| Alternative education programs provide a variety of educational opportunities for students in small, caring school environments. At-risk students are served in alternative programs throughout Georgia. A brief historical perspective on education for special needs populations is provided as well as information on social and personal factors impacting academic success for high school students. The purpose of this study is to provide an in-depth analysis of one alternative education program to consider how some at-risk students adapt to the educational setting in spite of debilitating life circumstances. This analysis is offered to provide an understanding of factors which make alternative schooling different from conventional educational programs and to identify some effective practices.;Method. Using participant observation, focus groups, interviews, and review of records, this qualitative case study provides an in-depth analysis of the schooling processes in one alternative education program in Georgia. Program characteristics, educational processes, student life stressors and circumstances, services provided, staffing, and outcomes of this program were considered.;Results. This examination of the beginning and continuation of an alternative education program provides baseline data on alternative education in Georgia within the context of one alternative school setting. Many of these alternative education students had experienced debilitating life stressors that had affected their success in school. In spite of these factors, they were able to connect with the alternative learning environment and continue their education. School and class size, teaching methods, choice, sense of belonging, and relationships with teachers in the alternative setting were identified as salient factors in students connecting with and remaining in school. |
