Alternative Education
Alternative Education Programs
Fredericksburg City Public Schools is committed to providing every student with a pathway to success. Our Alternative Education programs offer personalized learning environments designed to meet the unique needs of students who benefit from non-traditional educational settings.
We offer two distinct programs to serve students at different stages of their educational journey: RISE and STARS. Both programs emphasize personalized instruction, goal-setting, and comprehensive support services to help students overcome obstacles and achieve their goals.
RISE Program
RISE serves middle and high school students from Walker-Grant and James Monroe who need an alternative learning environment due to behavioral, academic, or social-emotional concerns, or who have been placed through the Division Discipline Committee.
Key Features:
- Monday through Friday sessions (AM and PM options)
- Individualized online coursework through Edgenuity
- Goal-focused approach emphasizing behavior, academics, and attendance
- Weekly social worker support
- Regular progress monitoring and communication with home schools
- Placement duration up to one semester
Who It Serves:
- Students placed by the Division Discipline Committee
- Students behind in credits needing credit recovery
- Students requiring alternative settings due to behavioral, academic, or social-emotional needs
STARS (ISAEP) Program
STARS provides an alternative pathway for students age 16 and older who are significantly behind in credits and cannot realistically obtain a traditional high school diploma. This program focuses on GED preparation and is designed as a last-resort option to ensure every student can achieve educational success.
Key Features:
- Flexible twice-weekly schedule (Tuesdays and Thursdays, 9 AM-12 PM)
- GED preparation in all content areas
- Individualized instruction and small class sizes
- Approximately one year duration
- Career readiness and post-graduation planning support
Who It Serves:
- Students 16+ who are significantly behind in credits
- Students who meet TABE reading requirements (mid-7th grade level) or score 125+ on GED pretest
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
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RISE is an alternative education program for middle and high school students who need a different learning environment due to behavioral, academic, or social-emotional concerns, or who have been placed through the discipline process. Students in RISE continue working toward their regular diploma. STARS is specifically for students ages 16+ who are significantly behind in credits and focuses on GED preparation rather than a traditional diploma.
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Alternative education may be appropriate if your child is struggling in a traditional setting due to behavioral, academic, or social-emotional challenges, or if they are significantly behind in credits. The best way to determine if alternative education is right for your child is to speak with your school counselor or administrator about your concerns.
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Yes. Students complete coursework through Edgenuity and earn credits for successfully completed courses.
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RISE students receive support from dedicated teachers (including a special education teacher), a paraprofessional, and a school social worker who meets with students weekly. RISE staff also maintain regular communication with home schools and families about student progress.
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Parents do not apply directly. School counselors, student success coaches, or administrators complete the Application to Attend RISE. If you believe RISE might benefit your child, contact your school counselor or administrator to discuss the possibility.
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GED holders can pursue employment, community college, vocational training, military service, or other postsecondary opportunities. STARS staff can help students explore options and create post-graduation plans.
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Yes. Both RISE and STARS serve students with disabilities and provide appropriate accommodations and services. Additional planning meetings are required to ensure proper implementation of IEPs.
IEP services continue in alternative education settings with appropriate modifications based on the new environment. The IEP team meets to discuss any necessary changes to services or accommodations before the student transitions to alternative education.
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If students are placed in Alternative Education for disciplinary reasons, they may not participate in extracurriculars. Students who have applied to and been placed in Alternative Education for non-disicplinary reasons may be considered for extracurricular participation on a case-by-case basis. Please contact your student's school or the Supervisor of Alternative Education for more information.
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The Alternative Education team maintains regular communication with families through progress reports, phone calls, and scheduled meetings. Families are encouraged to reach out with questions or concerns at any time.