How to Register to Attend the ALC
Please review the various options for enrolling into the ALC.
Attention :
Priority based budget reductions: The district shared the priority based budget reduction information with families on March 5. You can read the message and view the priority budget reduction recommendations here.
The district has also published an FAQ. This document will be updated as needed.
A community meeting for public input on the recommended reductions will be held on Thursday, April 3, 2025, from 6-8:30 pm, in the Northfield Middle School auditorium. Please note the date change; this meeting was initially scheduled for March 11.
Eligibility and Enrollment
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Eligibility Requirements
Eligibility criteria for enrollment into the ALC
(a) A pupil under the age of 21 or who meets the requirements of section 120A.20, subdivision 1, paragraph (c), and a pupil with a disability until the pupil is 22 years of age, is eligible to participate in the graduation incentives program statute 124D.68, if the pupil:
- 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 having substance use disorder
- 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
- Has withdrawn from school or has been chronically truant
- Is being treated in a hospital in the seven-county metropolitan area for cancer or other life-threatening illness or is the sibling of an eligible pupil who is currently being treated, and resides with the pupil’s family at least 60 miles beyond the outside boundary of the seven-county metropolitan area
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New students to Northfield School District
Students who are new to Northfield Public Schools must contact the Area Learning Center at 507.645.1201 to begin the registration process.
Once a student meets the eligibility requirements, he or she must meet with the director for registration. The following will be reviewed:
- a transcript or credit report
- a Continual Learning Plan
- a discussion of the ALC’s philosophy and policies
Parent Permission is necessary for a student who is enrolled in High School and under 18 years of age. A mandatory intake meeting will be held with the student, parent/guardian, and the ALC Director.
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Current Northfield District Students
Students and/or parents should contact their High School counselor to determine a plan. The High School Counselor will contact ALC Director as the first step in the referral process.
Students must meet an eligibility requirement.
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Special Education students
A team meeting is required if a student is receiving Special Education services. The team must agree that the ALC will best meet the student’s educational needs. Individuals involved should include but may not be limited to: principal and/or counselor, ALC director, case manager, regular education teachers, parents and the student. Parents are encouraged to be present at the meeting.
Once the team meeting has taken place, an intake with the ALC Director will occur if applicable.