Schools & Programs
- 401 EDUCATION CENTER • Chaska • Career & Technical Education • Special Services
- ANICCA DAY TREATMENT • Chanhassen • Care & Treatment
- BUFFALO AREA EDUCATION CENTER • Buffalo • Special Services
- CARVER COUNTY JAIL • Chaska • Care & Treatment
- DEAN LAKES EDUCATION CENTER • Shakopee • District Offices • Adult Education • Alternative Education • Care & Treatment • Career & Technical Education • Special Services
- EAST CREEK FAMILY CENTER • Chaska • Care & Treatment
- EAST UNION • Carver • Special Services
- ELEVATE ONLINE
- JUVENILE ALTERNATIVE FACILITY • Jordan • Care & Treatment
- LAKESIDE ACADEMY • Buffalo • Residential Care & Treatment
- PASSAGEWAYS • Prior Lake • Residential Care & Treatment
- RIVER VALLEY EDUCATION CENTER • Jordan • Special Services
- ST. BONI EDUCATION CENTER • St. Bonifacius • Special Services
- TRI-CITY UNITED • Le Center • Special Services
- WASECA CENTRAL • Waseca • Special Services
401 EDUCATION CENTER • Chaska • Career & Technical Education • Special Services
Building Information
Address:
401 East 4th Street
Chaska, MN 55318
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Hours:
Drop Off Time: 8:05 a.m. (Students will not be allowed in the building early)
School Start Time: 8:15 a.m.
Dismissal Time: 2:23 p.m. Dismissal time varies for Career-Tech Students
Summer Hours: 7:30-1:00 Monday-Thursday
Nutrition Program:
Contact Information
Director of Special Services:
Dr. Tamra Tyler
Email: ttyler@swmetro288.org
Phone: (952) 567-8050
Special Services Administrative Assistant:
Stephanie Ringdahl
Email: sringdahl@swmetro288.org
Phone: (952) 567-8003
Overview:
The 401 Education Center in Chaska, MN hosts several SouthWest Metro programs including: ASCENT, ATTAIN, OASIS, Velocity, Passages & PRIDE.
Program Descriptions:
ASCENT - "Achieve Success, Choose Excellence, Notice & Celebrate Triumphs" is a program for students that meet the criteria and receive special education services in Minnesota under the disability category of Emotional & Behavioral Disorders (EBD) ASCENT serves students in grades 6-8.
A referral is needed to enroll in this program.
ATTAIN - "Academics & Transition Tools to Achieve Independence for Students with Neurobiological Needs" is a program for students that meet the criteria and receive special education services in Minnesota under the disability category of Autism Spectrum Disorders (ASD). ATTAIN serves students in grades 9-12.
A referral is needed to enroll in this program.
OASIS - A program serving students that meet the criteria and receive special education services under the disability category of Emotional & Behavioral Disorders (EBD) Oasis serves students in grades 9-12.
A referral is needed to enroll in this program.
Passages - A program serving students that meet the criteria and receive special education services under the disability category of Emotional & Behavioral Disorders (EBD) Passages serves students in grades 9-12.
A referral is needed to enroll in this program.
PRIDE - "Practicing and Reaching Individual Dreams Everyday" is a program for students that met the criteria and receive special education services in Minnesota under multiple disability categories that may include: Autism Spectrum Disorders (ASD, Developmental Cognitive Disabilities (DCD), and/or Emotional & Behavioral Disorders (EBD) PRIDE serves students in grades 9-12.
A referral is needed to enroll in this program.
ANICCA DAY TREATMENT • Chanhassen • Care & Treatment
Building Information
Address:
808 Kerber Boulevard
Suite 215
Chanhassen, MN 55317
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Hours:
Due to the nature of this program an appointment is needed to visit this site.
Contact the administrative assistant linked below for more information.
Nutrition Program:
N/A
Contact Information
Executive Director of Teaching & Learning
Melissa Knettel
Email: mknettel@swmetro288.org
Phone: (952) 567-8105
Special Services Administrative Assistant:
Susan Poepping
Email: spoepping@swmetro288.org
Phone: (507) 837-5477
Contact: (952) 496-8966
Program Description:
ANICCA - a day treatment program through Carver County Health and Human Services for students in grades 7-12. The program is for adolescents experiencing mental health struggles or challenges such as: Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD); Anxiety Disorder; Depression; Mood Disorder. Licensed and experienced staff provide mental health services such as: individual therapy; group therapy; family therapy; emotional and social skills training; mindfulness; meditation; yoga.
