alternative school

noun

1. any public or private school having a special curriculum, especially an elementary or secondary school offering a more flexible program of study than a traditional school.

Word History and Origins

Origin of alternative school¹

First recorded in 1970–75

Example Sentences

It all came together in an unexpected way to create a mini-farm garden retreat that also provided hands-on lessons in landscaping for their inquisitive 8-year-old son, Early, whose alternative school closed in the first weeks of the pandemic shutdown.

From Los Angeles Times

Then, over the objections of many in the audience who demanded a chance to comment before a vote was taken, the board officially transferred Dressback from Cahaba Heights Elementary to the alternative school.

From Salon

Her point underscored a question others raised at the meeting to a board that largely remained silent: If Dressback did something so egregious as to require she be escorted from school and barred from district property, why was she suitable to lead the alternative school?

From Salon

The next day, Tinker received a letter from Freeman stating that he was recommending she be transferred to the alternative school, effective Jan. 3.

From Salon

I descended metal stairs that span a rocky embankment; the alternative school, Dressback’s new assignment, is subterranean, its entrance nearly hidden from view.

From Salon