About: 

Dakota County Area Learning School (DCALS) supports ISD 917's Alternative Learning Center.  DCALS programs are Minnesota State-Approved Alternative Programs designed to meet the needs of students who may not have found success in traditional school environments. While many of our students come from our nine member school districts, enrollment at DCALS is open to any student in Minnesota in 10th-12th grade. We offer two ALC sites that students may access, one site is located in West St. Paul and the other site is in Rosemount. 

As an ALC, DCALS offers smaller class sizes than most high schools, uses hands-on/experiential approaches to learning, and focuses on relationship-building in a positive, safe, and supportive learning environment.  We offer alternative learning beyond the traditional classroom setting and Career and Technical Education opportunities to provide students an innovative culture with diverse pathways through equitable practices with highly trained staff. We want to ensure that your student will have the support necessary to successfully complete their pathway and reach their goals.  DCALS offers seat-based, in-person programming as well as credit recovery options. By partnering together we can create a purposeful and personalized learning environment for all students.

Our Approach

We believe that every student can succeed with their own education and we also realize that traditional education does not work for every student. Our focus on Relationship Centered Schools and Mentorship focuses our priority to help students look beyond a diploma, but into personalized post-graduation options. Our goal is to provide “school-wide instructional practices that are personalized to all students to accelerate individual student success.”  

Students enrolled in DCALS are provided the opportunity to find their educational path towards graduation with the support and mentorship of our staff. Students will create a Continual Learning Plan to outline their goals and motivations for success. Secondary Staff coordinate with the students’ home district to support the completion of their credits and students may still graduate from their home district or accept a diploma from ISD 917. 

Students with Individualized Education Plans (IEPs) will have accommodations and services provided based on needs outlined in their Individualized Education Plans (IEPs).  Our program also offers social work and mental health support as needed.

Services and Benefits

• In-Person Day Program - We offer alternative learning beyond the traditional classroom setting and Career and Technical Education opportunities to provide students an innovative culture with diverse pathways through equitable practices with highly trained staff. The School 

• Educational Opportunities (EDOP) - Educational Opportunities (EDOP) is our credit recovery program where students can earn up to 2 semester credits per year via participation in OdysseyWare programming, while still enrolled in their current school.  An extensive array of core classes along with some extra-curricular classes are offered.  Students will need to supply their own device.  Please contact your school counselor about the classes you need and to register.  

Transportation

DCALS students are responsible for providing their own transportation to and from school.  Students who drive themselves have access to free parking at both DCALS-Main (Rosemount) and DCALS-North (West St. Paul).  

We do not want transportation to be a barrier to education.  If you need assistance with transportation, please contact a School Counselor to discuss options.