WHAT IS IT?

Alternative Education is a program within Kennebunk High School for students who struggle to stay engaged in a mainstream classroom. The small class size allows for flexibility and a high level of individualization. In addition to academic learning in the classroom, students have the opportunity to do community service, job shadows, business/college visits, go on field trips, and participate in leadership and team building training.

WHAT ARE SOME PROJECTS ALT ED DOES?

Projects range from kayaking and canoeing, science labs on the river, cooking classes with local chefs, to building sheds for community members. Projects and visits are tailored to students’ interests.

WHAT DOES A TYPICAL DAY LOOK LIKE?

Our students start the day in either an elective class or in a vocational program. The students come to the Alt Ed classroom for the rest of the day. We typically spend Block 2 in the classroom doing academics that are tailored to the students needs. After lunch, we frequently leave the classroom and go off campus. Off campus trips depend on what the theme is for the quarter. Our goal is to expose our students to real world examples of what they are learning about in the classroom on a daily basis.

IS THERE A CODE OF CONDUCT?

Yes, all students in the Alternative Education program must sign an additional Code of Conduct that works in conjunction with the KHS Student Handbook. This document also includes Guidelines for Success that outline the behaviors and mindset needed to be successful in the Alternative Education Program. The Code of Conduct and Guidelines for success are used to facilitate conversations when a students' behavior does not align with the expectations.

Code of Conduct and Guidelines for Success

DO I GET A KENNEBUNK HIGH SCHOOL DIPLOMA?

Yes! We work with students to make sure they have opportunities to meet the KHS Proficiency standards for graduation and complete the credits necessary to graduate on time.

CAN I DO SRTC OR MAINSTREAM AND ALT ED?

Yes! students can attend the morning sessions at PATHS or SRTC and still participate in the program blocks 3 and 4. Likewise, students can also enroll in mainstream classes for the first two blocks of the day and still participate in the program blocks 3 and 4.

I AM INTERESTED IN JOINING, WHAT ARE THE NEXT STEPS?

Talk to your administrator.

  1. Fill out a self assessment in guidance.

  2. Bring the form home to your parent/guardian and have them sign it acknowledging that they give their permission for you to shadow the program.

  3. If approved, your school counselor will schedule a day for you to shadow the program.


Feel free to contact us at any time with additional questions. Email: Jacqui Holmes, jholmes@rsu21.net or Edward Sharood, esharood@rsu21.net. Call: 207-985-1110 ext. 7101.

"Alt Ed is a great opportunity for hands on learners to express themselves in the form of projects." - Zach Bishop, Class of 2023