Educational Alternatives Programs are designed for students who are unmotivated or unsuccessful in the traditional school setting. Students are identified as potential dropouts based on criteria such as retained in grade, high absenteeism, failing grades, or low Florida Comprehensive Assessment Test (FCAT) scores.

Teenage Parent (TAP) Programs are designed for students who are pregnant or parenting. TAP programs offer regular academic classes so students can continue their educational program in addition to providing classes in child growth and development, nutrition, and parenting skills. Auxiliary services, which include health services, social services, childcare, and transportation, designed to meet the special needs of pregnant or parenting students and their children are provided.

Disciplinary Programs are designed to provide interventions for students who are disruptive in the regular school environment. These programs provide positive alternatives to out-of-school suspension and expulsion.

Educational Programs in the Department of Juvenile Justice are designed to meet the educational needs of students who are clients of the Department of Juvenile Justice. These programs are operated under the Bureau of Exceptional Education and Student Services For more information, contact Lisa Robinson by phone at 850-245-9944 or by e-mail at

Truancy Programs are designed for students who have a pattern of excessive absenteeism or have been identified as habitual truants. These programs are operated under the Bureau of Exceptional Education and Student Services. For more information, contact Gria Davison by phone at 850-922-8485 or by e-mail at .

The GED Exit Option Model is a strategy developed in collaboration with the American Council on Education (ACE). This strategy permits currently enrolled high school students to take the GED Test and helps students who may be at risk of not graduating with their class to gain a standard high school diploma through an alternate graduation route. Students utilizing the GED Exit Option Model must meet all of the following criteria:

Students who enter the program must pass the FCAT and then pass the GED Tests in order to receive a standard high school diploma.

School districts must apply to DOE and be approved on an annual basis to implement the GED Exit Option Model for all schools utilizing this strategy. The application must address the guidelines developed by ACE to ensure the integrity of this exit model. Each year the Dropout Prevention and Academic Intervention Programs Office reviews applications submitted by each district that wishes to utilize this strategy. Through this process, the DOE is able to gather data required by ACE and comply with the required assurances developed by ACE. The Department is also required to collect and report student outcome data regarding this strategy.

Attendance Requirements and Driving Privileges The Florida Legislature enacted attendance requirements for minors to maintain their driving privileges. The superintendent of each school district is responsible for enforcing school attendance requirements by reporting to the DHSMV all students between the ages of 14-18 who accumulate 15 unexcused absences in any 90 calendar day period, or who drops out of school. The DHSMV may not issue a driver's license or learner’s driver's license to such students, and shall suspend any previously issued driver's license, pursuant to Section 322.091, Florida Statutes. This program is operated under the Bureau of Exceptional Education and Student Services. For additional information, contact Bettye Hyle or Gria Davison by phone at 850-922-3727 or by e-mail at or .

• Governor’s Mentoring Initiative (GMI)
  The Florida Mentoring Partnership, in keeping with the state's pledge to America's Promise, helps students excel in school and life by recruiting Floridians to become mentors. This partnership, which began as the Governor's Mentoring Initiative in 1999, promotes collaboration among state agencies, municipalities, businesses, nonprofit organizations, individuals and schools.
• Best Buddies
  The mission of Best Buddies is to enhance the lives of people with disabilities by providing opportunities for one-to-one friendships and integrated employment.
• Big Brothers Big Sisters
  The organization provides mentoring activities, homework support and extended classroom learning for youths.
• Black Male College Explorers
  The goals of the program are to increase the amount of black males graduating from high school, facilitate their admission to college, and significantly increase their chances of earning a college degree.
• Boys & Girls Club Mentoring Services
  These programs help youth create aspirations for the future, providing opportunities for career exploration and educational enhancement.
• Communities in Schools
  Communities in Schools champions the connection of needed community resources with schools to help young people successfully learn, stay in school and prepare for life.
• Learning for Life
  Learning for Life provides programs that are designed to support schools and other youth-serving organizations in their efforts toward preparing youth to successfully handle the complexities of today's society and to enhance their self-confidence, motivation, and self-worth.
• Take Stock in Children
  Take Stock in Children is a comprehensive program that helps low-income children succeed by providing college and vocational scholarships, volunteer mentors, student advocates/case managers, tutoring, early intervention and long-term support, high standards, parental involvement, and community support.
• Florida State Alliance of YMCAs
  The purpose of the Florida State Alliance of YMCAs is to utilize the collective strength of all Florida YMCAs to increase their abilities to build stronger kids, families and communities throughout the state.

• Kissimmee Community Programs
• Florida Youth Leadership Forum
  The Florida Youth Leadership Forum (YLF) is an annual career and leadership training program that is both educational and motivational. Sponsored annually by The Able Trust, the YLF brings together rising high school juniors and seniors each summer to spend a long weekend in Tallahassee learning about community and academic resources, disability history, career options and personal leadership.
• Sarasota County Leadership Development
  Youth Leadership Sarasota County is a county-wide program for high school juniors designed to nurture and develop positive leadership qualities among the youth of Sarasota County. Sponsored by the Sarasota County Leadership Alumni Association, Youth Leadership Sarasota County is about Sarasota and how young people can make it a better place.
• St. Johns County Youth Leadership
  A program designed for high school juniors so that they may gain a full understanding of the county in which they live! With an Opening Retreat in August, eight full program days throughout the school year, and a graduation ceremony with family and friends, Youth Leadership St. Johns is an experience not to be missed!