In an effort to recognize the work of educators and programs that serve at-risk students, the Kentucky Department of Education (KDE) has named eleven Alternative Programs of Distinction and recognized one program for an Exemplary Best Practice.

An alternative education program exists to meet the needs of students that cannot be addressed in a traditional classroom setting, but can be met through the assignment of students to alternative classrooms, centers or campuses that are designed to remediate academic performance, improve behavior or provide enhanced learning experiences. Alternative education programs do not include career or technical centers or departments.