INNOVATIVE & ALTERNATIVE HIGH SCHOOL

Innovative & Alternative High is a Title I public high school that is part of the Madison Metropolitan School District school district, located in Madison, WI with about 250 students offering grade levels from 9th Grade to 12th Grade. A Title I school provides supplemental financial assistance to school districts for children from low-income families. Its purpose is to provide all children significant opportunity to receive a fair, equitable, and high-quality education. With about 27 teachers, Innovative & Alternative High has a student/teacher ratio of about 9:1. The national average for public schools is about 15:1. A lower student/teacher ratio is a key factor that determines how much a teacher can devote his/her time to each individual student thus improving, or reducing (in the event of a higher student/teacher ratio) the attention each student is given for their educational needs.

Innovative & Alternative High School (formerly known as Metro High School) is a specialized secondary school within the Madison Metropolitan School District designed to serve students who thrive in non-traditional learning environments. Unlike conventional high schools, the program prioritizes a highly personalized, flexible approach to education. It is intentionally designed to be small, fostering a close-knit community where students can build strong, supportive relationships with both their peers and faculty members.

The school’s curriculum is centered on project-based learning and self-directed study, allowing students to take agency over their academic path while meeting district graduation requirements. By emphasizing social-emotional growth alongside academic achievement, Innovative & Alternative High provides an inclusive space for students who may have struggled in larger, more rigid institutional settings. The school aims to empower students to reach their full potential by aligning their unique interests and learning styles with personalized support and real-world skill development.

For more information, contact Innovative & Alternative High at (608) 204-4235 or visit the school personally to speak with a faculty or administrative member about any specific questions you may have.