The program also provides parent support and education. This is not a dual diagnosis program. Any chemical dependency must be addressed, or have been previously addressed by outside services. Clients must be able to demonstrate an ability to remain free of physically aggressive behavior. Clients may be living at home or at out-of-home placement. Transportation is provided by the student's home school district during the academic year.
Carver County ANICCA Day Treatment Website
Call the Carver County Intake Line: (952) 442-4437
BUFFALO AREA EDUCATION CENTER • Buffalo • Special Services
Building Information
Address:
800 8th Street NE
Buffalo, MN 55313
Hours:
School Start Time: 8:50 a.m.
Dismissal Time: 3:30 p.m.
Nutrition Program:
Contact Information
Director of Special Services:
Tessa Newby
Email: tnewby@swmetro288.org
Phone: (763) 682-8680
Administrative Assistant:
Sarah Bertram-Tronnes
Email: sbertram-tronnes@swmetro288.org
Phone: (952) 567-8199
Overview
PRIDE Transitions - A program for students that met the criteria and receive special education services in Minnesota under multiple disability categories that may include: Autism Spectrum Disorders (ASD, Developmental Cognitive Disabilities (DCD), and/or Emotional & Behavioral Disorders (EBD) Transitions serves students in grades 12+ (ages 18 - 21).
A referral is needed to enroll in this program.
CARVER COUNTY JAIL • Chaska • Care & Treatment
Building Information
Address:
601 East 4th Street
Chaska, MN 55318
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Hours:
Due to the nature of this program an appointment is needed to visit this site.
Contact the administrative assistant linked below for more information.
Nutrition Program:
N/A
Contact Information
Executive Director of Teaching & Learning
Melissa Knettel
Email: mknettel@swmetro288.org
Phone: (952) 567-8105
Special Services Administrative Assistant:
Susan Poepping
Email: spoepping@swmetro288.org
Phone: (507) 837-5477
Carver County Jail
Phone: (952) 361-1278
Program Description:
SouthWest Metro provides educational services at the Carver County Jail in Chaska, MN.
DEAN LAKES EDUCATION CENTER • Shakopee • District Offices • Adult Education • Alternative Education • Care & Treatment • Career & Technical Education • Special Services
Building Information
Address:
4601 Dean Lakes Boulevard
Shakopee, MN 55379
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Hours:
Drop Off Time: 8:05 a.m. (Students will not be allowed in the building early)
School Start Time: 8:15 a.m.
Dismissal Time for Transitions & Reflections: 2:23 p.m.
Dismissal Time for SouthWest Metro HS, Catalyst and New Beginnings: 2:53 P.M.
Summer Hours: 7:30-1:00 Monday-Thursday
Nutrition Program:
Contact Information
Director of Adult Education Programming:
Dr. Brandy Logan
Email: blogan@swmetro288.org
Phone: (952) 567-8100
Director of Alternative & Online Programming:
Amanda Jones
Email: ajones@swmetro288.org
Phone: (952) 567-8100
Director of Career & Technical Education Programming:
Dr. Brandy Logan
Email: blogan@swmetro288.org
Phone: (952) 567-8100
Dean Lakes Front Office Administrative Assistant:
Christine Fick
Email: cfick@swmetro288.org
Phone: (952) 567-8100
Director of Special Services:
Dawn Peterson
Email: dpeterson@swmetro288.org
Phone: (952) 567-8141
Dean Lakes Special Services Administrative Assistant:
Karen Palmateer
Email: kpalmateer@swmetro288.org
Phone: (952) 567-8180
Program Descriptions
Career & Technical Education (CTE) Pathways - SouthWest Metro’s Career & Technical Education (CTE) pathways are open to all students within the district’s service area. Students register through their home high school's course guide, and offerings may vary by district. With courses available in nearly 20 career fields, including options for industry-recognized certifications, concurrent enrollment, and articulated college credit, SWMetro’s CTE pathways offer robust opportunities for career exploration and skill development, helping students prepare for success in the workforce.
Catalyst - an embedded program within SouthWest Metro High School that supports students whose mental or chemical health needs are affecting their academic success. While maintaining a focus on academics, students participate in daily group sessions and weekly individual meetings to support their overall well-being.
To enroll in Catalyst, students must be enrolled at SouthWest Metro High School and have a current diagnostic assessment dated within the past 12 months.
New Beginnings - an embedded program within SouthWest Metro High School, designed as a full-time academic option for pregnant and parenting teens under the age of 22 who have not yet earned a high school diploma.
