Alta Vista Campus

The Alternative Learning Center gives at-risk high school students in Dubuque Community Schools a different setting from the traditional high school. We focus on the core content areas and use project-based learning to re-engage students who have struggled to find success at their home school. Students are referred by the administrative team at their home school when they are identified as at risk of dropping out. Independent learning options let students recover credits and get back on track with their graduation plans, and success coaching is part of the model. Learning here is hands-on. Our students have built a chicken coop for the school, finished woodworking projects, served a holiday feast, and done yard work for neighbors in need. We share the Alta Vista Campus with other district programs, including a life skills program, the HEART housing and rehabilitation training program, and a program for students who need intensive social-emotional and behavior supports.

Dubuque Montessori School has taught young children with Montessori methods and materials since 1968. We are a parent-run, not-for-profit 501(c)(3), and our board is made up mainly of current, past, and future parents, plus up to three community members. Our Toddler Program serves children ages two to three, who do not need to be toilet trained. Our Primary (Preschool) Program serves ages three to five in half-day and full-day options, and Extended Care runs from 7:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. Classrooms are organized into Practical Life, Sensorial, Mathematics, Language, Science, Geography, and History areas, and art, music, and movement are offered daily alongside yoga and Spanish. We chose not to join Iowa's free 4-year-old preschool program so we could keep our Montessori approach intact. Families can use Dubuque County Early Childhood Scholarships when they are offered, and we award internal need-based scholarships as funds allow.

Active Minds Early Learning Academy is dedicated to nurturing the potential of young children aged 3 to 5, particularly those with unique learning needs. The school's core mission revolves around providing a supportive and enriching environment tailored for students with language-based learning disabilities and other developmental challenges. With a focus on early intervention, Active Minds employs innovative educational programs and therapeutic methodologies that promote cognitive, social, and emotional growth. The academy stands out through its low student-teacher ratio, ensuring personalized attention and fostering strong partnerships with families. Specialized facilities and engaging community events further enhance the learning experience, making Active Minds a distinctive choice for parents seeking an inclusive and compassionate educational setting for their children.