Program Information and FAQ's

For the last thirty years, ALP has been a distinct and unique entity within the high school.  Although the program has undergone many changes over time, the basic idea remains: to create a learning community for those who want or need an alternative to traditional classrooms.  

Each year, between 2 and 4 percent of the students at Darien High School are members of the Program.  Students who are interested in joining fill out an application and meet with both ALP and guidance staff to determine if we can meet their academic needs. 

Courses are offered at both 200 and 300 levels in English and History, and our staff members work to adapt the mainstream curriculum to the learning styles and interests of the students. We no longer have an ALP math class.

ALP still offers one semester-long section of elective science and its own PE class.  All other classes that students want or need--art, music, foreign language, English and history electives, math, lab sciences, and technology--are taken with the rest of the students in the school.  For those students who require Special Education support, each one is assigned a case manager outside the program. We are not, however, a Special Ed program.

ALP students meet all DHS graduation requirements and standards. They also have the rare chance to participate more fully in their own educational process and develop skills and values that will last them a lifetime. Most ALP students go on to 2- or 4-year colleges after graduation.  

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ALP FAQ's:

Why do students join ALP?

Students who apply to ALP often:           

    —feel lost, unchallenged, or ignored in large classes

    —need more individualized teaching

    —are re-entering school after a break or transfer

    —have grades that do not reflect their intelligence or potential

    —want to find a positive community within the high school

Who can apply to join ALP?

Any DHS student may apply after the first quarter of his or her Freshman year.  We generally transition

students in and out of ALP at quarter and semester breaks to allow continuity of grading between classes.  

Is joining ALP a permanent change?

No. Some students choose to leave ALP when they feel more able to succeed in large classes, and some are 

asked to leave for not meeting our academic or conduct standards.  Except in extreme circumstances, these 

changes are also made at the end of each marking period.

Is ALP a full-time commitment?

No.  Students usually take English, History, and Community/PE with us...that leaves 5 periods in which they

can take languages, electives, science, art, or any other course in the regular school with their peers.

Does ALP appear on the transcript?

It does. All colleges receive an explanation of our transcript codes, and ALP is described as a “voluntary

regular education program that offers students smaller class sizes and a less formal classroom setting.”

Although we cannot be sure of what effect this has on the college application process, the majority ALP 

students go on to two- and four-year colleges once they graduate.

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