Alternative Education
Providing focused, alternative daytime, extended day, and summer learning opportunities to support student achievement leading to graduation.
The Department of Alternative Education (DAE) leads SPPS alternative education programs year-round. We offer 25+ different programs serving students in grades K-12, including three high schools. Our programs engage students using innovative methods such as experiential, hands-on, and project-based learning. All programs support academic and social-emotional growth. Community partnerships, leading-edge use of technology, and collaboration with other alternative education leaders nationwide ensure SPPS students experience the best school-year daytime and after-school opportunities along with summer programming. All programs are FREE. Afternoon and evening programs include snacks/meals. Transportation may be offered per SPPS transportation guidelines and the availability of bus drivers.
Contact Us
Contact the Department of Alternative Education for questions regarding Summer Learning Programs and for after-school programs including Extended Day for Learning.
Summer Learning Programs
K-8 Summer Priority Registration is March 14 - April 14, 2025.
SPPS offers summer programs for elementary students and middle school students. Families may continue to register students for a Summer Learning Program after April 14 if space allows.
SPPS Summer Programs Make Learning Fun!
Summer 2025 - Job Opportunitites
Hiring for summer 2025 positions for Summer Learning Programs (SLP), Extended School Year (ESY), and CDF Freedom Schools will start in February. Positions are available for clerks, support staff, teachers, counselors, and site leaders. Individuals should review the job descriptions in PeopleSoft for details about job duties, expectations, pay, etc. Reaching out to Summer 2025 Principals/Site Administrators to express interest in a position is recommended.
- Current SPPS employees (internal candidates) should complete this online interest form if they have not connected with a principal. Responses on this form will be shared with summer leaders who are looking for staff positions.
- External applicants must submit the PeopleSoft application.
If agreeing to work or applying for a position that requires a license and the applicant’s license expires June 30, 2025, the applicant must renew their license effective before the first day of the session they are working. Teachers cannot work without a current license.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) for Summer Learning Programs 2025
After School Programs
After-school programs offer instructional programming for students in grades K-12, providing additional learning time to enhance academic and social-emotional skills, explore new interests and talents and foster new friendships. These programs include Elementary Extended Day for Learning (EDL), Middle School Extended Day for Learning (EDL), High School Credit Recovery & English Language Development Programs, School-based Extended Day for Learning (EDL), and Online Credit Recovery Network (CRN), all led by professional educators. Students can participate in these programs voluntarily and at no cost, giving them the opportunity to achieve academic proficiency, stay on grade level and remain on track to graduate.
Alternative Secondary Schools
Elementary
Middle School
Middle School After-School Activities FAQs
This school year, Flipside programming will be offered at eight middle schools, Extended Day for Learning (EDL) will be offered at seven middle schools, and other after-school activities will vary by school. Please see below for additional information.
- Outside of athletics, what after-school opportunities will be available for middle school students?
- Which schools will offer Flipside programs in 2024-25?
- Which schools will offer Extended Day for Learning (EDL) in 2024-25?
- How do I register for Flipside or EDL?
- When will after-school activities begin?
- Will transportation be available for after-school programs?
Outside of athletics, what after-school opportunities will be available for middle school students?
Which schools will offer Flipside programs in 2024-25?
Which schools will offer Extended Day for Learning (EDL) in 2024-25?
How do I register for Flipside or EDL?
When will after-school activities begin?
Will transportation be available for after-school programs?
High School
Alternative Secondary Schools
Saint Paul Public Schools uses a nationally recognized alternative education model to provide non-traditional educational programs to help students earn their high school diplomas. Each school year hundreds of students are enrolled in one of our three diploma-granting alternative education secondary programs.