Students eligible for alternative education meet at least one of the following criteria: have dropped out or intend to drop out; is pregnant or a parent; is employed as a necessity for support and employment interferes with the regular school day; is disruptive; or has struggled academically and would benefit from instruction offered in a manner different from that at the traditional school.
Indiana clarifies guidelines for successful programs, such as a maximum teacher/student ratio of 1:15, a small student base, a clearly stated mission and discipline code, and caring faculty with continual staff development, high expectations for student achievement, and a flexible school schedule.
School districts can get up to an additional $750 each year per full-time student equivalent to cover additional expenses inherent in alternative education.