Students work toward graduation while preparing for a healthy pregnancy and childbirth. They develop a personalized parenting plan to support a strong attachment with their child or create an adoption plan, based on their individual goals. The program also emphasizes independent living skills and career planning to support long-term self-sufficiency. Eligible students may earn college credits through PSEO and Career & Technical Education (CTE) courses.
PAES Lab and First Step - "Practical Assessment Exploration Lab" and the First Step Program serve students in grades 9 - 12+ (ages 14 - 21) at our Dean Lakes Education Center in Shakopee. This program is a simulated work environment where students gain experience in a wide array of job opportunities. PAES Lab students meet the criteria and receive special education services in Minnesota under multiple disability categories that may include: Autism Spectrum Disorders (ASD, Developmental Cognitive Disabilities (DCD), and/or Emotional & Behavioral Disorders (EBD)
A referral is needed to enroll in this program.
Reflections - This program serves students in grades 6-12+ at our Dean Lakes Education Center in Shakopee. Reflections is a day treatment program that addresses mental health needs of adolescents and children who require intense therapeutic services. Referrals are made through the Scott County Mental Health Center.
SouthWest Metro High School (ALC) - is a full-day diploma program for regular and special education students in grades 9-12. The Alternative High School provides the resources to excel through reduced class sizes and increased one-on-one teacher attention. Students also have the opportunity for Career & Technical education on-site during their school day as well as various PSEO options.
SouthWest Metro Childcare Offerings - support children's growth and development by providing individualized, hands-on learning experiences through a play-based curriculum that nurtures curiosity and a lifelong love of learning.
Highly trained and experienced staff use play as a foundation to plan and support each child’s early learning journey. The program’s philosophy centers on providing high-quality experiences for children, families, and staff, with a strong emphasis on connection, collaboration, and teamwork.
Transitions - A program for students that met the criteria and receive special education services in Minnesota under multiple disability categories that may include: Autism Spectrum Disorders (ASD, Developmental Cognitive Disabilities (DCD), and/or Emotional & Behavioral Disorders (EBD) Transitions serves students in grades 12+ (ages 18 - 21).
A referral is needed to enroll in this program.
EAST CREEK FAMILY CENTER • Chaska • Care & Treatment
Building Information
Address:
303 East 6th Street
Chaska, MN 55318
map SITE on Google
Hours:
Drop Off Time: 8:05 a.m. (Students will not be allowed in the building early)
School Start Time: 8:15 a.m.
Dismissal Time: 2:23 p.m.
Summer Hours: 7:30-1:00 Monday-Thursday
Nutrition Program:
Contact Information
Director of Special Services:
Dr. Dawn Peterson
Email: dpeterson@swmetro288.org
Phone: (952) 567-8141
Special Services Administrative Assistant:
Karen Palmateer
Email: kpalmateer@swmetro288.org
Phone: (952) 567-8180
Program Description
Reflections - This program serves students in grades 3-6 at East Creek Faamily Center in Chaska. Reflections is a day treatment program that addresses mental health needs of adolescents and children who require intense therapeutic services. Referrals are made through the Scott County Mental Health Center.
EAST UNION • Carver • Special Services
Building Information
Address:
15655 County Road 43
Carver, MN 55315
Hours:
Drop Off Time: 8:05 a.m. (Students will not be allowed in the building early)
School Start Time: 8:15 a.m.
Dismissal Time: 2:23 p.m.
Summer Hours: 7:30-1:00 Monday-Thursday
Nutrition Program:
Contact Information
Director of Special Services:
Kristen Johnson
Email: kjohnson@swmetro288.org
Phone: (952) 567-8198
Administrative Assistant:
Sarah Bertram-Tronnes
Email: sbertram-tronnes@swmetro288.org
Phone: (952) 567-8199
Program Descriptions
FOCUS - "Focused Opportunities to Consistently Teach Universal Social Skills" is a program for students that meet the criteria and receive special education services in Minnesota under the disability category of Autism Spectrum Disorders (ASD) and/or Emotional & Behavioral Disorders (EBD) FOCUS serves students in grades K-8.
A referral is needed to enroll in this program.
Oasis K-8 - East Union Oasis is a K-8 program serving students meeting special education criteria in various disability areas. Students in the program most commonly qualify for services in the areas of EBD, OHD, and ASD. Students in this program struggle with emotional regulation, most often internalizing feelings and emotions. When students are referred to the program they are typically attempting to get their needs met through behaviors such as work refusal, shutting down, crying, and verbal escalation. Students in the program do not tend to engage in physically aggressive, self harm, or elopement behaviors of any kind. East Union Oasis meets student’s needs through regular social skills instruction in both the group and individual setting depending on needs. The program also provides a quiet setting with small class sizes. The program focuses heavily on helping students to recognize their personal strengths, set and achieve personal goals, develop positive prosocial coping strategies, and form and maintain appropriate interpersonal relationships.
