Dakota County Area Learning School (DCALS)
About Dakota County Area Learning School (DCALS)
Dakota County Area Learning School (DCALS) is a Minnesota State-Approved Alternative Program 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 11th-12th grade. We offer two DCALS sites - one in West St. Paul and one 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 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.
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We believe that every student can succeed with their 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. 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.
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- In-Person Day Program - We offer alternative learning beyond the traditional classroom setting and Career and Technical Education opportunities to provide students an innovative environment with diverse pathways through equitable practices with highly trained staff.
- 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.
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School Nurse Contact Information
Name Phone # Fax # Email DCALS-Main JoAnn Nagy (RN, LSN) 651-423-8344 651-423-8781 joann.nagy@isd917.org DCALS-North Melissa Ho (RN, LSN) 651-423-8310 651-423-8781 - For more information, see ISD 917 Health Services
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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.
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Intermediate School District 917 provides quality, nutritious breakfast and lunch meal options at this location. We participate in the MN Free School Meals Program, and all students are eligible for one free breakfast and one free lunch per school day.
2025-2026 Prices for Additional Meal Items
- 2nd Student Breakfast: $2.62
- 2nd Student Lunch: $4.30
- Additional Milk: $0.45
- Adult Breakfast: $3.00
- Adult Lunch: $5.05
All families are encouraged to apply for Educational Benefits through the Infinite Campus Parent Portal.
Learn more about school and child nutrition programs on the MDE Food and Nutrition page.
**If you do not yet have access to the Infinite Campus Parent Portal, you can complete a 2025-2026 Educational Benefits Application available on our School Nutrition page. Details are provided on the forms.
If you have any questions about School Nutrition, please contact your child's school.
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To begin the enrollment process click the link below. Students may enroll in either DCALS-Main or DCALS-North.
- Enrollment Form (*full-time seat-based program)
If you have questions about a particular site please contact each site directly.
- DCALS-Main Enrollment (Rosemount) - (Email Renate Emmer or call 651-423-8447 for more information)
- DCALS-North Enrollment (West St. Paul) - (Email Betsy Cook or call 651-403-8500 for more information)
