Alternative Schools - Bemidji Area Schools

Bemidji Area Schools ISD31 offers a diverse array of options for students that may benefit from alternative education options. Some of these programs are in cooperation with area partners. For more information on these offerings, please browse the various entities below.

Alternative Education Options

Lumberjack High School

What is Lumberjack High School?
Lumberjack High School is an alternative high school program for students who wish to remain in a traditional, seat-based program and earn credits toward their high school diploma.

Alternatives for Individuals
Individual, continual learning plans (reviewed by students with a teacher-mentor), goals and contracts insure participation and lead to success for all learners. Students have a full range of course selection, including elective courses offered through BHS. LHS classes are 45 minutes in length.

Contact Information
For more information or a referral form, contact:
Lumberjack HS: 218-407-0657

Academic Programs

Current courses are offered in the areas of:

English
Math
Science
Social Studies
Electives offered through BHS

Admission

Admissions Process
The following admissions process has been adapted for all students considering enrollment in LHS.

Parent/guardian and student will have intake meeting with LHS staff, a CLP/attendance form will be filled out. After meeting student will be activated in LHS and a schedule will be made. Students usually are admitted at the beginning of a term.

At the meeting:

The Continual Learning Plan is signed
Internet Acceptable Use form is signed and delivered to the BHS Media Center.
Schedule of classes is made after activated to LHS.
Attendance policy and discipline expectations are addressed.

Goals

LHS Staff

Lakeside Learning Center

The Lakeside Learning Center is a Special Education, Level 4 E.B.D. program providing full time academic services to students who have not been successful in the traditional school setting. The Bemidji Middle School or High School makes the initial referral to the The Lakeside Learning Center Advisory Committee.

Once students are accepted into the Lakeside Learning Center Program, they are provided an individualized diagnostic curriculum designed to further their abilities in all areas, but focused on improving their math, reading, and written language skills. The prescriptive curriculum stresses the skills necessary to pass the Minnesota Comprehensive Assessments, as well as preparing students to earn their diploma. Students, families, and staff are vital members of each student’s planning team.

The ultimate goal of The Lakeside Learning Center Program is to assist each student in becoming a productive and contributing member of his/her community.

First City School

The First City School serves youth ages 10 to 18 residing at the Northwestern Minnesota Juvenile Center. Our school educates students through four separate programs, each designed to meet a specific needs of the courts:

Residential Treatment
Satellite Homes
Non-secure Detention
Secure Detention

First City School provides an individualized curriculum designed to further students’ abilities in all areas, but is focused on improving their math, reading, and written language skills. The diagnostic, prescriptive curriculum stresses the skills necessary to pass the Minnesota Comprehensive Assessment II Exams as well as preparing students to earn their diploma or GED certificate.