Complete this course approved by the Minnesota Department of Public Safety to get a 10% discount on your auto insurance! Taught by a certified instructor, you’ll discuss challenges we face as drivers, new road designs, vehicle technology, and updates on current laws. MN Statute requires insurance agencies to offer a 10% automotive insurance discount upon completion of an approved 4-hour class. Tests are not given, however each person must register, pay, and participate for the duration of the class to receive a certificate. Upon completion, submit your certificate to your insurance company. To maintain your discount, this course needs to be completed every 3 years. NOTE: Your name, address, phone number, email and birth year will be shared with the Precision Driving Center staff to enter into their database for future assistance in verifying your information. As of July 1, 2024, it is no longer a requirement to take the initial 8-hour course. The requirement has been reduced to only the 4-hour course every 3 years.

CLASS OPTIONS INTRODUCTION TO ARCHERY BASICS (BEGINNER)Get ready to channel your inner Robin Hood with this beginner's guide to Archery! Staff at the with Full Draw Archery Club will teach you the right way to grip the bow, take aim and let those arrows fly. No need to worry about owning equipment because we've got you covered. By the end of the course, you'll have a good grasp on the sport of archery, how to shoot and, who knows, maybe this is just the beginning of your archery journey! TRADITIONAL ARCHERYAttendees will learn the art of shooting Traditional Archery. You will learn to properly fit, draw, aim and shoot a traditional long bow. IMPORTANT NOTES The letters "LH" behind the course number indicates you are signing up for a left handed bow. The letters "RH" behind the course number indicates you are signing up for a right handed bow. Below are the current class options and dates available. If you cannot find the desired level, please revisit for upcoming dates or contact our office for further details at 507-379-5318.

Get ready to hit the court and shoot some hoops! Whether you're a seasoned player or just looking to have some fun, come join us for an exciting pickup game. This is your chance to brush up on your skills, make new friends, and enjoy the thrill of friendly competition. All adults aged 18 and over are welcome to join the fun! NO OPEN PLAY ON WEDNESDAY, JULY 1 AUGUST 12 WILL BE HELD AT HALVERSON GYM FROM 7-8PM

Interval TrainingJoin us at Jim Gustafson Field for a supportive group workout on the track and turf. This class includes short intervals of faster-paced movement, ranging from 10 seconds to 2 minutes, with recovery time in between. It’s a great option for those who want to improve fitness, add some speed work to their routine, or challenge themselves in a structured and encouraging environment. Each 1-hour class includes time for a warm-up and cool-down. Participants are encouraged to work at their own level, with options to adjust intensity as needed. The focus is on staying active, improving overall fitness, and moving in a way that feels right for you. Walking LanesTwo outside lanes will be reserved for walkers, providing a great option for those who prefer a lower-impact workout while still enjoying the group setting. Whether you're building endurance, easing back into activity, or simply looking for a way to stay active, walking the track is a fantastic option.

Leapin' lizards! Annie is coming! The timeless tale of Little Orphan Annie is back, giving a whole new generation the chance to experience this classic musical about never giving up hope. Boasting one of Broadway's most memorable scores, including "It's the Hard-Knock Life," "Easy Street," "N.Y.C." and the ever-optimistic "Tomorrow," Annie is a delightful theatrical experience for the entire family. Your trip fee includes motorcoach transportation, admission, and lunch. Register no later than September 9. No refunds on trips. If you have any mobility or dietary requirements, please let us know at registration. If a waitlist is indicated, you can either contact our office to inquire about tickets or proceed with enrollment. We will contact you if tickets become available.

