What is An Alternative School?

What is an Alternative School?

An educational institution that does not follow the traditional format of most public schools.

        Alternative Difference

Seat time does not equal success or quality education. Student success through competency based learning on their time is how success is measured.

Are Alternative Schools Accredited?

Yes! Alternative schools across the state of Utah are required to be accredited just like other high schools.

Is An Alternative Diploma the Same as                  a High School Diploma?

Yes! Alternative school diplomas have the same weight as a high school diploma as long as the alternative institution is fully accredited.

How is an Alternative Diploma the Same as a Traditional High School Diploma?

All high school diplomas in Utah hold equal value because they adhere to set standards established by the US Department of Education. These standards include core subjects like Math, Science, History, and Language Arts, ensuring a consistent level of education across the country. The Utah State Board of Education (USBE) has set a minimum of 24 credits for graduation, encompassing various subjects for Math, Language Arts, Science, Social Studies, PE, Healthy Living, Fine Arts, Vocational/CTE, Computer Tech, Financial Literacy, and Electives.


While school districts in Utah can increase graduation requirements, they must not fall below the 24-credit minimum set forth by USBE, and should fulfill the state's core credit criteria. Alternative schools generally adopt the state's minimum requirements as their graduation standards. This ensures that all high school diplomas maintain a uniform level of educational achievement, debunking the notion that the workload determines their value.


Do Colleges and Universites Recognize Diplomas From Alternative Schools?



Absolutely! Alternative schools, including Pleasant Creek, are fully accredited high schools. This means that colleges and universities treat their diplomas with the same recognition as those from traditional schools. Notably, numerous students from Pleasant Creek have successfully gained acceptance into various colleges and universities. Since the school's establishment in 2015, three students have even earned academic scholarships to esteemed institutions such as Utah Valley University and the University of Utah.

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