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) offers students in grades K-12 engaging, innovative programs through experiential, hands-on, and project-based learning. Programs are held during the school day, extended-day, and in summer. DAE also supports three alternative high schools.
Contact Us
Contact the Department of Alternative Education for questions regarding:
- Summer Learning Programs
- Extended Day for Learning
- Credit Recovery
Phone: 651-744-8020
Summer Learning Programs
K-8 Priority Registration: March 12 - April 13, 2026.
Some Summer Learning Programs have limited space, which may result in waitlists. All registrations submitted between March 12 and April 13 will be collected at the end of this priority window and entered into a lottery to determine enrollment.
Families will receive either an enrollment confirmation or a waitlist notification beginning May 1.
Please note that submitting a registration during the priority window does not guarantee a spot in high-demand programs. If a program reaches capacity, families will have the opportunity to select an alternative Summer Learning option.
SPPS Summer Programs Make Learning Fun!
Summer 2026 - Job Opportunitites
Hiring for summer 2026 positions for Summer Learning Programs (SLP), Extended School Year (ESY), and CDF Freedom Schools is now open. 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 2026 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, 2026, the applicant must renew their license effective before the first day of the session they are working. Teachers cannot work without a current license.
Saint Paul Public Schools reserves the right to hire staff that best meet the needs of students attending summer programming.
For hiring and position questions, please contact the Principal/Site Administrator.
General questions about Summer 2026 Programming can be directed to the sponsoring area.
CDF Freedom Schools: darcel.hill@spps.org
Extended School Year (ESY): kimberly.totushek@spps.org
Summer Learning Programs (SLP): alted@spps.org
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) for Summer Learning Programs 2026
Summer Learning Programs 2026 information is updated at spps.org/summer
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 friendships.
Programs include:
- Elementary Extended Day for Learning (EDL)
- Middle School Extended Day for Learning (EDL)
- High School Credit Recovery Network (CRN)
- High School English Language Development (ELD)
Students can participate in these programs voluntarily and at no cost, allowing them to achieve academic proficiency, stay on grade level, and remain on track to graduate.
- All programs are FREE
- Afternoon programs include snacks
- Transportation may be offered per SPPS guidelines, and the availability of bus drivers
High School
CRN / EDL
Alternative Secondary Schools
Elementary
Middle School
Middle School After-School Activities FAQs
This school year, Flipside programming will be offered at eight middle schools. Other after-school activities will also be available, and 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 2025-26?
- My child’s school will not offer Flipside. What does this mean?
- 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 2025-26?
My child’s school will not offer Flipside. What does this mean?
How do I register for Flipside or EDL?
When will after-school activities begin?
Will transportation be available for after-school programs?
High School - Credit Recovery Network (CRN)
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.