Students & Families

Overview

The 401 Education Center in Chaska, MN hosts several SouthWest Metro programs including: ASCENT, ATTAIN, OASIS, Velocity, Passages & PRIDE. 

Fall Welcome Information

Welcome Letter from Tamra Tyler - Director of Special Services at the 401 Education Center:  English  |  Spanish  |  Somali
Open House Flyer:  English  |  Spanish  |  Somali
Picture Day Information - Coming Soon!
At - A - Glance Calendar
Lunch Menu
Enrollment Information for Returning Students
Enrollment Information for New Students

Building Information

Address:

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:

Eastern Carver County Schools

Contact Information

Director of Special Services:

Tamra Tyler
Email: ttyler@swmetro288.org
Phone: (952) 567-8050

Front Office Administrative Assistant:

Stephanie Ringdahl
Email: sringdahl@swmetro288.org
Phone: (952) 567-8003

Overview

The Buffalo Area Education Center hosts SouthWest Metro's PRIDE Transitions program. 

Fall Welcome Information

Welcome Letter from Tessa Newby - Director of Special Services at the Buffalo Area Education Center:  English  |  Spanish  |  Somali
Open House Flyer for Returning Students:*  English  |  Spanish  |  Somali
Picture Day Information - Coming Soon!
At - A - Glance Calendar
Lunch Menu - Coming Soon!
Enrollment Information for Returning Students
Enrollment Information for New Students

New students to Buffalo PRIDE Transitions will receive additional communication about scheduling 

Building Information

Address:

Hours: 

School Start Time: 8:50 a.m.
Dismissal Time: 3:30 p.m.
 

Nutrition Program:

Buffalo-Hanover-Montrose

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

The Dean Lakes Education Center in Shakopee, MN hosts several SouthWest Metro programs including: Adult Education, Catalyst, New Beginnings, SouthWest Metro High School, Transitions, and the Reflections Middle / High School programs. This site also hosts several Career & Technical Education pathways including Criminal Justice, Culinary Arts, Early Childhood Education, Graphic Design & Print Production, Intro to Education, Medical Careers, Photo & Video Production and Video Game Design. This multi-use building houses offices for the Scott-County CDA and several other businesses. 

Fall Welcome Information

Transitions Welcome Letter from Dawn Peterson - Director of Special Services at Dean Lakes Education Center:  English  |  Spanish  |  Somali 
Reflections Welcome Letter from Dawn Peterson - Director of Special Services at Dean Lakes Education Center:  English  |  Spanish  |  Somali 
Welcome Letter from Dr. Brandy Logan - Director of Career & Technical Education at Dean Lakes Education Center - Coming Soon!
Welcome Letter from Amanda Jones - Director of Alternative & Online Learning at Dean Lakes Education Center:  English  |  Spanish  |  Somali
Open House Flyer
Picture Day Information - Coming Soon!
At - A - Glance Calendar
Lunch Menu
Enrollment Information for Returning Students
Enrollment Information for New Students

Building Information

Address:

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:

Shakopee Public Schools

Contact Information

Director of Adult Education Programming:

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

Overview

The East Creek Family Center in Chaska, MN hosts the K-6 Reflections Day Treatment program.

Fall Welcome Information

Welcome Letter from Dawn Peterson - Director of Special Services at East Creek Family Center:  English  |  Spanish  | Somali
Tours with new or prospective students can be coordinated through Dawn Peterson. 
Picture Day Information - Coming Soon!
At - A - Glance Calendar
Lunch Menu
Enrollment Information for Returning Students
Enrollment Information for New Students

Building Information

Address:

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:

Eastern Carver County Schools

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

Overview

The East Union Education Center in East Union hosts SouthWest Metro's FOCUS & Oasis programs. 

Fall Welcome Information

Welcome Letter from Kristen Johnson - Director of Special Services at East Union Education Center:  English  |  Spanish  |  Somali
Open House Flyer:  English  |  Spanish  |  Somali
Picture Day Information - Coming Soon!
At - A - Glance Calendar
Lunch Menu - Coming Soon!
Enrollment Information for Returning Students
Enrollment Information for New Students

Building Information

Address:

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:

Eastern Carver County Schools

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

Overview

Elevate Online is 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. 

Elevate 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. 

