A Compassionate Classroom Environment

Not everyone learns best in a traditional school setting. But that doesn’t mean they don’t want to learn.

CCSI’s Alternative Educational Program offers a clean slate for students who are seeking a different high school experience. Students who experienced social, emotional or attendance issues in their district school can come here to find a comforting place to learn, and staff who are willing to meet them where they are at.

By offering an alternative path forward, CCSI is helping at-risk and drop-out youth in the three-county area (Monroe, Randolph and St. Clair) get a second chance at a bright future.

Why Choose Our Alternative Ed Program?

  • Small Class-Sizes
  • Job Shadowing
  • Support Groups
  • Counseling
  • Transportation
  • Breakfast and Lunch Program
  • Testing

A Range of Learning Opportunities

Whether your strengths are in the trades, or you are looking for traditional classroom studies in a non-traditional setting, CCSI’s Alternative Educational Program can meet your needs. 

Courses Offered

Vocational Courses

  • Auto Collision
  • Auto Tech Service
  • Child Care
  • Health Occupations
  • Law Enforcement
  • Welding

Academic Courses

  • Consumer Education
  • English
  • Government
  • Health
  • Literature
  • Math
  • Science
  • Social Studies
  • U.S. History
  • Geography

*Students typically take four 55-minute academic classes (each generating one-half credit) and a two-hour vocational class (generating 1.5 credits) each semester

Program Information

Eligibility

Students at least 16 years old must be referred by a school principal or counselor, and must have a reasonable chance at obtaining a diploma or GED by age 21. 

Fees

$25 to $200 per year based on course load

Credits

CCSI’s Alternative Educational Program serves as a temporary, alternative learning site for students (generally for 2-3 semesters) and does not grant a high school diploma. However, we take home school graduation requirements into account when developing a student’s “Individualized Optional Educational Program,” and grant Carnegie units of credit that are accepted at all participating schools.

Member Schools

  • Chester
  • Columbia
  • Dupo
  • Freeburg
  • Marissa
  • New Athens
  • Red Bud
  • Sparta
  • Valmeyer
  • Waterloo

“My son was struggling in school and giving up hope. He had no idea what he wanted to do in the future. My husband and I always knew our son loved to work with his hands and had an interest in some type of trade. We decided to give CCSI a try. It was one of the best decisions we have ever made.”

Karla Heine, Detective, Columbia Police Department
Parent of a CCSI Alternative Education Student

Contact Us

For more information, contact CCSI Director Stephanie Mohr at 618-473-2222.

Call Director