In the past, alternative education may have most often been described as off-site programs for the most at-risk students. Now, a variety of private and public alternative schools and programs are evolving to support Oregon's commitment to help students achieve high academic and career-related standards and to pursue their individual goals and interests.
Alternative Schools and Programs
Oregon School Directory: Reference the Oregon School Directory for the most up to date version of school and private alternative school information.
Registered Programs in Oregon
All alternative education schools and programs must be registered with the Oregon Department of Education (ODE) before a school district may contract with or distribute public funds to the program. Standards for private alternative schools are further described in OAR 581-021-0072. The resources below provide information and instructions on how to apply to become a registered alternative education program.
Private Alternative School Registration Materials
- The 2019-20 PAS application will be posted here early 2019, and due March 2019. Applications using a form from any previous year will not be accepted.
- Standards for Private Alternative Education Programs: Private alternative schools standards, approved by the State Board of Education December, 2002.
Toolkits for Districts
The three toolkits listed below are under final review, and will be posted here soon. Each toolkit may be copied into a word file and modified. A toolkit may be updated periodically in response to changes in Oregon Revised Statutes, Oregon Administrative Rules, or in response to comments.
- Annual Program Approval or Disapproval- A resource for school districts and school
district boards for self-assessments of their alternative education program
policies and procedures. Includes references to ORS, OAR, Private Alternative
Program Standards, and sample policies of the Oregon School Boards Association.
- Districts Policies, Procedures Review - A resource for school districts and school district boards
for their approvals of the public or private alternative education programs
that they will operate or contract with another entity.
- Toolkit for Program Evaluation - A resource for school districts and school district boards for
their evaluations of the public and private alternative education programs they
are operating or contracting with any other entity.