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.
Last school year, the district decided to shut down four elementary schools, one middle school and one alternative school, with plans to sell or lease the properties or convert them into district office space. — Scott Travis, Sun Sentinel, 26 July 2026 Across the country, data shows Black students have been more likely to receive punishments that remove them from the classroom, such as suspensions, expulsions and transfers to alternative schools. — ABC News, 23 July 2026 Across the country, data show Black students have been more likely to receive punishments that remove them from the classroom, such as suspensions, expulsions and transfers to alternative schools. — Annie Ma, Los Angeles Times, 23 July 2026 The alternative school shares a campus with Fairfield High School, about 50 miles northeast of San Francisco. — Holly Yan, CNN Money, 4 June 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 5 Aug. 2026.

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