Non-Traditional High School Programming

APS is conducting an ongoing review of its non-traditional secondary programs at Arlington Community High School, Grace Hopper Center and Langston to ensure we are meeting student needs and expanding access to supports. This work has been guided by prior School Board work sessions and continued community engagement. APS is continuing to gather input, refine concepts and share information transparently as the process moves forward.

Timeline

Initial Meetings (2024-25 School Year)

• Individual school meetings were held at H-B Woodlawn, Langston, Arlington Community High School and with the Arlington Career Center and Arlington Tech to review non-traditional programs.
• The initial meetings reviewed the met and unmet needs at each school and how APS may be able to better address those through potential improvements.
• A joint meeting was held to review met and unmet student needs with non-traditional program principals and leadership teams and to gather feedback collectively.

Work Session #1 (Nov. 19, 2024)

• A series of work sessions was held to discuss with the school board why APS leadership recommended potential efficiencies to non-traditional programs.
• Principals were charged with looking at efficiencies

Work Session #2 (Nov. 18, 2025)

• APS leadership provided updated proposals for board consideration and feedback.

Community Meetings (August, 2025- January, 2026)

• Individual community group meetings were held to share the proposal and garner feedback from the following groups: ASHPA, SACIRSC, SEPTA, Arlington Tech PTA, and the Langston Civic Association.

Student Town Hall Sessions (December 2025)

• Program-specific student town hall sessions occurred for each program at Arlington Career Center and Langston.

Committee of the Whole (COW) (Jan. 13, 2026)

• The school board discussed updated APS leadership proposals and provided feedback in advance of the January 22 school board meeting.
• The school board will discuss this topic as an Information Item at the Jan. 22, 2026, school board meeting.

Committee of the Whole (COW) (Feb. 3, 2026)

Next Steps

• The board is scheduled to take action on the recommendations at the Feb. 19, 2026, school board meeting.

Notes from School Board Open Office Hours – March 9, 2025

“Alongside the vote to approve the relocation of the Langston program to the Grace Hopper Center, the Board directs the Superintendent to take specific steps to honor and uphold the unique culture, mission, and educational model of the Langston program throughout the transition process.

The Superintendent shall ensure that Langston staff, students, and families are meaningfully and consistently engaged—alongside Langston and central office leadership—in all aspects of planning necessary to facilitate a successful transition and sustain the program’s continued success at the Grace Hopper Center.

Planning elements shall include, but are not limited to:

• Designing and configuring physical spaces to meet student and program needs, including the library, cafeteria, gymnasium, and other shared spaces within the Grace Hopper Center;
• Reviewing and, if necessary, adjusting the bell schedule to support program integrity and student needs;
• Establishing clear practices and systems to ensure safety and security;
• Developing structures, systems, and community-building practices that preserve and reconstitute the inclusive and welcoming environment that defines the Langston program;
• Preserving and supporting school events, traditions, and activities that are unique to Langston.

The Board requests written progress updates at the April 16, June 18, and early August School Board meetings. These updates should include stakeholder engagement efforts, identified challenges, proposed solutions, and any additional Board action required to support a successful implementation.”

Non-Traditional Secondary Programs FAQ 

What is APS Non-Traditional Secondary Programming?  

Non-traditional school programs in APS offer alternate educational pathways for students who face academic, social, emotional or behavioral challenges in traditional school. Non-traditional secondary programs in APS include Arlington Community High School, Langston and some programs at the current Arlington Career Center (future Grace Hopper Center).

Why is APS proposing changes to non-traditional secondary programs now? 

APS has identified a need to improve the existing programs and provide more educational access to those students. This includes providing opportunities for students to participate equally in programs like Career and Technical Education (CTE) and have access to updated school facilities. By increasing access to CTE courses, APS provides more pathways to graduation and future employment options.

Which secondary schools are involved in the proposal? 

This proposal includes adjustments to non-traditional programming at Arlington Community High School, Grace Hopper Center and Langston.

What is included in the proposal? 

Staff have recommended four key changes to existing programs:

1. Alternative Learning Program

1. • Expanding the current 45-Day Program (for students transitioning back into traditional classrooms after an absence) to include general education students and middle school students
   • To be located at Syphax Education Center
2. Flexible Learning Program

• • New small-group classes to provide flexible learning for students who would benefit from individualized instruction

• • To be located at Amazon HQ/Arlington Community High School

3. Multilingual Pathway Program

• • Redesigning programming for high school-aged English learners in grades 9–12, including newcomers and students identified as Students with Limited or Interrupted Formal Education (SLIFE) who are working toward a high school diploma

• • Located at Grace Hopper Center

4. Relocate Langston Program to Grace Hopper Center  

• • Expand access to Career & Technical Education (CTE) and additional facilities and support for students

How does this proposal improve outcomes for students compared to what you currently have? 

The proposal is designed to improve outcomes by:

• Providing more targeted, small-group instruction and individualized supports.

• Expanding access for students in alternate programs to CTE courses, opportunities to build real-life skills and credentials, and flexible pathways to graduation.

• Consolidating instructional resources (staff and facilities) to strengthen student supports.

• Providing more support for students returning to traditional classrooms from an absence.

• Improving continuity of services for high-need students over the whole of their education in APS.

How have you engaged the community? What has been some common feedback? 

Meetings were held at each of the impacted schools during the 2024-25 school year to gather feedback. The school board held two work sessions in November 2024 and November 2025 to review recommendations and proposals. Community engagement meetings, town halls and additional meetings with the impacted schools took place in December 2025 and in January/February 2026.

Feedback emphasized the need for: 

• Greater access to alternate learning solutions, including hybrid, online and hands-on options.

• Stronger student-centered facility design which builds community and meaningful student voice.

• Expanded academic, clinical and case management supports for students with higher needs.

• Clearer communication and program definitions to reduce confusion for families.

• Improved equity in access to courses and transportation solutions.

The proposed program redesigns and relocations were based directly on this feedback.

What is the timeline for implementation if approved? 

If approved by the School Board, APS would move forward with developing and launching the proposed programs, including the Alternative Learning Program, Flexible Learning Program, Multilingual Pathway Program and the relocation of the Langston Program to the Arlington Career Center. The presentation does not specify exact start dates, but implementation would follow Board approval, with continued community engagement and updated information shared through Engage with APS and future communications.

Where can I view the full proposal and more information? 

View the proposal presented at the Jan. 22 School Board Meeting.

Engage with APS
The school board invites community feedback by writing to [email protected], filling out the form below, writing to the school board or speaking at a school board meeting prior to the vote on Feb. 19, 2026.