This summer we are scheduling by request only. If you see dates listed on this registration page, they are available to book because we already have a party scheduled that day and can stack another party before or after. If you don’t see the date you’re hoping for, please still reach out! Email us at playbackyardbunkers@gmail.com with a date and time and we’ll gladly check availability. Watch the Community Ed & Backyard Bunkers Facebook pages for possible pop-up events! Battle Blaster Bashes with Backyard Bunkers are perfect for birthdays or small groups of friends and family looking for something active and fun! This high-energy experience blends movement, teamwork, and friendly competition using inflatable bunkers, foam dart or foam ball blasters, and full-face protective masks. Players run, strategize, and compete in fast-paced games like Capture the Flag, King of the Hill, and Free-For-All — all in a safe, supervised environment. Each Battle Blaster Bash for $200 includes: Up to 1.5 hours of guided gameplay Party room access totaling to a 3-hour time slot Inflatable bunkers, blasters, foam darts or balls, and protective masks A game facilitator and assistant Full gym setup and takedown Events are limited to 10 participants. Enjoy this special rate through our partnership with Albert Lea Community Education while Backyard Bunkers’ Battle Blasters parties are offered exclusively through them!

Community Access Days are all about bringing people together for fun, connection, and outdoor and indoor adventure! Thanks to generous sponsorships from Mayo Clinic Health System and the Albert Lea Daybreakers Kiwanis Club, Albert Lea Community Education is able to offer FREE access to the Rock Gym and Boathouse on select Fridays and Saturdays.Boathouse HoursFriday & Saturday 9am-12pmRock Gym HoursFriday & Saturday 6-9pm This is a great opportunity for families, friends, neighbors, and community members to try something new, spend time together, and enjoy local recreation. At the Rock Gym, participants can climb beginner to advanced routes, try bouldering, explore the Kilterboard, and enjoy rope climbing with support from experienced staff. At the Boathouse, participants can enjoy time on beautiful Fountain Lake with kayak, canoe, and stand-up paddleboard checkouts. Free access is available during scheduled Community Access Days only. Important Notes: Preregistration is still required for all participants. Parents/Guardians must complete registration for their minors (18 years and younger). All children must be accompanied by an adult. The Rock Gym is located in the South Gym at Brookside Education Center, and the Boathouse is located at the Brookside Boat Landing by Brookside Education Center, 211 W Richway Dr. If you have any questions, please contact our office at 507-379-5318.

Harness the power of social media to grow your audience and boost your brand—one post at a time. This dynamic class dives deep into crafting scroll-stopping content tailored for each platform, from Instagram reels to Twitter threads. Learn how to write engaging captions, spark viral shares, and use storytelling to build authentic connections that keep followers coming back. You’ll also discover savvy strategies to turn likes and comments into real income by monetizing your social presence like a pro. The instructor LeeAnne Krusemark is a former journalist, current author and editor, and a nationwide Professor of Publishing at higher learning institutions, including Harvard Adult Education. Informative handouts for future use are included in class fee. The webinar login information will be emailed the day before class.

Keep your dance passion going strong this fall! This off-season opportunity is open to both returning and new dancers and is perfect for those looking to build on their High School Dance Team experience. Sessions will focus on refining technique, building endurance, and enhancing performance skills. The season will wrap up with performances at the ALHS homecoming parade, pepfest, and football game - showcasing the team’s hard work, growth, and dedication! Practices will be held at the ALHS gym at the following times: Tuesdays & Thursdays from 7:00–8:00 AM Saturdays from 8:00–11:00 AM Please note our registration system lists only one time. Refer to the details above for the correct practice times. *A calendar with all practice and performance dates and times will be provided on the first day of practice. October schedule may change depending on 2026 Homecoming date. Dancers should wear comfortable activewear and gym shoes, bring a filled water bottle, and arrive with their hair pulled back and out of their face for every practice.

The Hammer Complex turf and track will be accessible to all students from grades 7 to 12 for all sports. Students are required to bring their own equipment, and locker rooms will be available on a limited basis. Preregistration is mandatory for waiver purposes. Feel free to register at any time! You can attend for one day or join for the entire summer. Open field will be moved to the grass football field on June 3, 10 & 17 if turf is occupied.

