Located in the Northwest Region of Minnesota, Lake Superior High School molds its curriculum to an at-risk population of 9th through 12th graders. The school's multi-grade classroom structure accommodates no more than 19 students, whose studies prepare them for work as well as further education after they earn their high school diplomas. Students receive assistance in the form of tutorial classes, where they focus on core subjects in preparation for state standardized tests. In addition to core subjects--math, English, science and social studies--students elect from courses on art, cooking, health, computers, language, photography and physical sciences.
Serving students from a variety of school districts, the D-C Area Learning Center focuses on helping students in grades 9-12 that are not doing well in a regular school environment. It provides a place to make progress with their courses while having their needs acknowledged and understood. Students study from their home district or attend classes at Dassel-Cokato (D-C) School in the town of Cokato. The D-C Area Learning Center provides each person with an individual plan of study so that all students can strive to meet the standards set forth by the districts from which they come. Students completing this program receive a high school diploma. An evening program accommodates students with day jobs, as well as day students needing to make up credits.
Independent thinking is the focal point around which curriculum is centered at Faribault Area Learning Center High School. Employability is key, and self-reliance is the ultimate goal in this program. FALC keeps classes small so that teachers notice the individuality of each student and gauge course content around students. Assignments done in class tend to be self-paced learning modules because there are so many levels of ability found throughout the student population. This method is particularly pertinent to "at-risk" students. To graduate, students must meet Minnesota High School Graduation Standards testing requirements.
High school juniors and seniors are eligible for the PRIME program at Harmony Alternative Learning Center. The acronym stands for "I will take Personal Responsibility In My Education." Strong support of each individual contributes to the success of PRIME. The Chemical Health Awareness program there provides intervention, support and education in the area of substance abuse.