West Education Center

We are experts at serving students that demonstrate a variety of unique needs related to their disabilities and/or other related conditions.

High School

Our high school program serves students in grades 9-12 who may demonstrate needs related to social-emotional and/or behavioral regulation, specific learning disabilities, or other physical or mental health conditions. Our students work on developing a variety of skills through core-content instruction and specialized services.

How to Enroll

Intermediate District 287’s special education programs require a referral from one of our member school districts. 
 

Our Transition programs support students who have attended a high school special education program and qualify for continued support in developing knowledge and skills in the following areas:

• Education and Training
• Employment
• Independent Living.

Transition students needing more customized supports and opportunities can receive those at our WEC campus. Transition students who are more independent and have shown success in a less structured environment, similar to college, can be served at our Hennepin Technical College campus in Eden Prairie.

How to Enroll

Intermediate District 287’s transitions program requires a referral from one of our member school districts.
 

West Alternative (W-ALT) is an alternative high school for students working towards their high school diploma. We serve students in grades 9-12, up to age 21.

W-ALT is a credit-based program

• High school diploma classes that meet the standard state requirements through blended learning.
• Courses in work experience, art, and engineering.
• Career exploration and employment training.
• Exploratory activities including art classes, career day, college tours, and access to college classes through Hennepin Technical College, Eden Prairie campus.

What makes us different?

• W-Alt works with students at their skill level to help them build confidence in their abilities.
• W-Alt is a continuous progress model program (students earn a .25 credit at their own pace and only take classes they need for their graduation plan).
• W-Alt is a blended learning environment (digital learning tools).
• Small class sizes and greater individual attention.
• Project-based learning opportunities.
• AVID (Advancement Via Individual Determination) Program.
• Positive Behavior Interventions and Supports (PBIS) framework.
• Access to support staff, including School Counselor and Social Worker.

How to Enroll

Our Alternative Learning Center (ALC) Academies are open to high school age students (14-21). There is no cost to students or families.

For enrollment, please contact Amy Kuklock, akkuklock@district287.org or 952-374-5761 (call or text).

Students have access to a variety of support professionals:

• School Counselor
• Program Social Worker
• Student Safety Coaches
• Board Certified Behavior Analyst
• School Psychologist
• Relationship with Prairie Care, which provides psychiatric consultation and care

Students earn credit at their own pace regardless of quarter deadlines or waiting for others.

Students have access to a variety of elective classes and other activities including AVID (Advancement Via Individual Determination), HTC (Hennepin Technical College: Eden Prairie), career fairs and college visits.

Our Bulldog Cafe is located in our incentive center. Students learn how to prepare drinks and manage key aspects of the business like money, ordering, inventory, and customer service.

Students have the opportunity to earn elective credit towards graduation by working in the community. Our work experience coordinators support student learning around career development and employment skills.