Education is essential for a young person’s future success. Not only does it provide the skills and knowledge necessary for success in the workforce, but it also instils important values and builds resilience. While the traditional school setting may work well for many students, there are some who require a different approach to education. While all children are required to attend school, there are a number of common alternatives available that parents may decide are in their child’s best interests. These include homeschooling, distance education and independent or non-government school providers. However, these options are not right for every family or every child. A young person may also choose to leave school to attend an alternative school, complete VET (vocational education training) or participate in an approved community based course if they have not been successful in regular schools. Financial hardship, behaviour, disciplinary issues, over-crowdedness, poor school performance and unsafe environments are some of the problems that may lead to a young person becoming disengaged from education. Alternative education programs are designed to meet the needs of these students. Alternative schooling options provide opportunities for students who don’t fit into the government school system. By offering a safe and supportive learning environment for at-risk youth, programs like Avenues give at-risk youth the chance to access quality education and learn the skills they need to succeed.