North Kansas City Schools expands alternative learning program, plans HiSET testing center

North Kansas City Schools officials on Veterans Day outlined a multi-year plan to broaden alternative learning options for students who struggle in traditional classrooms, repositioning the High School Alternative Program (HSAP) as “Helping Students Achieve Potential.” HSAP now occupies the fourth floor of the Northland Innovation Center and the district reported 151 enrollments in 2024–25 with 123 graduates.

The presentation, led by HSAP principal Renee Cooper and student services staff, said the program serves students with diverse needs: 12 had individualized education plans, 14 had 504 plans, two were English-language learners, three were SAGE-identified, 13% were parenting or expecting, 23% were classified as McKinney-Vento/homeless, and 73% qualified for free or reduced-price meals. “Last year in the 24–25 school year, we had 151 enrollments total over the school year’s time. 123 of those students graduated,” Renee Cooper said, summarizing outcomes and the program’s shift to include pathway experiences and seven elective options focused on career skills, social-emotional learning and volunteerism.

District staff described the plan in three phases. Phase 1 consolidated existing programming and reported outcomes. Phase 2, already underway, uses space created by the 2025 bond to offer smaller class sizes, new elective rooms (woodworking, fine arts), and co-located programs such as Shannon Shelton’s professional internship option. Staff emphasized blended schedules that allow students to mix HSAP courses with home-school classes so students retain IEP or ELL supports while receiving alternative instruction.

Phase 2 also includes the district’s Temporary Alternative Placement Center (TAPC) at the Synergy Services Center to support students on long-term suspension with academic, restorative and case-management services. Staff told board members TAPC participation is voluntary but highly encouraged; with newly available round-trip transportation, attendance has become more viable and staff estimated roughly 85%–90% of families accept the TAPC option when transportation is provided.

Phase 3 focuses on program expansion for the 2026–27 school year. Dr. Porter, who introduced the workshop, said the district intends to identify 10th graders earlier for alternative pathways, expand in-person launch supports for grades 9–12, strengthen general-education homebound services, and pursue an on-site HiSET/GED testing center in partnership with the district’s adult learning program so students can test in-district rather than travel to outside sites. “We would look at doing this in partnership with our adult learning program so that we could test those learners on-site as well,” Dr. Porter said, noting staff were seeking support letters from regional testing centers.

Board members asked clarifying questions about capacity, staffing and referral processes. Staff said this year is a baseline to determine sustainable capacity after the facility expansion; they added one teacher (Darren White) to staff Missouri Options and said they are considering an additional counselor to meet Missouri assurance standards that Missouri Options students have access to counseling comparable to peers. On referrals, staff described a mix of counselor-initiated and student-initiated applications via a website link that triggers a conversation, screening and interview to determine whether HSAP or supports at the home high school best meet a student’s needs.

Officials also clarified Missouri Options requirements: students take five HiSET subject-area tests (reading, writing, math, science and social studies), must complete required in-person classes (personal finance, health and government) and meet enrollment-hour thresholds; graduates receive a standard high school diploma and may choose to walk with their cohort. The district reported roughly 30 Missouri Options graduates last year and said those students continue to receive supports intended to ease reintegration and post-graduation transition.

The presentation included student testimony describing improved confidence and engagement in smaller, hands-on classes. District leaders closed by inviting board members to tour the Northland Innovation Center and said they will return with refined capacity projections and staffing requests after this baseline year of expanded operations.

The board approved the meeting agenda earlier by voice vote before the workshop and adjourned after brief community announcements.