Not-for-profit alternative secondary school founded in Springfield in 1970 as the The Learning Community. Name changed to the Center for Alternative Education in 1980. In its early years, many students were children of Sangamon State University professors. Directors included Joe McHugh and Nancy Ranyard. Due to financial problems, the Center closed in 1982. Minutes, by-laws, articles of incorporation, reports, contracts, applications, correspondence, schedules, journals, student transcripts, student course work, tests, financial records, photographs, notes, and collected material documenting the school's philosophy and goals, student enrollment, curricula, course schedules, tuition, fundraising, student/teacher interactions, administrative activities and financial affairs. Two meeting books record student opinions on school rules, activities, and problems. See Biographical Note for more information about the Center.