About MAEO

The Michigan Alternative Education Organization (MAEO) was formed in 1975 to provide services and networking opportunities for alternative educators across the state. In that same year, MAEO held its first conferences to share ideas, innovations and strategies. Today, MAEO has a membership of approximately 900.

MAEO hosts an annual spring conference, as well as regional activities for students and alternative educators around the state. MAEO sponsors scholarships for graduating alternative students pursuing higher education, and regional grants that promote student activities. In addition, MAEO publishes an online newsletter, maintains this website and recognizes outstanding contributions to alternative education with annual awards.

Definition

The definition of alternative education recommended for adoption by the Michigan Department of Education is:

A separate program within a K-12 public school district or charter school established to serve and provide youth a choice or option whose needs are not being met in the traditional school setting.

There are three indispensable goals for alternative schools:

1.That students attend by choice.

2.That the school or program be responsive to unmet local needs.

3.That the student body reflect the racial and socio-economic mix of the community.