Fall Welcome Information

Welcome Letter from Amanda Jones - Director of Elevate Online:  English  |  Spanish  |  Somali
Open House Flyer
Picture Day Information - Coming Soon!
At - A - Glance Calendar
Enrollment Information for Returning Students
Enrollment Information for New Students

Building Information

Office Address:

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:

Overview

The River Valley Education Center in Jordan, MN hosts several SouthWest Metro programs including: RISE and Stepping Stones. 

Fall Welcome Information

Welcome Letter from Lauren Witheridge - Director of Special Services at the River Valley Education Center:  English  | Russian  |  Spanish  |  Somali 
Open House Flyer
Picture Day Information - Coming Soon!
At - A - Glance Calendar
Lunch Menu - Coming Soon!
Enrollment Information for Returning Students
Enrollment Information for New Students

Building Information

Address:

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:

Jordan Public Schools

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

Overview

The St. Boni Education Center in St. Bonifacius hosts SouthWest Metro's RISE & Stepping Stones programs. 

Fall Welcome Information

Welcome Letter from Kristen Johnson - Director of Special Services at St. Boni Education Center:  English  |  Spanish  |  Somali
Open House Flyer:  English  |  Spanish  |  Somali
Picture Day Information - Coming Soon!
At - A - Glance Calendar
Lunch Menu - Coming Soon! 
Enrollment Information for Returning Students
Enrollment Information for New Students

Building Information

Address:

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:

Waconia Public Schools

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

Overview

SouthWest Metro partners with Tri-City Public Schools to integrate students into general education classrooms while providing level 3 special education supports. 

Fall Welcome Information

Welcome Letter from Lauren Witheridge - Director of Special Services for TCU Level 3 Special Services programming:  English  | Russian  |  Spanish  |  Somali 
Open House Flyer - Coming Soon!
Picture Day Information - Coming Soon!
At - A - Glance Calendar
Lunch Menu - Coming Soon!
Enrollment Information for Returning Students
Enrollment Information for New Students

Building Information

Address:

Hours: 

Coming Soon!

Nutrition Program:

Tri-City Public Schools

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

Overview

Waseca Central in Waseca, MN hosts a Passages & Transitions program.

Fall Welcome Information

Welcome Letter from District Staff:  English  |  Spanish  | Somali
Conference Flyer
Picture Day Information - Coming Soon!
At - A - Glance Calendar
Lunch Menu 
Enrollment Information for Returning Students
Enrollment Information for New Students

Building Information

Address:

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:

Waseca Public Schools

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

About the Application for Educational Benefits

District families that qualify for public assistance programs may qualify for additional supports or benefits through the school district. Completing the Application for Educational benefits form is the first step in the process.

School Meals

Our school offers healthy meals each day. All students can get one breakfast and one lunch free of charge each day at school. Although no application is required to receive this free meal benefit, filling out the Application for Educational Benefits is still important! It may help your student qualify for additional benefits and help the school qualify for additional education funds to support programming.

Who should complete this application?

Note on Enrollment:

Returning SouthWest Metro families must complete an annual update of student and family contact information in Infinite Campus.
Updated contact information is essential for emergency notifications, weather alerts, and other district updates.
Follow the steps in the guide on SWMetro's enrollment page to complete the annual update. 

Visit our Enrollment Page to complete the annual update

Coming Soon!

It is the responsibility of all students and their parents to become familiar with the policies and expectations of SouthWest Metro Intermediate District 288 as outlined in the handbook.

2025-2026 SouthWest Metro Student Handbook

Student Drivers

SouthWest Metro student drivers are required to complete the form below before driving to school. Once filled out, please return the form directly to your program director.

Student Driver Form - English  Student Driver Form - Spanish  Student Driver Form - Somali  Student Driver Form - Vietnamese

Student Illness Guidelines

View SouthWest Metro's guidance on when students should stay home due to illness. 

Administration of Medication

School personnel can only give medication with the written order of a physician or other licensed prescriber and the written consent of a parent/guardian. Fill out the Authorization of Medication form and return to your building nurse. 

Administration of Medication - English  Administration of Medication - Spanish
Immunization Records

Minnesota schools require certain immunizations to help protect students, staff, and the wider community from preventable diseases. The form below provides information on required vaccines, documentation guidelines, and resources to support compliance with state health regulations.

Immunization Law - English  Immunization Law - Spanish  Immunization Law - Somali

At SouthWest Metro, the safety and security of our students, staff, and visitors is our top priority. The district has developed a School Emergency and Crisis Response Plan which provides a clear framework for managing emergencies across all SWMetro facilities. Developed through a comprehensive review and aligned with national best practices, this plan guides mitigation, preparedness, response, and recovery for both natural and human-caused emergencies.

