The purpose of the alternative school is to give students an educational opportunity outside the mainstream classroom. Student learning is done on a computer with educational software programs with some classroom lecture. The smaller class size allows for individualized instruction for required subjects to be completed through competency- based mastery.
It serves students who cannot achieve their mastery level in the regular classroom settings.

Instruction can also be provided to district dropouts and special education students who require an alternative educational setting in order to succeed.
The 9-12 Alternative Classroom has the primary purpose of providing education for youths who are violent, disruptive, abusive, and at-risk of school failure.

The focus of the Norwood Alternative Learning Center is placed on academic, social, and career competencies The goal of alternative school setting is for students to be successful in the re-entry into the traditional classroom, graduation, and entry-level employment and/or college.