Students in grades 4 through 12 who meet enrollment criteria established by the school district and who meet the definition of “student at risk of academic failure” are eligible to participate in an alternative learning opportunities program funded under this Article. Notwithstanding any other provision of law to the contrary, enrollment in a charter alternative learning opportunities program shall be open to any pupil who has been expelled or suspended for more than 20 days under Section 10-22.6 or 34-19 of this Code. All rights granted under this Article to a student’s parent or guardian become exclusively those of the student upon the student’s 18th birthday.