NCACS National Conferences have been held across the US. Host states include Arizona, Arkansas, California, Colorado, Georgia, Illinois, Indiana, Massachusetts, Michigan, Ohio, Oregon, Pennsylvania, Tennessee, Texas, Virginia and Washington.

The National Coalition of Alternative Community Schools' annual National Conference, held each spring in a different part of the United States, is unique. Students, parents and teachers from around the world come together to celebrate their community of learning programs as they learn how to teach and learn from one another. We believe it is important that students and parents are not just participants at our conferences -- they also contribute to their planning and execution.

Activities include workshops, regional caucuses, networking, games, field trips, and a talent show. The Coalition also renews its commitment to democratic governance through consensus during the annual NCACS Board Meeting and Membership Meeting.

Each of the NCACS' three U.S. regions holds their own conferences when possible, with a goal of meeting annually. More tightly focused and intimate, these Coalition Regional Conferences provide an additional opportunity for participants to share in each other's company and knowledge.

Regional conferences also permit participants to initiate resolutions, recommend policy statements to the National Membership to be considered at its spring meeting, and reinforce ties between those NCACS members within the same geographic area.

The NCACS regularly participates in the International Democratic Education Conference, which is held annually in different countries throughout the world. The Coalition's International Outreach Coordinator and other members bring the NCACS' viewpoint to that group's planning and policy sessions, and carry back to the Coalition news and connections with the global community of alternative learning programs. NCACS members regularly participate in the International Alternative Education Conference. This is predominantly a group of government funded alternative programs and schools which has been holding conferences for 30 years.