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The program will be up and running in 2 weeks.

In '09, the district cut their alternative education program because of lack of funding.

However, on-going fighting and problems involving students inside and out of school led administrators to get the program going again.

But this time it's different, not only will struggling students go to these special classes, but their parents are required to attended the program as well.

"For many of our students this could be the last opportunity they have to get it done," said Dr. Leonard Seawood, Benton Harbor School's Superintendent.

It..is get a high school diploma.

Seawood says the district's new alternative education program at the former Sorter School building on Pipestone Road is a 2nd chance.

A chance for many students who have been expelled or suspended for fighting or other problems to turn things around.

"We don't want to throw away any child," adds Seawood.

"There are so limited here in this community what those choices are, "Seawood went on to explain. " If they are expelled from the school system there are very few places for them to go."

Seawood has already identified 30 students that will attend the new program. He said the number could jump to 75 by the time the program gets up and running on Monday, March 25th. But the program isn't only aimed at students, it's for their parents as well.

"They must attend the parent university we have set up for them, said Dr. Perry Davis, Alternative Education Program Coordinator. 

That's right...Parents will be required to take classes too, as well as sign a Behavioral Contract along with their child.

Davis spent 25-years working in the juvenile court system with troubled kids.

He says the alternative education program is key to keeping kids out of jail.

"We want them to understand they are not there to be punished, but they're are there so we can help them succeed," added Davis."

Seawood says the program will combine online and classroom courses.

Seawood say are reassigning teachers and staff to run the program and may only have to hire one new person to assist with the computer courses.

And he stressed this is not a "life sentence" for those students.

They can work to get themselves back into regular school, in as little as a semester's time.