Alternative High School Equivalency Preparation and Alternative Transition Programs (AHSEP/ATP)

AHSEP and ATP programs provide educational structure, support and services to individuals under 21 years of age who are at risk of dropping out of school or have dropped out and have not received a high school diploma (or equivalent). These initiatives enable students to complete their secondary education by developing their skills and knowledge to transition to future academic and professional opportunities.

It is important to note that AHSEP programs are not meant to be a preferred means of completing high school or to provide a faster route for high school completion. Preferably, students will enter an AHSEP program during the last year in which their cohort attends high school and exit at, or near the same time, of the cohort’s graduation. AHSEP programs should be geared towards students who will not graduate with their class because of credit deficiency, but who are otherwise capable of completing graduation requirements.

Eligibility Requirements & Variance of Admission

School districts, BOCES, and State agencies responsible for providing daily instruction to residential students are eligible to operate AHSEP and/or ATP programs.

Participant Eligibility for AHSEP Programs

Per the Commissioner’s regulations (8 CRR-NY 100.7(h)(2)(i-ii)), the following eligibility requirements apply for AHSEP programs:

• Students who have completed the school year in which they turn 16, or such older maximum compulsory school attendance age (MCSAA) as the board of education of the school district may require for school attendance pursuant to Education Law Section 3205(3), and are at risk of not completing graduation requirements for a high school diploma.
• Students who are at least 18 and under 21 who have met program eligibility requirements and have approval from a school administrator of the local educational agency.
• Students shall not begin instruction that is specifically designed for the alternative testing preparation unless they can perform math and reading at a 9.0 grade level as determined by a standardized achievement test; students who are not performing at the 9th grade level should receive intensive remedial instruction.

Variance of Admission Requirements for AHSEP Programs

For students who do not meet the above eligibility criteria for an AHSEP program, they are eligible to participate in an AHSEP program if they have fewer credits than the formula allows (see Application for Variance of Admission Requirements (Form B) below) or have an approved variance (required only for students who are still on the day register and who yield a positive number after calculating earned credits using the formula on the Application for Variance of Admission Requirements (Form B)).

• Application for Variance of Admission Requirements (Form B), to be completed when seeking a variance to admit a student who does not meet the eligibility criteria for an AHSEP program.

Participant Eligibility for ATP Programs

Per the Commissioner’s regulations (8 CRR-NY 100.7(h)(2)(iii)), the following eligibility requirements apply for ATP programs:

• Students who have not completed the school year in which they turn 16, or 17 where applicable, and are at risk of dropping out of school.
• Students who are still on the day register and have not reached the MCSAA as the board of education of the school district may require for school attendance, pursuant to Education Law Section 3205(3).