Alternative Education Programs

Grants Pass Junior High is located adjacent to the main Grants Pass High School Campus and follows the high school's start and end times of 8:30 a.m. - 3:40 p.m. (9:35 a.m. - 3:40 p.m. on Wednesdays). 

The school is currently open to 20 eighth-grade students and 40 9th-grade students.  The Jr. High has one administrator, one classified program assistant, and three certified teachers.

This program is thoughtfully designed to address the needs of students who may find large, conventional school settings challenging. In some ways, it is the best of both worlds.  Students can primarily have a small setting for core classes while still being able to access their home schools for elective opportunities.  This is a program of choice, not a placement, and it offers a smaller, structured setting tailored to students' needs.

Key Program Features

• Smaller School Setting: We prioritize a low student-to-teacher ratio to ensure personalized attention and a strong sense of community. This intimate environment allows for focused instruction and meaningful student-instructor relationships.
• High School Credit Attainment: For select classes, the curriculum is designed to enable 8th-grade students to earn high school credits, ensuring they remain on track for graduation. The flexible structure accommodates individual learning paces and styles. Possible credit opportunities include:
  • Academic Studies ½ elective credit
  • Social and Emotional class elective credit
  • ½ credit of a Social Studies Elective
  • Language Arts 9^th grade credit
• Reduced Transitions: The program's schedule minimizes daily classroom changes, creating a stable and less disruptive routine. This structure helps students maintain focus and reduces the stress often associated with frequent transitions.
• Flexible Learning Opportunities:  Transportation is provided for all options listed below:
  • 8^th grade Students can attend the Jr. High all day and experience 7 classes on the Jr High Campus.
  • 8^th graders can attend four classes on campus and then transition back to their home middle school at the end of the day for two classes on their home middle school campus.
  • 8^th graders can elect a shortened day that ends after the first four periods.
  • 9^th grade students can attend the Jr. High all day and experience 7 classes on the Jr High Campus.
  • 9^th grade can attend four classes on campus and then transition to the main high school campus for up to three additional classes. 
  • 9^th graders can elect a shortened day that ends after the first four periods.
• Music & Athletic Programs:  Students may be able to participate in music programs; scheduling does not always match between the home school and Jr High to allow for this, but depending on the semester, it may be possible. Students and parents are encouraged to ask! Students can participate in athletic programs at their home school. 

The Bridges Program is for use when extenuating circumstances (i.e. work, family issues) arise, for expulsion/discipline alternative placement, students close to graduating or older students looking to finish graduation requirements (5th year or beyond). The Bridges Program is located on the Gladiola High School campus and students are required to attend Monday through Thursday from 3:30 p.m. to 5:30 p.m. Contact your School Counselor for details. 

The GED Program is available for students who are 16 years of age or older, have an 8th grade reading level or above, have a demonstrated history of some skill success, and are at least one year behind their cohort in terms of credits or have a compelling life situation that makes completion of diploma requirements unrealistic.

Students are placed in one of the 3 sessions to complete their GED prep courses:

• 8:00 a.m. – 9:30 a.m.
• 10:30 a.m. – 12:30 p.m.
• 1:30 p.m. – 3:30 p.m. 

Gladiola High School provides a full day of direct instruction from 8:40 a.m. – 3:20 p.m.  This school is designed for students who need smaller class sizes and/or a smaller school setting in order to achieve.  Students receive more individualized support.  The school primarily serves students in grades 10-12 as well as 5th-year seniors.  Students are admitted from Grants Pass High School each quarter as identified by school counseling and/or administration. Visit Gladiola High School's website for more information.   

The main purpose of GPASS is to serve the needs of students who need an alternative placement from their home school.  Students who are experiencing significant, disruptive behaviors at their home school may also be placed at GPASS with approval and the understanding that the student will be moved back to the home school location once GPASS enrollment is at capacity.  GPASS is NOT a placement for truant students.  

Middle School

• 8:30 a.m. – 11:30 a.m.
• 12:30 p.m.– 3:30 p.m.

High School

• 8:30 a.m. – 11:30 a.m.
• 12:15 p.m.– 3:15 p.m.

Sessions may be adjusted to accommodate need at any time.