Alternative Education

An alternative school is any school that offers an “alternative” from a traditional school. Some students are just unable to learn in a traditional school setting and need a school that is more accommodating to their unique needs. For them an alternative school is the best option.

Intermediate Unit 1 operates an alternative school for students at the middle and secondary school level. The length of stay can vary from a few months to a few years depending on the student. The ultimate goal of the alternative programs is to help students develop the necessary skills that will enable them to return to their home school.

IU1 Alternative Education Programs are supported, in part, by Alternative Education for Disruptive Youth Grants from the Pennsylvania Department of Education (PDE) and therefore abide by the guidelines established by PDE. Admission criteria states that students are admitted to an alternative education program only when other established methods of discipline have failed and programs shall limit enrollment to disruptive students as defined under 24 P.S. Section 19-1901-C (5). Eligible students must exhibit to a marked degree any or all of the following conditions:

  • disregard for school authority, including persistent violation of school policy and rules;
  • display or use of controlled substances on school property or during school activities;
  • violent or threatening behavior on school property or during school-affiliated activities;
  • possession of a weapon on school property, as defined under 18 Pa. C.S. §912;
  • commission of a criminal act on school property or during school-affiliated activities and,
  • misconduct that would merit suspension or expulsion under school policy.

The IU 1 Educational Campus at McMurray educational program is aligned to the Pennsylvania Standards and Anchors in safe orderly environments.

For more information about our Alternative Education programs, please contact:

Dr. Kristin J. Szewczyk
Assistant Executive Director/Title IX Coordinator
724-938-3241 ext. 242
kristin.szewczyk@iu1.org