Parent Information

Greenville County Schools offers opportunities for students who are not successful in the traditional school program to participate in non-traditional programs that are standards-based; that reflect current research and best practices across disciplines; and that are personalized in instructional strategies, pacing, assessments, and resources for students, as appropriate.

Non-traditional learning programs will meet all mandates and guidelines set forth by the South Carolina Department of Education.

Non-traditional learning programs will be designed to offer flexibility in structure, time, and learning environment.

Non-traditional learning programs include the following:

The Middle and High School Alternative Programs help students to integrate successfully into the regular school setting. The goals of the programs are the following:

• To provide short-term intervention in a structured environment for struggling students in grades 6 – 12; interventions may include academic support and/or mental health, behavioral or substance abuse counseling;
• To assist students to develop skills necessary to be successful in the regular school setting;
• To help students identify barriers that inhibit their educational and social growth;
• To provide an alternative to expulsion for students with significant discipline problems.

The Satellite Diploma Program provides learning opportunities for students who meet the following requirements:

• The student is recommended by the school’s administrative team;
• The student is between the ages of 17 and 21, unless the administrative team is in agreement that an exception would be beneficial to the student;
• The student has been identified as a potential or recent drop out;
• The student does not have a history of major discipline or law enforcement issues;
• The student can work independently in an online environment;

Prior to recommending that a student enter the Satellite Diploma Program, school staff shall provide a written summary of the interventions attempted with the student to enable the student to graduate with his/her peers.

As part of the application process, the guidance counselor shall convene a meeting of parents, the student, and school staff to discuss the viability of the student’s placement in the Satellite Diploma Program, to review the personal and career goals specified in the student’s Individual Graduation Plan, and to develop a written plan for high school completion. The plan will include the number of credits remaining and a timeframe for completion of diploma requirements. In the case of a student with special needs, the IEP team will guide the decision regarding student placement.

• The Lifelong Learning Program provides the opportunity for individuals who are age 17 or older and who have not been academically successful in the traditional high school program to participate in Lifelong Learning.
• Greenville County is home to ten group homes and psychiatric residential treatment facilities (PRTF). These facilities exist to help students learn to cope with the difficult issues they're facing. While in these settings, students receive instructional services that enable them to continue their progression toward high school graduation.