy spotlight 

Rhode Island's Alternative Learning Plan (ALP) is a policy that empowers alternative high schools to provide customized, flexible, and equitable education to students who might otherwise be at risk of falling through the cracks of the traditional education system. ALPs allow alternative programs to:

• Provide flexible learning opportunities where students can learn at their own pace and through various modalities, such as online courses or hands-on internships 
• Support re-engagement by allowing students to remain in school and continue working toward graduation, even if they have faced significant academic or behavioral challenges 
• Facilitate transitions for students returning from juvenile facilities or students who have been out of school 
• Address diverse needs, recognizing that students have varied learning styles and life circumstances 
• Implement creative and effective strategies for preparing students for college and careers 

†Information provided by State Action Collaborative members.