Minneapolis Public Schools provides a variety of educational programs designed to meet the needs of diverse learners. Alternative Schools provide families with the opportunity to choose the learning environment that meets the specific needs of their students. Specialized Programmingi is designed to meet specific community placement needs or the requirements of a student's individual education plan (IEP).
Alternative schools are choice-based programs whose mission is to serve those students who've not found success in the traditional school model. These programs may include contract alternative programs which are run by community agencies who hire staff and provide the facility. Students attending Contract Alternative schools continue to be Minneapolis Public Schools students during their enrollment. Contract alternative schools are denoted with an asterisk (*).
Longfellow Alternative High School provides teenage girls who are pregnant or are already parenting with the special attention and resources needed to ensure students will graduate and be able to provide for their child.
3017 East 31st St. Minneapolis, MN 55406 612.668.4700
Loring Nicollet provides a safe and inclusive environment for a diverse student population. Social Awareness, Social Justice, Community Building and Health and Wellness are highly valued and addressed throughout our curriculum.
1925 Chicago Ave. S. Minneapolis, MN 55403 612.872.3626
MERC supports students’ growth into skilled and productive citizens capable to succeeding and making positive contributions in their community, in their educational endeavors, and in their family life. MERC strives to guide students to make safe choices in all aspects of their lives.
NaWayEe Center School is an alternative school providing an Indigenous culturally contextualized curriculum and learning environment for students who are best served when learning within such a context. Nawayee is the Ojibwe word for Center, an essential location within Indigenous cultures.
2421 Bloomington Ave. S. Minneapolis, MN, 55404 612.721.1655
PYC Arts and Technology High School is a contract alternative school with the Minneapolis Public Schools, serving up to185 students in North Minneapolis. PYC offers a wealth of ways for students to earn credit toward graduation including online opportunities, seat-based plans and other creative options.
2210 Oliver Ave. N. Minneapolis, MN 55411 612.522.6501
Takoda Prep is an accredited alternative high school for students ages 14-21. Staff focus on helping all students make advancements in core academic competencies while maintaining a strong connection to American Indian culture. The school features a unique, small class environment that allows students to receive individualized instruction and support. Students engage in project-based learning, get credit for hours worked at their place of employment, and have access to many supportive services provided by the American Indian OIC including the Youth Employment Services (YES).
1845 E. Franklin Ave. Minneapolis, MN 55404 612.341.3358
VOA High School (VOAHS) is a state-approved, contract alternative program serving Minneapolis Public School (MPS) students. This program allows for credit make-up and student success by offering flexible scheduling, small class sizes, extra credit earning opportunities, an on-site independent study program and substantial student support.
924 19th Ave. S. Minneapolis, MN 55404 612.375.0700