Alpena Family Partnership
A Collaborative Approach to K-12 Education
The Alpena Family Partnership (AFP) is a thriving educational program within the Alpena Public Schools district where a "100 families attend for 100 different reasons." It provides families with flexible, student-centered learning options that bridge the gap between traditional homeschooling and brick-and-mortar schooling. Located in the repurposed Sunset Elementary school, AFP serves over 200 K-12 students and has become a vital community hub for parents and children alike.
Since 2018, Alpena Family Partnership's philosophy has been built on the idea that every family has unique educational needs. The program serves over 70 full-time students and more than 150 shared-time (part-time) students, reflecting its adaptability. A strong relationship exists between AFP and the district's traditional brick-and-mortar schools, making communication and transitions seamless for students and families. Students taking at least four AFP courses can participate in a wide range of activities at Alpena High School, including sports, dances, theater, and other clubs. The partnership ensures families remain engaged with the public school system, offering an alternative educational path without sacrificing the benefits of being part of a larger school community.
Key Learning Components
Google Classroom is the primary platform for online course delivery for part-time (shared-time) students. Online courses run throughout the school year and generate a grade at the end of either pass or fail. Chromebooks are provided to families who need a device to complete courses. Over 100 non-essential courses are offered and include Advanced Sewing, Agriculture in the Classroom, Art Appreciation, Exploring Languages, Fencing, Fitness and Sports Exploration, Great Lakes Literacy and Stewardship, Music Exploration, and ROV Underwater Robotics.
Each virtual course has an in-person Optional Learning Experience (OLE) in the building or off campus at the Alpena Events Complex (APlex) or with a community partner. Students apply what they are learning in their online class to the real world. In-building OLEs are on Tuesdays, and families can choose the APlex or community partner option any day or evening. OLEs include woodworking, stained glass, scuba diving, guitar, theater/plays, tennis, gymnastics, karate, sewing, and much more.
In addition to traditional courses, AFP now offers two project-based learning (PBL) courses, Learning Labs and Critical Thinking, through Google Classroom. Students complete projects and upload their work, like pictures, videos, or documents, to show what they've learned. A Teacher of Record reviews their submissions. These courses allow for a flexible and individualized approach to learning, whether a student wants to complete one long project or multiple short ones. Examples of projects may include exploring new recipes or people, places, things, and animals, crocheting, delving into the history of Vikings, or gardening.
BookShark Virtual is a full-time, comprehensive, literature-based curriculum that blends high-quality fictional and non-fictional books with a structured, online platform for learners in grades K-8. Students take four core and two elective courses per year, and while parents act as learning coaches, certified AFP teachers provide grading, feedback, and regular check-ins. The curriculum is aligned with state standards and emphasizes critical thinking and hands-on exploration. Local students pick up their books and materials in person and can participate in on-campus OLEs. Statewide students get their materials shipped to them.
Parents love the hands-on application of the books and supplies, as well as how the content ties to specific people or time periods. Through BookShark, the Alpena Family Partnership offers a great middle ground for those who want to be deeply involved in their child's education while still having the support of the school district.
Staying on track is essential for student success in all AFP courses. To honor timelines and maintain strong attendance, it's critical that students stay engaged and complete their work on time. Missed assignments can lead to a failing grade. AFP staff is committed to working with families to ensure all students thrive and will create a plan to help them get back on track if they fall more than three weeks behind.
The Importance of Community
Alpena Family Partnership places a strong emphasis on building a supportive community for its families. The program's OLEs are a core part of this, bringing students together to learn from community experts, many of whom are homeschool parents themselves. The community experts lead a wide range of classes, from fitness and music to crime scene investigations and food science.
This is not a drop-off program, so Tuesdays are highly social on campus. The lunchroom is a vibrant hub where parents and guardians gather to connect, share resources, and support each other. One corner of the lunchroom is set up as a play area for younger siblings who are not taking classes. Throughout the facility, there are tables for families to teach their children between AFP classes or to work alone.
According to a recent survey, over 70% of AFP families travel 50 miles or more to participate, highlighting the significant value they place on the community and unique educational model. A new Parent Advisory Council (PAC) is also actively involved in strengthening the community. This group helps with fundraising, planning events and field trips, and serving as a liaison between families and staff. One parent shared, “Since we are new to this, we are so thankful to participate in conversations with other PACs in the district through the superintendent’s PAC meetings,” reinforcing the strong partnership between AFP and the district's traditional brick-and-mortar schools.
As the Alpena Family Partnership continues to grow, it remains dedicated to its mission of meeting the diverse needs of families across the region. With its strong focus on community engagement, innovative learning pathways like virtual and project-based learning, and a seamless connection to Alpena Public Schools, AFP is paving the way for a new kind of educational experience. It’s an approach that celebrates the individual learner while reinforcing the value of a supportive, school-centered community.