DISCONTINUATION of an alternative education program for struggling high school students has volunteers concerned about the well being of kids as they transition into mainstream school.

Warwick State High School will close the Mt Gordon alternative program which was established in 2012 to help junior secondary students who were at risk of disengaging with the school system.

Mt Gordon volunteer and Southern Downs Suicide Prevention Group co-director Johno Felton said he was worried about the 12 students who would re-enter a system that wasn't working for them.

"There's no alternative program, that's the big worry," Mr Felton said.

"When these kids go back into mainstream school they won't be able to fit in.

"If they play up at school now they will be expelled and end up on the street."

Mr Felton said the alternative program was producing good results through character development and skill building.

"Some of them have gone out and gotten jobs now and they greet me respectfully in the street," Mr Felton said.

Former Southern Downs Flexible Learning Hub senior coordinator Owen Bonney has a passion for helping students who struggle in mainstream school.

He said there were medical, social, emotional and academic reasons behind why some students do not succeed in a normal classroom.

"Some young people just can't sit in that kind of environment."

Mr Bonney said students would rebel or become angry as result of being stuck in a system where they could not achieve.

"Once people have gotten to a disengaged place, getting them back from there is a very difficult task that needs individual attention."

WSHS principal Joy Craig said a review of the Mt Gordon program in 2017 identified sustainability, timetabling and enrolment issues, which lead to its discontinuation.

"As the program is fully funded by Warwick State High School, these changes enable the most efficient use of resources in terms of timetabling, staffing and sustainability for the future," she said.

Program founder Mark Fowler was also optimistic about the changes.

"The changes have enabled the opportunity for students to work with a broader range of staff and their skills, as it reduces off-site timetabling constraints," he said.

He also acknowledged the great community support the program has received over many years and said stakeholders had indicated their continuing support for the school.　

Mrs Craig said students from the alternative program would continue to receive individualised support through a community-focused program.

"They are being re-engaged with the support of a Behaviour Management Support Teacher, Deputy Principal, Head of Department, Teacher Aide and Mt Gordon staff."

Mrs Craig said the program's discontinuation would not result in any job losses for WSHS staff.