Key components of the plan include:

• Integration of I Love U Guys, CERT, NIMS, and ICS principles to ensure a standardized, adaptable, and coordinated approach
• Defined roles for the District Crisis Team and building-level teams to manage incidents and protect the well-being of students and staff
• Collaboration with local emergency management officials and first responders
• Ongoing staff training, regular exercises, and continuous evaluation to maintain readiness

Resources for Families

• Standard Response Protocol (SRP) Resources

  • Standard Response Protocol Video for Pre-K - 3rd Grade Students

  • Standard Response Protocol Video for 6 – 12 Grade Students

• Parent and Family Introduction to the SRP - English | Spanish | Somali | Hmong | Russian | Tagalog

Description:

Adult Education Programming - SouthWest Metro Adult Education programs provide an opportunity for adults of any age to gain important life skills and certifications. SouthWest Metro primarily serves the adult populations of Carver and Scott counties located in the southwest suburbs of Minneapolis, MN. All programs are FREE to attend.

Locations:

• Chaska
• Prior Lake
• Shakopee
• Online

Description:

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. 

Locations:

• 401 Education Center in Chaska

Description:

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. 

Locations:

• 401 Education Center in Chaska

Description:

coming soon

Locations:

• 401 Education Center in Chaska
• Dean Lakes Education Center in Shakopee

Description:

Catalyst - Catalyst is an embedded service inside the SouthWest Metro High School that provides support to students with mental and chemical health needs that impact their academic success. While still focused on academics, students participate in a daily group time as well as weekly individual group meetings. Students must be enrolled at SouthWest Metro High School and have a current diagnostic assessment within 12 months.

Location:

• SouthWest Metro High School

Description

Elevate Online - A collaborative K-12 online learning platform that supports all Minnesota students. All of our partner districts are involved in determining course offerings and providing future direction for the program. It is this collaborative vision for students, local districts, online teachers, and parents all working together that has helps our students succeed.

Location:

• Dean Lakes Education Center in Shakopee

Description:

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. 

Locations:

• East Union Education Center in Carver

Description:

New Beginnings - This program is an embedded service inside the SouthWest Metro High School and is a full-time academic program for pregnant and parenting teens under the age of 22 who have not yet reached high school graduation.

Students prepare for a healthy pregnancy and childbirth while obtaining a high school diploma. Students also implement a parenting plan for a healthy attachment with their child or develop a plan for adoption. They acquire independent living skills and create a career plan for self-sufficiency. College credits are also available for qualifying students through PSEO and Career & Technical Education courses. 

• Small class sizes
• On-site child care
• Pregnancy counseling
• Adoption referral
• Individual attention
• Childbirth preparation
• Parenting education
• Early childhood education
• Social services support

Location:

• Dean Lakes Education Center in Shakopee

Description:

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.

Locations:

• 401 Education Center in Chaska
• East Union Education Center in Carver

Description:

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.

Locations:

• 401 Education Center in Chaska
• Waseca Central in Waseca

Description:

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.

Location:

• 401 Education Center in Chaska

Description:

RISE - "Reaching Independence through Structured Environments" serves students in grades K - 8 at our River Valley Education Center in Jordan and students in grades K - 5 at our St. Boni Education Center in St. Bonifacius. RISE is an Autism Spectrum (ASD) program and a Developmental and Cognitive Disabilities (DCD) program.
A referral is needed to enroll in this program. 

Location:

• River Valley Education Center in Jordan
• St. Boni Education Center in St. Bonifacius

Description:

Alternative Learning - SouthWest Metro High School (ALC) is designed to put students first and 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.

Location:

• SouthWest Metro High School

Description:

Stepping Stones - Stepping Stones serves students in grades K - 5 at our River Valley Education Center in Jordan and St. Boni Education Center in St. Bonifacius. Stepping Stones is an Autism Spectrum (ASD) program and an Emotional and Behavioral (EBD) program. 
A referral is needed to enroll in this program. 

Locations:

• River Valley Education Center in Jordan
• St. Boni Education Center in St. Bonifacius

Description:

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. 

Locations:

• 401 Education Center in Chaska
• Buffalo Area Education Center in Buffalo
• Dean Lakes Education Center in Shakopee
• Waseca Central in Waseca