Elementary ALPS Program
Alternative Learning Program for Students (ALPS)
The Alternative Learning Program for students (ALPS) is designed to meet the unique educational needs of academically talented students. Students in 3rd, 4th and 5th grade are transported by shuttle bus from their home school to another elementary school for their entire school day. Students learn the same Northville Board-approved curriculum as their peers, which meets the Michigan K-12 Standards in English language arts, math, science, and social studies. ALPS provides classroom interaction with similar learning peers and employs the learning strategies as described above. In the ALPS classrooms, there is less emphasis placed on instruction and more emphasis placed on the application of knowledge.
ALPS Frequently Asked Question document for answers to our most commonly asked questions.
Advanced Program Entry
ALPS selection is based on a multitude of data points including NWEA (97th test percentile +/- 2%), state testing, and an on-site assessment. In-district parents will be notified in March if their student met the requirements to attend an on-site assessment. Families who live within the Northville Public Schools boundaries, and their child attends a private or charter school, must fill out the application online for new to Northville students. The Advanced Programming Committee will review all applications for a potential screening opportunity.
This form is for students who are currently not enrolled in Northville Public Schools and will be enrolling for Fall 2025 and are interested in the screening process for potential placement into ALPS. Deadline is August 22, 2025.
This form is for current Northville students in 2nd grade who did not meet the initial requirements or did not receive an invitation to the initial screening, but would like to be reconsidered in the screening process for potential placement into ALPS. Deadline is April 18, 2025.
This form is for current Northville students in 3rd grade or above who are interested in the screening process for potential placement into ALPS. Deadline is April 18, 2025.
Appeals Process
This appeal, made to the Assistant Superintendent of Instruction must provide substantial evidence that a student will be successful in ALPS.
Requests must be received by June 1, 2025. Upon receipt of the appeal request, the Assistant Superintendent for Instruction will convene a review team which will be comprised of at least two other educators. The review team will meet to review all submitted appeal forms. Appeals will not be accepted after June 1, 2025. Notification of the decision will be sent to the family in email by July 1st. The decision of the Appeal Review Committee is final.
The following are suggestions for the appeal, which should be submitted to the Assistant Superintendent of Instructional Services:
- A letter from the family/caregivers clearly detailing their reasoning for desiring ALPS placement
- A statement from the student detailing his/her reasoning for desiring ALPS placement.
- Demonstration of the student’s aptitude and/or achievement in English language arts AND math. This should include products that the student has authored or created that demonstrates creativity and strong language skills.
- Examples of the student’s work done through NPS or through an outside entity.
- Performance through academic math competitions.
- Classroom teachers will be contacted directly by the committee should the committee want more information regarding a specific student.
The appeal and the student’s compiled academic record will be reviewed. If deemed necessary by the Assistant Superintendent, a meeting with the family/caregivers will be held to gather additional information.
Criteria to consider
When considering the appeal, the committee will examine the following:
When considering the appeal, the committee will examine the following:
- The information submitted to the Appeal Review Committee.
- Was there reason to suspect that the student’s performance on standardized testing may have been negatively impacted by contextual factors: illness, emotional distress, inappropriate test administration, etc?
- To what extent did the student fail to obtain testing scores that qualified him/her for ALPS? Was the gap broad? Was the gap across all tested areas or skills?
- Did the student’s academic record suggest a consistent pattern of performance which is exemplary when compared to his/her peers?
- Are there contextual factors that make the student a strong/weak candidate for advanced placement in both reading and math? Factors such as, but not limited to, the student’s ability to cope with increased rigor, work with ALPS peers, manage transition, etc.
- Has the student appealed the decision in a previous year? If so, what is different this time?
This form is for students appealing to be considered for the ALPS program for the 2025-26 school year. Forms for the 2025-26 school year will be available April 15, 2025. Deadline is June 1, 2025.