About the ALC
Area Learning Center offers opportunities and options
The Dassel-Cokato Area Learning Center, which is located on Hwy. 12 in Cokato, offers an Independent Study Program in the evening and an Alternative High School Program during the regular school day. The ALC is open to students from Dassel-Cokato and neighboring districts.
The ALC Independent Study Program is designed for students, ages 16-adult, who have dropped out of high school and now want to complete the necessary credits and receive a high school diploma. It is also a program for currently enrolled high school students who are significantly behind in their progress toward graduation and need to make up credits.
The Alternative High School Program is for students in 10th-12th grades who, for a variety of possible reasons, have not found the traditional high school setting successful. The day program includes all of the basic academic required courses. There are many options available to students who qualify including full-time ALC classes, ALC classes and work program, and part-time ALC/DC High School with classes at both sites.
Enrollment is limited and preference will be given to students who are committed to making necessary academic and social changes, becoming more successful in school, and graduating with their peers.
If you would like more information regarding these two ALC programs, eligibility criteria and registration procedure, contact Jon Nelson, ALC Director, at (320) 286-4100, ext. 1200.
Physical Address:
200 Century Ave.
Cokato, MN 55321
Mailing Address:
4852 Reardon Ave. SW Ste. 1600
Cokato, MN 55321
Main (320) 286-4100 ext. 1200
Principal: Chris Meisch
ALC Programs
The purpose of the Area Learning Center is to provide services to students who were experiencing obstacles to their academic success in the regular school setting by offering an alternative curriculum that is academically challenging and meaningful, in an environment that addresses the students' individual academic and social/emotional needs.
The ALC serves students from a number of different school districts. Students have a choice of working toward a diploma from their home district or from Dassel-Cokato High School. A learning plan is developed for each student to ensure that credits are completed according to the requirements of their district.
In order to enroll, a student must have verification from their home school district that he/she qualifies in at least one of the areas required by the Minnesota Department of Education.
ALC Programs
The day school program is seat-based, which meets on the same schedule as the high school. Students may be enrolled on a full-time basis with the ALC, or students may opt to attend the high school part-time. All required courses at DCHS are available at the ALC.
The night school program is another option for students who may work during the day or need to make up additional credits beyond the regular school day. If you are interested in the night school program, please visit our link to learn more
The work experience program provides an ideal way for students to earn elective credit. Students who are enrolled in either day or nights are eligible to participate. In order to receive credit for the work program, students must also complete "Work Seminar," which is offered during the day program and on an independent study basis for night school students.
Any combination of the options listed above allows a student, parents and ALC staff to develop a program that best meets the needs of each individual student.