Area Learning Centers
We provide Alternate Education Services for students of many of the surrounding school districts.
“The legislature finds that it is critical to provide options for children to succeed in school. Therefore, the purpose of this section is to provide incentives for and encourage all Minnesota students who have experienced or are experiencing difficulty in the traditional education system to enroll in alternative programs.” (MN Statute 124D.68)
How we serve
- Students can earn a diploma from their resident district.
- The ALC has smaller class sizes (10-16) students per room.
- Students focus on 1-3 classes at a time rather than 6-8 classes.
- Students do not have home work and are encouraged to complete work daily.
- Students will work with their high school counselor for progress toward graduation.
- Students may participate in resident district activities and sports.
- Students may attend full time, part time or be dual enrolled (Classes at the ALC and their high school).
- Students and teachers develop a learning plan that is customized for each student.
- The ALC focuses on the learning styles and needs of each student.
- An Independent Study program is available for students age 16 or older.
- Students can attend summer school for credit recovery and return to their home school.
- The ALC curriculum is similar to each student’s home school curriculum.
- Students can receive immediate assistance with assignments.
Who we serve
Students who are 13 to 21 years of age (or 22 if in special education) and one of the following is true for the student. He/she:
- performs substantially below the performance level for pupils of the same age in a locally determined achievement test;
- is behind in satisfactorily completing coursework or obtaining credits for graduation;
- is pregnant or is a parent;
- has been assessed as chemically dependent;
- has been excluded or expelled;
- has been referred by a school district for enrollment in an eligible program ;
- is a victim of physical or sexual abuse;
- has experienced mental health problems;
- has experienced homelessness sometime within six months before requesting a transfer to an eligible program;
- speaks English as a second language or has limited English proficiency; or
- has withdrawn from school or has been chronically truant.
To enroll and attend an ALC
School districts may refer students to the ALC. Parents can also refer their child if their child meets one of the above eligibility criteria. Any eligible pupil may apply to enroll in an eligible program.
Approval of the resident district is not required for a state-approved alternative program established under section (MN Statute 123A.05).
For more information please contact your local principal, guidance counselor or contact us directly.
Documents
Our welcome & start letters and calendars are dispalyed on the right side of this page.
River Valley Academy
- Details
- Category: Area Learning Centers
- Created on Monday, 07 February 2011 16:20
- Last Updated on Tuesday, 23 August 2011 12:18
River Valley Academy (RVA) is a state approved alternative high school that offers students a "second chance" at earning a high school diploma. Our mission is to promote an education that advocates respect for individuals, allows for modifications to accommodate individual needs, and encourages participation in the home, school and community.
RVA is one of hundreds of alternative schools in Minnesota. Some are located right inside a regular school building, some are in commercial buildings, but ours is in a former elementary school in Kellogg. While the school building is located within the Wabasha-Kellogg school district, it is operated by Hiawatha Valley Education District, which is headquartered in Winona. RVA serves all students in Wabasha County. Students come from four districts: Elgin-Millville, Plainview, Wabasha-Kellogg, and Lake City.
In the late 80's, the state recognized the need to establish alternatives to traditional schools. Research showed that people learn differently, and legislators and educators had good ideas on how to reach those students who were not so successful in traditional schools. One of the new options established by the state was open enrollment. Another was post-secondary education. And one option- our personal favorite - was alternative learning centers.
Later, charter schools were added to the list. Prior to November 2000, there were three small learning centers in Wabasha County, one in Lake City, one in Wabasha, and one in Plainview, as well as a county day treatment program located in Wabasha. Future-oriented school and county representatives, while brain-storming ideas on how to maximize resources, decided to combine the existing learning centers onto one site - one that could include the day treatment center as well as a new daycare center meant to serve both teen parents and community families.
RVA opened its doors on November 14, 2000. There are currently about 60 students enrolled during the day, but more than 200 are served in a year's time. RVA programs include day school, dual-enrolled students (who come after spending the day in their home school), and summer school students.
Enrollment takes place any time there is a need and there is room. Students and their families can refer themselves to the alternative school, but they are encouraged to work through their home school.
Valley View Learning Center
- Details
- Category: Area Learning Centers
- Created on Monday, 07 February 2011 16:21
- Last Updated on Wednesday, 19 October 2011 03:30
Valley View Learning Center (VVLC) hosts students who attend our school come from a 30 mile radius around Dover, Minnesota.
Our students range from 12-21 years of age. Valley View incorporates a middle level and senior high program. Students attending here have chosen to earn a high school diploma by meeting the credit requirements of their individual schools.
Program Structure
Students can enroll full or part-time in completing their individual academic requirements. Each student can earn up to 8 credits per year by attending fulltime while dually enrolled students can earn credits by attending both their home schools and the Area Learning Center. In working with the student’s home school counselors and administrators, individual curriculum needs can be achieved. If a student is not fulfilling the requirements academically and/or behaviorially, the individual student will be referred back to their home school for further educational options as initially set forth in the first parent-staff conference.