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The Northland Learning Center Cooperative is an eight‑member special education cooperative serving students across northeastern Minnesota. Beginning August 2026, we are located in our brand new facility in Mountain Iron, MN. Our member districts include Chisholm Public Schools, Cook County Public Schools, Ely Public Schools, International Falls Public School, Mesabi East Public School, Mountain Iron‑Buhl Public School, Nett Lake Public School, and St. Louis County Public Schools.

We offer a full continuum of specialized instructional and related services designed to meet the diverse needs of learners from early childhood through age 22. Our programming includes Early Childhood Special Education and comprehensive related services in occupational therapy, physical therapy, and developmental adapted physical education. We also provide services for students who are Deaf or Hard of Hearing and those who are Blind or Visually Impaired.

Our Setting IV program, True North, delivers specialized instruction and behavioral support for students with emotional or behavioral disorders, autism spectrum disorder, and developmental cognitive disabilities. For older learners, our Innovation North program (formerly Bridge to Independence) provides transition‑focused services for students ages 18–22 as they develop skills for adult living, employment, and community participation.

In addition to our special education services, we operate an Alternative Learning Center (ALC) to support alternative education pathways for students across our member districts.

Thank you for your interest in the Northland Learning Center and for taking the time to learn more about the comprehensive services we provide.