Our online Driver’s Education program prepares students for the Minnesota Class D Knowledge Exam while helping them build the skills needed for safe, responsible driving. Age Requirement: Students must be at least 14½ years old by the start of class. Class Structure: This online option includes 30 hours of online classroom instruction through A+ Driving School and six hours of Behind-the-Wheel training with Albert Lea Community Education driving instructors. Course Availability: The Summer 2026 online course is available May 4 through September 30, 2026. Registration closes August 17, 2026. Registration Fees & Deadlines: The Early Bird Registration fee is $385 through August 3, 2026. After that, the standard registration fee is $405 through August 17, 2026. Additional Fee Required: A separate $20 A+ Driving School online platform fee is required when creating an account. This fee must be paid by credit card and is not included in the Community Ed registration fee. Course Timeline: Students must complete the course within the date range listed at registration. They may work on the material for up to three hours per day and can finish in as few as 10 days. Students who do not finish within the allotted time must re-register and pay for the course again. Completion / Permit Test: At the end of the final online lesson, students must go to myblueslip.com, select Albert Lea Community Education, and follow the prompts to notify our office that the classroom portion is complete. Community Education will then submit the student’s information to the state and send additional next-step information by email. Students must be age 15 before taking the Minnesota Class D Knowledge Exam. Additional Information: Full course and contract details, policies, and requirements will be provided during the online enrollment process. Please also check your confirmation email for instructions on how to create your account and log in to the online classroom. For more information on Driver’s Education, including details for homeschool students, behind-the-wheel instructor training, and how to schedule a knowledge exam or road test appointment, please visit our Driver’s Education section on the district website. There, you can also print paper contracts, access the online Driver’s Education manual, download the student driving log, and find practice tests. If you have any questions, feel free to contact the Community Education office at 507-379-5318.

This course helps aspiring entrepreneurs develop creative, viable business ideas using structured and practical techniques. Participants will explore how innovation happens and learn tools to systematically generate and refine ideas, including the SCAMPER model (Substitute, Combine, Adapt, Modify, Put to another use, Eliminate, Reverse). Through guided exercises and collaborative activities, learners will transform everyday observations into entrepreneurial opportunities. The course emphasizes both creativity and feasibility, ensuring ideas are not only original but also realistic. By the end, participants will have multiple business concepts and a clear process they can use to continue generating innovative ideas in any industry.

Students entering 6th grade and registered for band are invited to participate in kick-off lessons. During these 30-minute lessons, students will receive instruction on techniques specific to their instrument in small groups. They will learn how to hold the instrument, create sound and begin playing notes. Participating in these lessons allows students to begin the school year with confidence and progress much more quickly in class. Students must have their instrument choice approved by the middle school director to sign up. All students need an instrument that is in good working order and a Sound Innovations Book One for their instrument prior to the start of lessons. Music Mart in Mankato or Rochester is recommended for renting or purchasing instruments. Please contact the instructor with any questions (suzanne.mauer@alschools.org). Timeslots may switch due to instrument interest levels. Max 10. (Low Brass includes: trombone, baritone, and tuba.) Flutes: 8:30-9:00am Trumpets: 9:00-9:30amPercussion: 9:30-10:00am Clarinets: 10:00-10:30am Low Brass: 10:30-11:00am Saxophone: 11:00-11:30am ***If a waitlist is indicated, please proceed with enrollment as additional time slots could be added.

Students entering 6th grade and will be joining orchestra are highly encouraged to participate in kick-off lessons. During these lessons, students will receive instruction on techniques specific to their instrument in small groups. Learn how to hold the instrument, create sound and begin playing notes. These lessons have helped students start the year with confidence and helped the class progress much more quickly. Just imagine, students will be able to begin the school year reading notes, rhythms and playing music! All students need an instrument that is in good working order and "Essential Elements Book 1" for their instrument prior to the start of lessons. Music Mart in Mankato and Rochester or Schmidt Music out of Rochester are recommended for the rent or purchase of these items. Please contact the instructor with questions (rebekah.crissinger@alschools.org). CHOOSE THE TIMESLOT YOU PREFER WITH YOUR INSTRUMENT CHOICEViolin: 8:30-9:00am or 10:30-11:00amViola: 9:00-9:30am or 11:00-11:30amCello: 9:30-10:00am or 11:30-12:00pmBass: 10:00am -10:30am ***If a waitlist is indicated, please proceed with enrollment as additional time slots could be added. The instructor will be contacting caregivers to confirm your student's timeslot.

