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High School

SoWashCo Schools has three comprehensive high schools and an alternative learning high school with small class sizes to help students become career and college ready. 

Each school offers a variety of unique opportunities, classes and programs for students in grades 9-12. High school students will continue to gain skills while utilizing already learned techniques that will help them prepare and succeed in their lives after high school.

Contact

Kristine Schaefer
Assistant Superintendent
651-425-6345
kschaef2@sowashco.org

Kristine Schaefer, Assistant Superintendent

High School Curriculum

ERHS Graduation 2021

Each of our high schools provide students with numerous opportunities to help become career and college ready. Course offerings include a range of classes in language arts, math, science and social studies. Elective areas include AFJROTC, art, business, family and consumer sciences, music (band, choir, orchestra), physical education, technology education and world languages.

English Language Arts

Literacy is so much more than the ability to read and write. Students are active creators of information and ideas. English language arts courses in SoWashCo Schools help students develop the skills they need for success in post-secondary education and in life. These skills include critical thinking, listening and the ability to communicate effectively. Further, English language arts in SoWashCo Schools provides students with the opportunity to gain new perspectives and value the experiences of others. Students engage in a wide variety of texts, participate in rich discussions, and collaborate with, and learn from others.

Social Studies

Humans are social beings who interact with each other and the world. The social studies courses in SoWashCo help prepare students to be active and engaged participants in their society and the world around them. Students will be empowered to ask  questions, have thoughtful discussions and learn from current and past events to make the world better for future generations. We embrace diversity and culture so students are prepared to navigate an increasingly global society.

College and career readiness, STEM, CTE and Technology

  • College and career readiness
  • STEM (science, technology, engineering and math)
  • CTE (career and technical education)
  • Technology

Creativity, communication, collaboration and critical thinking are vital to learning. College and career readiness, career and technical education, STEM and other technology courses provide students with an opportunity to build and refine skills for college and career. Active hands-on learning gets students excited about possibilities after high school.

Math

Math is a universal language across the world.  It is everywhere - from the patterns on the wings of butterflies to our favorite family recipe. We help students develop mathematical thinking as well as the skills necessary to be successful in math. Even more importantly, math builds essential life skills such as problem-solving, analysis and spatial skills. Math also provides students with a deeper understanding of the world around them through science and the arts. Students will be prepared to design solutions for the jobs that haven’t even been created yet.

Physical Education and Health

Physical education and health are part of each student’s education in SoWashCo Schools. Physical education helps build student motor skills, heart and muscle strength. But most importantly, it provides opportunities for team building, collaboration and cooperation with others. Health education helps students better understand physical, emotional, and mental health and its impact on our bodies. Students learn how to maintain healthy habits and where to go for support.

Fine Arts

The arts are a vital celebration of personal creativity. Students are encouraged to find their artistic passion, whether it be in music, theatre, dance, food or the visual arts. Research shows that participating in the arts boosts academic achievement, collaboration, and social-emotional growth and well-being.

Science

Science in SoWashCo Schools provides students with the opportunity to see how things work - from ecosystems to human-designed machines. We embrace critical thinking and opportunities for students to study scientific mysteries and to design solutions. The future is in the hands of our students and we want them ready for it.

World Languages

Our communities, and our world, are more diverse than ever. The ability to communicate in more than one language has never been more important. Being fluent in several languages opens doors to a world of possibilities in all careers and helps bring communities together. We celebrate our students who are learning a second, third, or even fourth language. A better understanding of language, translates to a better understanding of other cultures and people. 

 

Most colleges and universities require students to have earned two years credit in a global language at the high school level, and our students are well prepared for that requirement. Global language offerings begin in middle school in addition to our Spanish immersion program for students in grades K-12. We also offer the opportunity for students to earn college credit through the Seal of Biliteracy from the State of Minnesota. The Seal of Biliteracy is the recognition of a student’s linguistic strengths. The Seal appears on student transcripts and provides college credit through the MInnesota State Colleges and Universities (MNSCU) system.

High Schools

Profile of a Graduate

A Profile of a Graduate is a collective vision that articulates our community’s aspirations for our students. 

In developing our Portrait of a Graduate, SoWashCo Schools considered the following:

  • What are our hopes, aspirations, and dreams that our community has for our young people?

  • What are the skills and habits of mind that our children need for success in this rapidly changing and complex world?

  • What are the implications for the learning experiences we provide in our school systems?