In pursuit of innovative educational opportunities, district administration piloted competency-based education in their alternative program. This qualitative study used semi-structured interviews with school personnel to document perspectives of the programmatic shift. Analyses found local and national mandates, a catalyst, and a common moral purpose to be key factors for change. Challenges included: effective communication among all stakeholders; finding adequate time to develop and implement an alternative educational approach; and difficulties with alignment between two systems of accountability. Successes included increased teacher and student engagement and an increase in the academic rigor of the program. Evidence suggests successes far surpassed challenges.