Alternative Diploma Program

The goal of the Alternative Diploma Program is to support student success by combining high expectations for academic achievement with strong and structured support systems. The program provides Lowell’s youth a chance to earn a Lowell High School Diploma in a small, structured alternative school setting.  The United Teen Equality Center, the Lowell Adult Education Center of the Lowell Public Schools, and Lowell High School are the lead partners. .

Teachers
Five experienced certified teachers from Lowell High School teach the core classes. UTEC staff teaches the majority of elective classes. Students receive individualized attention in a small class setting.

Curriculum
The school is committed to a rigorous experiential project-based approach that engages students in learning knowledge and skills through inquiry structured around complex, real-world questions and carefully designed products and tasks. Students create portfolios that highlight their work in core academic classes, elective classes, and meaningful, skill-developing field experiences, including internships or apprenticeships. Alternative Diploma Program curricula are aligned with the Massachusetts Curriculum Frameworks.

Enrollment
The program has slots for 25 students. Eligibility requirements are as follows:

  • Must be a Lowell resident;
  • Must have earned a minimum of 35 credits; and
  • Must currently be a student at Lowell High School or have attended Lowell High School at some point.

Graduation Requirements
To earn a diploma, students must complete the following requirements:

  • Earn the credits required by Lowell High School in the core subject areas of English Language Arts (20 credits), Mathematics (10 credits), U.S. History (10 credits), and Science (10 credits);
  • Demonstrate passing scores on MCAS tests of performance;
  • Complete products of directed studies demonstrating knowledge and skill proficiency; and
  • Complete a 75 hour Public Service, Community Organizing or Civic Engagement Field Experience.

For more information or to apply to the program, contact
Brendan Canty 
Alternative Diploma Program Coordinator
(978) 856-3931
bcanty@utec-lowell.org