Academic Arts High School

Branch Out is School District 197's transition program for young adults with disabilities, based on Marie Avenue in West St. Paul. We serve students ages 18 to 22 who have not yet graduated from high school and have an IEP. Placement is an IEP team decision, and each student arrives with a graduation plan built around transition goals. Students and their teams set goals in three areas: employment and job training, independent living, and post-secondary education. Our staff includes teacher case managers, a work-based learning coordinator, a school psychologist, a speech-language pathologist, and an occupational therapy and assistive technology specialist. Guest speakers from local organizations lead seminars on budgeting, banking, employment, transportation, and housing, and students gather each month for recreation and conversation. As students near graduation, we expand the IEP team to include vocational rehabilitation services and Dakota County social service providers, so each young adult leaves with connections for work and independent living already in place. Programming ends when a student turns 22.

Mississippi Valley Montessori School, located in West St. Paul, is dedicated to nurturing the potential of children aged 33 months to 6 years through an authentic Montessori education. With a rich history dating back to 1967, the school is committed to preparing children for life beyond academics, emphasizing holistic development and fostering a lifelong love of learning. As an AMI-accredited institution, MVMS offers child-centered programs that allow students to explore their interests within a structured environment, promoting independence and purposeful engagement. The thoughtfully designed classrooms seamlessly connect to expansive outdoor spaces, providing ample opportunities for both indoor and outdoor exploration. Families benefit from flexible half-day and full-day options, as well as before and after-school care programs that cater to their unique needs. What sets Mississippi Valley Montessori School apart is its low student-teacher ratio, which ensures personalized attention and strong family partnerships, creating a supportive community where children can thrive both academically and socially.

10 Acre Wood Nature Preschool, located in Lakeville, Minnesota, is a nurturing and play-based educational environment designed for children aged 33 months through kindergarten. With a core mission centered on fostering a love for nature and environmental stewardship, the preschool offers both full-day and part-time enrollment options within a maximum group size of 12 students, ensuring an intimate learning atmosphere supported by a low student-to-teacher ratio of 6:1. The preschool's unique approach incorporates outdoor exploration across its expansive 10-acre property, which features woodlands, wetlands, and native prairie. This immersive setting allows children to engage in hands-on learning experiences that promote curiosity and discovery. The school's commitment to environmental education is reflected in its use of an environmentally-friendly converted pole barn as the main facility. What sets 10 Acre Wood apart is not only its dedicated focus on nature-based learning but also its emphasis on creating strong connections with families, fostering a community that supports each child's growth and development.