alternative school

noun

: an elementary or secondary school with a nontraditional curriculum

Examples of alternative school in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
The school district reduced the expulsions to a year for six of the teenagers and permitted them to enroll in alternative schools. — Darcel Rockett, Chicago Tribune, 17 Feb. 2026 The school then served as a public high school for Black students and, after desegregation, as an alternative school. — Steven Walker, The Orlando Sentinel, 13 Jan. 2026 The Post complains because so many kids are switching to private alternative schools, many of the failing public schools in Phoenix will have to shut down. — Stephen Moore, Boston Herald, 14 Aug. 2025 Ten employees who help facilitate transition to and from alternative schools also would have their roles eliminated. — Kathryn Muchnick, Louisville Courier Journal, 10 Mar. 2026 See All Example Sentences for alternative school

Word History

First Known Use

1969, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of alternative school was in 1969

Rhymes for alternative school

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Browse Nearby Words

alternative rock
alternative school
alternative tariff
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Cite this Entry

“Alternative school.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/alternative%20school. Accessed 7 Jul. 2026.

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