ACLC is a tuition-free public charter school, serving grades 6-12. As a small, dynamic community of less than 400 learners, ACLC emphasizes an innovative, progressive and project-based learning approach. It is founded on a democratic governance model that empowers learners to take ownership of their educational experience.

ACLC was originally founded in 1992 as a grade 7-12 incubator by the Alameda Unified School District in partnership with the Arthur Anderson business consulting firm. The founding visioning conference yielded a research-based "Graduate Profile," which defined the ideal skills, qualities and work habits of a successful high-school graduate of the future. ACLC was founded to nurture and develop these types of successful graduates through innovative, self-directed and project-based learning, systematic educational facilitation and highly efficient application of per-pupil funding.