This paper presents an adaptive protection scheme (APS) for solving the coordination problem that deals with coordination directional overcurrent relays (DOCRs) and distance relays second zone time, in relation to coordination with DOCRs. The coordination problem becomes more complex with the impact of renewable energy sources (RES) when added to the distribution grid. This leads to a change in the grid topology, caused by the on/off states of the distribution generators (DG). The frequency of topological changes in distribution grids poses a challenge to the power system’s protection components. The change in the state of DGs leads to malfunction in reliability and miscoordination between protection relays, since that causes a direct effect to the short circuit currents. This paper used the school-based optimization (SBO) algorithm, which simulates the educational process, in order to deal with coordination problems. That algorithm is modified (MSBO) by modified both learning and teaching processes. The IEEE 8-bus test system and IEEE 14-bus distribution network are used to validate the proposed coordination system’s effectiveness when dealing with the coordination process between distance and DOCRs, at both the near- and far-end in the typical topological grid and with DGs in working order.