Project Dropout: Alternative Paths To A Diploma

There are many safety nets built into schools to catch failing students including tutoring, counseling, calls to absent students, and frequent face to face check-ins. But sometimes they just don't work.

So there's another option — alternative school. These schools are for students who are chronically absent and below grade level.

Beatriz Zapater, co-head of one alternative school, Boston Day and Evening Academy in Roxbury, says if students meet the benchmarks, they can catch up quickly. The charter school offers courses during the day, in the evening and online. It's flexible and tailored to each student's needs, which allows many to work at the same time.

This is an excerpt of a special Project Dropout report. To see and hear the full story, go to ProjectDropout.org.