Greenville County Schools is planning to pilot a new alternative program for overage ninth graders at risk of dropping out or falling behind their peers.
The pilot is an extension of the district’s Satellite Diploma Program, an alternative program launched in 2022. Historically, this program has served students 17 or older who have accumulated few credits toward graduation — giving them an opportunity to learn on an accelerated path and earn a diploma or GED.
Since its inception, the Satellite Diploma Program has been a part of the district’s adult education services. It has shown signs of success, with more than 100 GEDs and 50 diplomas awarded to students in four years. But for the district’s alternative programs staff, there was now a new question: “How can we catch kids sooner?”
The pilot program, beginning in the 2026-27 school year, will target overaged ninth graders who are struggling in the traditional classroom. These students will receive accelerated, individualized instruction in hopes that they can catch up to their cohort and graduate on-time.
“Our pilot will not only offer a valuable educational opportunity to a targeted group of students, but will also provide critical insights into the characteristics of learners who would benefit most from this model,” says Kathie Greer, Director of Greenville County Schools Alternative Programs. “These insights will guide next steps and inform future expansion for our district.”
Greer says that the hope is to have a cohort of 20 students in the pilot program, who will be selected following an application process. Accepted students will receive daily specialized instruction at one of the district’s five career centers. According to district officials, staff will deliver instruction for all traditional academic courses, while career and technical center staff will provide instruction for specialized programs.
Selected students would remain enrolled in their high schools and in Powerschool. Transportation, breakfast and lunch will all be provided. Students who catch up to their peers following the program will also be able to return to their high schools and continue their studies with their classmates.
According to Greer, the program utilizes staff already in place at the career centers, allowing the district to pilot the new ninth-grade program with no additional budget increase. The program also benefits the district in terms of graduation rate, with .6% of last year’s 90.6% graduation rate coming from Satellite Diploma Program students.
“This pilot leverages our competency-based credit waiver to provide flexible, individualized pathways for a small group of students who haven’t thrived in traditional settings,” says Susan Stevens, Associate Superintendent of Academics. “By targeting overage or at-risk ninth graders through an equitable selection process, we’re creating a choice option that keeps students engaged and on track to earn a diploma or credential — using existing staff, sites and transportation systems to do so efficiently and effectively.”
For more information on Greenville County Schools Alternative Programs, visit the Alternative Programs webpage.