A referral is needed to enroll in this program
ELEVATE ONLINE
Building Information
Office Address:
4601 Dean Lakes Boulevard
Shakopee, MN 55379
map This site on Google
Hours:
School Start Time: 8:15 a.m.
Dismissal Time: 2:23 p.m.
Summer Hours: 7:30-1:00 Monday-Thursday
Nutrition Program:
N/A
Contact Information
Director of Alternative & Online Programming:
Amanda Jones
Email: ajones@swmetro288.org
Phone: (952) 567-8100
Elevate Business Services Specialist & Elevate Help Desk:
Noy Tran
Email: vtran@swmetro288.org
Phone: (952) 567-8036
Program Description:
Elevate - a K-12 online school supporting all Minnesota students. Our students can stay enrolled and participate in extracurricular activities at their home districts while attending part-time or full-time at Elevate.
Program staff collaborate with our partner districts to determine the best educational pathway for enrolled students, fostering a model of continuous improvement that benefits our students, staff and partner districts.
Elevate has the support systems to help every student achieve a successful online educational experience.
JUVENILE ALTERNATIVE FACILITY • Jordan • Care & Treatment
Building Information
Address:
17681 Valley View Drive
Jordan, MN 55352
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Hours:
Due to the nature of this program an appointment is needed to visit this site.
Contact the administrative assistant linked below for more information.
Nutrition Program:
N/A
Contact Information
Executive Director of Teaching & Learning
Melissa Knettel
Email: mknettel@swmetro288.org
Phone: (952) 567-8105
Special Services Administrative Assistant:
Susan Poepping
Email: spoepping@swmetro288.org
Phone: (507) 837-5477
Juvenile Alternative Facility
Phone: (952) 496-8966
Program Description:
SouthWest Metro provides educational services at the Juvenile Alternative Facility in Jordan, MN.
LAKESIDE ACADEMY • Buffalo • Residential Care & Treatment
Building Information
Address:
100 Garrison Ave NE
Buffalo, MN 55313
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Hours:
Due to the nature of this program an appointment is needed to visit this site.
Contact the Director listed below for more information
Nutrition Program:
N/A
Contact Information
Executive Director of Teaching & Learning
Melissa Knettel
Email: mknettel@swmetro288.org
Phone: (952) 567-8105
Administrative Assistant:
Sarah Bertram-Tronnes
Email: sbertram-tronnes@swmetro288.org
Phone: (952) 567-8199
Program Description:
Lakeside Academy - is a residential treatment program for students ages 13-18. Lakeside is a collaborative effort between Buffalo Hanover Montrose School District, Minnesota Adult & Teen Challenge Residential Treatment Center, and SouthWest Metro High School. This program involves licensed mental health, and counseling services for substance abuse, anger management, and other behavioral issues. We provide onsite education including conventional, online, and project-based learning in a camp environment.
MN Adult & Teen Challenge Intake: (612) 373-3366
PASSAGEWAYS • Prior Lake • Residential Care & Treatment
Building Information
Address:
Due to the sensitivity of this program contact the administrative assistant linked below to inquire about the program address.
Hours:
Due to the nature of this program an appointment is needed to visit this site.
Contact the administrative assistant linked below for more information.
Nutrition Program:
N/A
Contact Information
Executive Director of Teaching & Learning
Melissa Knettel
Email: mknettel@swmetro288.org
Phone: (952) 567-8105
Special Services Administrative Assistant:
Susan Poepping
Email: spoepping@swmetro288.org
Phone: (507) 837-5477
Program Information:
Passageways - In partnership with The Link MN, this residential program for students ages 13-17 is an emergency shelter and housing program for youth who have been victims of sex trafficking. Passageways is inclusive of all gender identities and can serve parenting youth with one child. Passageways provides a variety of on-site services specific to sexual exploitation that include case management, mental health therapy, education programming, life skills training, a survivor mentor program, health care services, and positive youth development activities.
Contact The Link for information or support: (612) 232-5428
RIVER VALLEY EDUCATION CENTER • Jordan • Special Services
Building Information
Address:
100 Hope Ave
Jordan, MN 55352
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Hours:
Drop Off Time: 8:05 a.m. (Students will not be allowed in the building early)
School Start Time: 8:15 a.m.
