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DIVISIONS
Federal Programs
School Improvement

CONTACT INFORMATION

Jerry Randolph
Education Program Specialist

1870 Twin Towers East
205 Jesse Hill Jr. Drive SE
Atlanta, GA 30334
 (404) 656-4150
 (678) 692-6991
  jrandolp@doe.k12.ga.us

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Alternative Education Program and Magnet Schools

Alternative Education Program

Georgia's Alternative Education Program began as a state grant funded program in 1994 and was known as the CrossRoads alternative education program. With the passage of the A+ Education Reform Act of 2000, CrossRoads grants were eliminated and Quality Basic Education (QBE) funds began providing for the new Alternative Education Program for students in grades 6-12.

Georgia's Alternative Education Program is designed to provide some program flexibility at the local level. A local school system may provide the following:

  • An in-school suspension program
  • A disciplinary alternative education program
  • A school-community guidance center
  • A community-based alternative education program
  • Other alternative education program model that otherwise meets the requirements of the State Board of Education Rule 160-4-8-.12, Alternative Education Programs.

Additionally, the local alternative education program may function as a single-system or multi-system program and may be located on or off a regular school campus.

Alternative Education Programs

  • Must follow the Georgia Performance Standards
  • Must focus on English/language arts, math, science, social studies, and self-discipline
  • Must award course credit in the same manner as other programs

Local school systems must provide their alternative education programs with the same instructional materials, resources, and textbooks as provided to the regular program.

Magnet Schools

Magnet schools offer a wide range of distinctive education programs. Some emphasize academic subjects, such as:

  • Math
  • Science
  • Technology
  • Language immersion
  • Visual and performing arts
  • Humanities

According to the United States Department of Education, “…the term ‘magnet school' means a public elementary school, public secondary school, public elementary education center, or public secondary education center that offers a special curriculum capable of attracting substantial numbers of students of different racial backgrounds.”

AEP Documents
  AEP Board Rule 160-4-8-.12
  AEP Standards
  AEP Standards Crosswalk

MAGNET SCHOOL DOCs
  Existing Magnet Schools in Georgia

ABOUT THE PROGRAM
  FAQs About the Federal Magnet School Program

HELPFUL LINKS
  Communities In Schools
  Exemplary Practices in Alternative Education
  Georgia Association for Alternative Education
  National Alternative Education Association
  National Dropout Prevention Center