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 Alternative Education Programs and Schools (AEP)


​​​​​​​Alternative/non-traditional education schools and programs are an option for students who may experience difficulty in the traditional setting. These students may require creative, innovative, and structured alternatives within a different educational setting. 


The Georgia Alternative Education Program (GAEP) Standards are designed to improve alternative education programs through improvement and accountability. They serve as a tool for identifying strengths and areas needing improvement for each alternative education program or school within a school district. The GAEP Standards describe what Georgia's alternative programs and schools need to know, understand, and be able to do beyond the Georgia Standards of Excellence. They enhance opportunities for Georgia's alternative/non-traditional programs to provide standards-based learning in order to make education work for all Georgia's students.

Alternative/​non-traditiona​l education schools and programs offer these options to students, as it recognizes that a one model approach is not effective in meeting the goal of making all Georgia students college and career ready.

According to Georgia’s Alternative Education Program (GAEP) Standards, an effective alternative education school or program:
GAEP Standard 1: Conducts routine and systematic program evaluations to improve educational programs and services 

GAEP Standard 2: Implements a transition process to support a seamless entry to the GAEP and a seamless return to the traditional ​​​​​home school or external agency which includes a plan for transition success
GAEP Standard 3: Provides students with opportunities to maintain or accelerate their current progress toward graduation  
GAEP Standard 4: Develops and implements a graduation plan for each student
GAEP Standard 5: Communicates effectively and efficiently
GAEP Standard 6: Supports the success of students with a counseling program that is grounded in evidence-based practices to address the academic, social and emotional success of students
GAEP Standard 7: Facilitates the success of students with a social work program that is responsive, rigorous, and emphasizes intervention and prevention services
GAEP Standard 8: Supports the academic success of students with the effective implementation of a rigorous instructional framework aligned with the Georgia Standards of Excellence (GSE)
GAEP Standard 9: Supports the academic success of students with the effective implementation of a rigorous, data-driven digital and virtual learning program aligned to state content standards

  • Definitions
  • Requirements for the LEA
  • Reporting Requirements ​​
  • School Improvement Plan

Georgia's Alternative/Non-traditional Education Program is designed to provide some program flexibility at the local level. Local school systems may collaborate with other districts, regional educational service agencies (RESAs), or contract with an external vendor to provide services.

A local school system may provide the following:
The alternative education program may be a standalone school, a program within a school, or a school with multiple locations.