Have some fun this summer learning to build your own model rocket! Whether you are a beginner or have some experience, there is a rocket class for you! These classes are for 2nd grade and older. Basic, Intermediate, Advanced and Expert classes, the class price includes one reusable rocket and one engine. Expert class must supply their own challenging kit and engines. Contact Ken Fiscus (ken.fiscus@alschools.org) with questions about your chosen rocket kit. LAUNCH DAY: Thursday, August 6th at Southwest Middle School Athletic Field Two session times are available: 8:00 AM and 6:00 PM.A parent must attend launch day. Individual Class Descriptions Basic Model RocketryThis is an introduction to the exciting hobby of model rocketry. We will discuss model construction, safety and build a Wizard rocket to launch on launch day. Class fee includes one reusable rocket and one engine. Intermediate Model RocketryBuild on the skills you learned in Basic Model Rocketry. Construct an Alpha rocket and launch it. Class fee includes one reusable rocket and one engine. Advanced Model RocketryTake what you learn in Intermediate Model Rocketry and add to it. Each student will build a challenging Olympus rocket to launch. Class fee includes one reusable rocket and one engine. Expert Model RocketryBoost your rocketry skills further in this expert level class. Each student must supply their own challenging kit and engines. Contact Ken Fiscus (ken.fiscus@alschools.org) with questions about your chosen rocket kit.

Need a night out? Drop off your kids ages 6-12 years off for an evening of fun at the rock gym while you enjoy some well-deserved time to yourself! Each Parent’s Night Out is packed with exciting, instructor-led activities that vary by event—so no two nights are the same. Kids may spend the evening rock climbing, getting creative with arts and crafts, playing gym games, building with Legos, or learning a simple, kid-friendly recipe. Weather permitting, they may also head outside for kayaking, archery, or outdoor games—adding an extra dose of adventure to their night! What to Bring: Tennis shoes Water bottle Snack We’ll keep your kids active, creative, and entertained—you just enjoy your night out! Limited spots available! Deadline to register is the Wednesday before the start date.

How to Purchase and Use Punch Passes You can purchase punch passes online or at the Community Education office. Follow these steps to get started: Purchasing Your Pass: Punch passes are available for credit card purchase online or in-person with a credit card, check or cash at the Community Education office. To purchase online, simply add the pass to your cart under the purchaser's name and proceed through the checkout process. Once your purchase is confirmed, we’ll prepare your pass for pick-up within two office business days. Pick-Up Options: During your purchase, please indicate whether you’d like to pick up your punch pass at the Community Education office (Monday-Friday 8:30 AM - 2:30 PM) or from staff at the Rock Gym during open hours (Tuesday, Friday & Saturday 6:00 PM - 9:00 PM). Using Your Punch Pass: Punch passes are valid for both the Rock Gym and Boathouse. They can be used by the purchaser and other members of their group. To attend the Rock Gym or Boathouse, you must register online ahead of time and select the punch pass option as your payment method for each person in your party. Any balance remaining can be paid during registration. Punch passes expire one year from the purchase date.

Looking for ways to make money online? Turn your ideas or homemade products into income by starting an online business. You will learn how to: Find a gap in a niche market and fill it Build your own website, and market your business effectively (including SEO) so Potential customers will find you; Take care of business forms and taxes; Create multiple sources of income (including Affiliate commissions). You’ll also get info about the 25 most popular online businesses to start. Informative handouts for future use are included in class fee. The instructor LeeAnne Krusemark is a Chamber of Commerce Past President, current author/editor, and a nationwide Professor of Publishing at higher learning institutions, including Harvard Adult Education. Informative handouts for future use are included in class fee. The webinar login information will be emailed the day before class.