Business and Relocation Guide 2009 - (Page 14) EDUCATION Lifelong Learning Students of all ages can be found in the Lakes Area The desire for knowledge, at any age, can be quenched in the Brainerd Lakes Area. Private entities and public school systems are finding innovative ways to meet the needs of their students and collaborate. Throughout the Lakes Area, large and small districts work together to provide students with the best possible educational opportunities. The Minnesota Collaborative Online Learning Academy (MnCOLA) is a cooperative effort involving the Pillager, Pine River-Backus, CrosbyIronton, Aitkin, Pequot Lakes, and Brainerd school districts. This program provides online high school courses to students throughout the area and the state. Student benefits include schedule flexibility and increased course options and accessibility. High school students can also take postsecondary courses for college credit. The Advanced Placement program offers college level courses taught in the high school, while Post-Secondary Educational Options allow students to earn high school and college credits for classes taken on college campuses. With concurrent enrollment courses, students take classes taught at the high school with high school faculty, for both high school and college credit. Solid, basic skills for a good education start early. PRIVATE AND CHARTER SCHOOLS The Lakes Area offers parents and students many choices when it comes to quality education. In addition to Minnesota’s open enrollment policy, which allows parents to look beyond school district lines, we have charter schools and several private schools to provide specialized learning for each student. Crosslake Community School is a charter school, publicly funded and sponsored by the Minnesota Department of Education. Its mission, according to director Amy LaBarre, is to utilize community resources and develop citizenship and lifelong learning. “We teach our students to recognize the support they get from their community,” says LaBarre, “and we cultivate a sense of obligation for giving back to the community.” Class size is limited and each student has a personalized learning plan developed by teachers and CONTINUED ON PAGE 17 14 Brainerd Lakes Area Business & Relocation Guide
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