ABOUT NLA
Our History
Serving the Forest Lake and surrounding areas since 1999, North Lakes Academy provides a personalized learning environment designed to meet a wide variety of academic needs. With strong core subjects and a full complement of liberal arts courses, NLA provides a quality learning in a responsive learning atmosphere.
FREE TUITION
No money out of pocket for high-quality education.
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ATHLETICS & ACTIVITIES
16 Minnesota State High School League athletics & activities.
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QUALITY EDUCATION
#6 Ranked Best School District in Washington County
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#9 Ranked Best Charter School in Minnesota
DUAL CREDIT COURSES
12 dual-credit courses offered
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80% of graduates have dual credits
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AVERAGE CLASS SIZE
Average class size is 25, lower than most districts.
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ESTABLISHED
25 years running and
many more to come!
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NLA is one of the longest running charter schools
in the nation.
HIGHLY QUALIFIED STAFF
#2 Ranked Best Teachers in Washington County
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Top 10% Best Teachers in Minnesota
NATIONAL AWARDS
Numerous student involvement and
multiple recognized
National History Day
winners.
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Our Vision
NLA students will form deep connections with their learning, school community, and the environment to grow into engaged and active leaders in a global society.
Our Mission
NLA strives to provide a rigorous curriculum in a safe, small-school setting where we know each student as an individual and meet them where they are – both to provide extra attention and extra challenge. We create a learning environment where students can take ownership of their school community through the many clubs, sports, and activities where they can play an active role. We also deeply value our family-school partnership, environmental focus, and our caring and dedicated staff who aid in the growth of the whole student.
What is a Charter School?
Charters are free, independent, public schools that are open to all students regardless of ability, need, or geographic location. You do not have to live within a certain geographic area to be able to attend a charter. You also do not pay tuition, and charters can cap enrollment to keep class sizes smaller. We do this in cooperation with our authorizer, Osprey Wilds Environmental Learning Center in Sandstone, Minnesota.
Environmental Emphasis
We honor our partnership with Osprey Wilds by bringing the natural world back into the classroom. Whether that be during recess time, outdoor field trips, scavenger hunts, planting horticulture, new electives in the sciences , or even watching the solar eclipse, we’re committed to connecting student learning at NLA back to the environment.
