Burnsville Alternative High School

The Area Learning Center opened in the fall of 1987 as District 196's alternative high school for students ages 14 to 21. With about 180 students and 20 staff, our small size lets staff build strong working relationships with students, and our administration team meets with each new student and family before they start. Our school year runs on 12 terms, with instruction designed around individual learning styles and social and emotional needs. Students can recover credit for a class failed at a home high school, design an independent study course at 16 or older, earn work-based learning credit if they work about 10 hours a week, or take college courses through Postsecondary Enrollment Options. Our special education program provides primarily Level 1 and Level 2 services, and our team meets with a student's current case manager to plan an IEP transition before classes begin. Transportation is available for students who live within District 196 boundaries.

The Gardner School is a premier preschool dedicated to providing an academically-focused experience for children aged 6 weeks to 5 years. With a mission centered on nurturing each child's emerging sense of self, the school offers a curriculum that blends intellectual growth with creative play and socialization in a safe, supportive environment. The programs are thoughtfully designed to encourage independence while fostering curiosity and exploration, making learning an enjoyable journey for every child. Families can feel confident in the high standards of health and safety maintained by qualified and caring teachers who prioritize their students' well-being. The Gardner School stands out for its commitment to building strong family partnerships, low student-teacher ratios, and specialized facilities that cater to the developmental needs of young learners. This unique blend of personalized attention and community engagement creates an environment where children thrive, making The Gardner School not just a place to learn, but a nurturing community where families feel connected and supported.

10 Acre Wood Nature Preschool, located in Lakeville, Minnesota, is a nurturing and play-based educational environment designed for children aged 33 months through kindergarten. With a core mission centered on fostering a love for nature and environmental stewardship, the preschool offers both full-day and part-time enrollment options within a maximum group size of 12 students, ensuring an intimate learning atmosphere supported by a low student-to-teacher ratio of 6:1. The preschool's unique approach incorporates outdoor exploration across its expansive 10-acre property, which features woodlands, wetlands, and native prairie. This immersive setting allows children to engage in hands-on learning experiences that promote curiosity and discovery. The school's commitment to environmental education is reflected in its use of an environmentally-friendly converted pole barn as the main facility. What sets 10 Acre Wood apart is not only its dedicated focus on nature-based learning but also its emphasis on creating strong connections with families, fostering a community that supports each child's growth and development.