Dismissal Time: 2:23 p.m.
Summer Hours: 7:30-1:00 Monday-Thursday
Nutrition Program:
Contact Information
Director of Special Services:
Lauren Witheridge
Email: lwitheridge@swmetro288.org
Phone: (952) 567-8247
Special Services Administrative Assistant:
Jasmine Wagner
Email: jwagner@swmetro288.org
Phone: (952) 567-8252
Program Descriptions
RISE - "Reaching Independence through Structured Environments" serves students in grades K - 8 at the River Valley Education Center in Jordan. The program for students that met the criteria and receive special education services in Minnesota under disability categories that may include: Autism Spectrum Disorders (ASD, and/or Developmental Cognitive Disabilities (DCD),
A referral is needed to enroll in this program.
Stepping Stones - Stepping Stones serves students in grades K - 5 at the River Valley Education Center in Jordan, MN. Stepping Stones is a program for students that met the criteria and receive special education services in Minnesota under disability categories that may include: Autism Spectrum Disorders (ASD, and/or Emotional & Behavioral Disorders (EBD)
A referral is needed to enroll in this program.
ST. BONI EDUCATION CENTER • St. Bonifacius • Special Services
Building Information
Address:
8801 Wildwood Ave
St. Bonifacius, MN 55375
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Hours:
Drop Off Time: 8:05 a.m. (Students will not be allowed in the building early)
School Start Time: 8:15 a.m.
Dismissal Time: 2:23 p.m.
Summer Hours: 7:30-1:00 Monday-Thursday
Nutrition Program:
Contact Information
Director of Special Services:
Kristen Johnson
Email: kjohnson@swmetro288.org
Phone: (952) 567-8194
Administrative Assistant:
Sarah Bertram-Tronnes
Email: sbertram-tronnes@swmetro288.org
Phone: (952) 567-8199
Program Descriptions
RISE - "Reaching Independence through Structured Environments" serves students in grades K - 5 at the St. Boni Education Center in St. Bonifacius , MN. The program for students that met the criteria and receive special education services in Minnesota under disability categories that may include: Autism Spectrum Disorders (ASD, and/or Developmental Cognitive Disabilities (DCD),
A referral is needed to enroll in this program.
Stepping Stones - Stepping Stones serves students in grades K - 5 at the St. Boni Education Center in St. Bonifacius, MN. Stepping Stones is a program for students that met the criteria and receive special education services in Minnesota under disability categories that may include: Autism Spectrum Disorders (ASD, and/or Emotional & Behavioral Disorders (EBD)
A referral is needed to enroll in this program.
TRI-CITY UNITED • Le Center • Special Services
Building Information
Address:
150 W Tyrone St.
Le Center, MN 56057
Hours:
Coming Soon!
Nutrition Program:
Contact Information
Director of Special Services:
Lauren Witheridge
Email: lwitheridge@swmetro288.org
Phone: (952) 567-8247
Special Services Administrative Assistant:
Jasmine Wagner
Email: jwagner@swmetro288.org
Phone: (952) 567-8252
Program Description
Level 3 Special Education Services - SouthWest Metro partners with Tri-City Public Schools to integrate students into general education classrooms while providing level 3 special education supports.
WASECA CENTRAL • Waseca • Special Services
Building Information
Address:
501 East Elm Ave
Waseca, MN 56093
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Hours:
Drop Off Time: 8:05 a.m. (Students will not be allowed in the building early)
School Start Time: 8:15 a.m.
Dismissal Time: 2:23 p.m.
Summer Hours: 7:30-1:00 Monday-Thursday
Nutrition Program:
Contact Information
Teaching & Learning Coordinator:
Jason Toupence
Email: jtoupence@swmetro288.org
Phone: (507) 837-5477
Special Services Administrative Assistant:
Susan Poepping
Email: spoepping@swmetro288.org
Phone: (507) 837-5477
Program Descriptions:
Passages - A program serving students that meet the criteria and receive special education services under the disability category of Emotional & Behavioral Disorders (EBD) Passages serves students in grades 9-12.
A referral is needed to enroll in this program.
Transitions - A program for students that met the criteria and receive special education services in Minnesota under multiple disability categories that may include: Autism Spectrum Disorders (ASD, Developmental Cognitive Disabilities (DCD), and/or Emotional & Behavioral Disorders (EBD) Transitions serves students in grades 12+ (ages 18 - 21).
A referral is needed to enroll in this program.