The NLSEC consists of 12 independent member districts and 1 cooperative JPA district, the Northern Lights Academy Cooperative (NLA) ISD 6096-52. It covers 5 counties and 6,000 square miles, serving approximately 2,460 students on IEPs. While the NLSEC is a non-government entity, the NLA is a government entity. The 12 districts have an agreement to share costs for services that are too expensive or challenging for individual districts to provide. The NLA is a cooperative, tuition-billed placement district for students with severe special education needs. Terms of these arrangements are detailed in the NLSEC Agreement and By-Laws and the NLA Joint Powers Agreement.