Brainerd Learning Center Aec-Mlap

Brainerd Learning Center Aec-Mlap The Area Education Center is located in Brainerd, Minnesota. Our program serves middle school stude The first home was a feed store on Front Street in Brainerd.

A Brief History of the Brainerd Area Education Center

The Brainerd Area Education Center was established in the mid 1970’s as a place to help students who just didn’t fit the mold. It was designed for those who, for whatever reason, didn’t do well in the traditional high school setting. The first director of the Area Education Center (AEC) was Arlo Renschler. Those who first worked there have rep

orted that there were more mice than students! The AEC student population grew slowly but it was only a matter of time before space became an issue. The second home for the AEC was a convent. Really! It was the area of St. Andrew’s church where the nuns formerly had their sleeping quarters. While not an ideal setup it was a vast improvement over the feed store. Teachers met with individual students in what were the nun’s bedrooms. There was a fairly large computer lab with 28 computers packed in every possible location. Eight VCR and TV stations were available for student video viewing. Eventually the full-time staff of teachers reached 18 and student populations soared to about 400 full and part-time students. The AEC remained in this location beginning in 1982 until the fall of 2002. Marlee Larson became the director in 1994. Jessica Haapajoki is the current director. The AEC’s current home is in a former Super 1 grocery store. The building is located at 311 Tenth Avenue NE and is know as the ISD #181 Learning Center. It is a spacious building. The portion of the building that houses the AEC was designed and remodeled with our students in mind. Most of the teacher offices surround the centrally located computer lab. Staff and students have ready access to the resources housed in the media center. There is also a large multi-purpose room. It is used for physical education and a multitude of other uses. The full-time staff now numbers 15 and we continue to serve a large numbers of students. The AEC shares the building with the Early Childhood and Family Education Center (ECFE), the Early Childhood and Special Education (ECSE) facilities and the Mid-Level Alternative Program (MLAP).

🎉 Congratulations to Mary Ecklund-Tollas, Minnesota Association of Alternative Programs (MAAP) Staff Person of the Year!...
02/06/2026

🎉 Congratulations to Mary Ecklund-Tollas, Minnesota Association of Alternative Programs (MAAP) Staff Person of the Year!
With 30+ years dedicated to alternative education, Mary creates meaningful, student-centered opportunities while balancing high expectations with genuine support. 💙

FRIDAY, JAN. 23: No School Due to Weather ConditionsThis includes all Early Childhood classes, Fun & Friends, and Little...
01/22/2026

FRIDAY, JAN. 23: No School Due to Weather Conditions
This includes all Early Childhood classes, Fun & Friends, and Little Warrior childcare. There will be no after-school extracurricular practices, games, or activities.
Please note that the Early Childhood event, Wiggle A While Open Play, on Saturday, January 24, is also cancelled.

Brainerd Public Schools will start two hours late tomorrow, Wednesday, December 10. There will be no morning Fun & Frien...
12/10/2025

Brainerd Public Schools will start two hours late tomorrow, Wednesday, December 10. There will be no morning Fun & Friends or morning Early Childhood classes.

ALERT: Due to the forecasted weather conditions, Brainerd Public Schools will dismiss at 1 p.m. There will be no after-s...
12/09/2025

ALERT: Due to the forecasted weather conditions, Brainerd Public Schools will dismiss at 1 p.m. There will be no after-school activities or afternoon preschool classes. Fun & Friends and Little Warrior Childcare are open, but will close at 3 p.m.

If your student(s) ride district transportation, expect drop-off times to be approximately two hours earlier than usual. Please note that travel may take longer due to road conditions.

Due to inclement weather, there will be no school on Wednesday, November 26. Fun & Friends and Little Warrior childcare ...
11/26/2025

Due to inclement weather, there will be no school on Wednesday, November 26. Fun & Friends and Little Warrior childcare are closed. There will be no after-school extracurricular practices, games, or activities.

11/13/2025
11/13/2025

Out very own!!!

Brainerd Public Schools is facing significant budget reductions for the upcoming school year. At this time, no specific ...
10/30/2025

Brainerd Public Schools is facing significant budget reductions for the upcoming school year. At this time, no specific decisions have been made regarding which reductions will occur.
The School Board is currently reviewing a list of possible cost-saving measures. One of the potential considerations includes the closure of the Brainerd Learning Center building. It’s important to note that this discussion involves the building only—not the Brainerd Learning Center program. The program would continue, with possible relocation options including Forestview Middle School or the third floor of Washington.
We encourage families and community members to stay informed by attending School Board meetings or watching them online. Please reach out to School Board members to share your questions, feedback, or concerns.

Brainerd Public Schools

Homecoming Parade CanceledFor the safety of our students and community, the Homecoming Parade is canceled due to forecas...
09/19/2025

Homecoming Parade Canceled

For the safety of our students and community, the Homecoming Parade is canceled due to forecasted inclement weather at parade time. We are especially concerned about young students and families who could be caught along the route if storms arrive.

We will still host the Homecoming football game and tailgate as scheduled and will respond to any potential weather delays as needed.

Thank you for understanding and for supporting our students.

Today is the day! Join us in celbrating our graduates.
05/28/2025

Today is the day! Join us in celbrating our graduates.

Due to the expected severe weather conditions, there will be no school on Wednesday, April 2. Fun & Friends and Little W...
04/02/2025

Due to the expected severe weather conditions, there will be no school on Wednesday, April 2. Fun & Friends and Little Warrior Childcare will be closed. There will be no after-school extracurricular practices, games, or activities.

Address

311 10th Avenue NE
Brainerd, MN
56401

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