For the students enrolled in the already-crowded ALC, a new building would mean more privacy, space and greater flexibility.

And, flexibility is already a mainstay of the ALC programs designed to benefit students.

For ALC student Michell Isaacs, the ALC's flexibility has meant that she's able to work, have fun, and still go to school.

Isaacs, a senior this year, said that if she was enrolled in the traditional high school, she doesn't think she would have made it this far.

Students, like Isaacs, in grades 9-12 can access ALC programs in a variety of ways.

To be enrolled in the ALC, a student needs to meet the state's high-risk criteria and be referred from the traditional high school. The majority of students live in the PR-B and Pequot Lakes Districts; however, some students are open enrolled at the ALC from Brainerd, Staples and Walker-Hackensack-Akeley.

Currently the ALC utilizes half of a building with the district office using the other half.

With a new building the ALC staff hope to get divided work areas to help students work with fewer distractions.

Full-time students take all the required subjects

Approximately 70 students are enrolled in all of their courses through the ALC. Full-time students have weekly lesson conferences with ALC teachers and additional instruction as need in person or by phone, according to ALC Director Sue Peet. They are in the classroom a minimum of one day a week.

The ALC staff tries to be somewhat flexible and accommodate students dealing with different situations, Peet said.

The students use workbooks and textbooks, although much of the learning is independent work outside of the physical classroom.

All the required subjects - including English, math, science, social studies, health, art, physical education and electives - are taught at the ALC.

And, students take all of the required state assessments and have the same graduation standards as the traditional Pine River-Backus High School students.

And, ALC students can play sports if they meet the eligibility requirements, and participate in extracurricular activities.

Part-time students blend time in ALC, PR-B High School

Around 24 students attend the ALC part-time, typically for 1-3 classes.

For the remaining school day they attend classes at the PR-B High School. Some students attend the ALC part-time for remediation, because of a social issue, or to take a course that they weren't able to schedule through the traditional high school.

Credit recovery gives students a second chance

Other students participate in the after-school credit recovery program offered through the ALC. Students are in credit recovery to earn credit for a class that they've previously failed.

Credit recovery is offered one night a week in both Pequot Lakes and Pine River. Students receive course materials and workbooks. Students have 30-minute lesson conferences and teachers are available throughout the week to answer questions.

Learning expanded outside the school day

The ALC uses targeted service dollars to fund needs-based elementary and high school summer school programs and an after school elementary and 7-8th grade "Power Learners" program.

Power Learners receive small group tutoring on homework and work on key skills like math facts, phonics review, social interaction skills, asking questions, dealing with peers, and more.

Preparing for the future

The ALC also offers a work experience program. Students learn how to write resumes, how to connect with potential employers and how to operate successfully in a job setting.

PR-B and Pequot Lakes ALC students receive the same high school diplomas as students in the traditional high school. And, the ALC has many students who go onto college, Peet said.

Many ALC students who graduate are among the first in their families to graduate from high school, according to Don Moen, ALC teacher since 2000.

"Quite a few of our students stop back in after a year or two to say 'hi' and to let us know how they are doing. It's nice to know that we made enough of an impact that they take the time to do this," according to Moen.

Fourteen-year ALC teacher Trudy Jurchen said that it is satisfying when her ALC students achieve their goals.

"It is especially rewarding to see them looking forward to, or going on to some post-secondary educational/vocational experience," according to Jurchen.