Education

Willmar Public Schools and New London-Spicer Public Schools serve the majority of the students within Kandiyohi County while the other communities have consolidated with cities and towns outside of the county. The elementary schools for grades K-6 provide a solid educational base for all students at each grade level. Students who would benefit from additional resources can take part in enrichment and intervention classes including orchestra and band, foreign language instruction, physical education, technology and art. Students have access to a full scope of Special Education and English as a Second Language classes.

Offerings at the junior high school level include core programs in math, science and social studies as well as accelerated programs and special needs programming. The broadest curricular resources in the region are available to students at the senior high schools with over 150 different class options. The schools offer advance placement courses, community/technical college classes, college preparation classes and post secondary enrollment options. Students are encouraged to become involved in extra-curricular activities which include academics, athletics and fine arts.

Learn more about the Willmar Public School District by watching this video.

HIGHER EDUCATION

Ridgewater College is a two-year community college and technical college with fully transferable general education courses combined with technical programs leading to immediate employment upon completion. Ridgewater College serves more than 5,500 students on its campuses in the growing communities of Willmar and Hutchinson, Minnesota, and offers more than 100 educational programs. Small class sizes, up-to-date technology, and access to many student activities and organizations give students the opportunity to enjoy a positive college experience. Ridgewater continues to strive to be recognized as an educational leader that exemplifies innovation and excellence within a student-centered learning environment and to provide quality learning opportunities for students in accessible, affordable, and supportive settings.

Ridgewater College
www.ridgewater.edu
(320) 222-5200

PUBLIC CHARTER SCHOOL

Charter schools employ licensed teachers, offer services to special needs students and require students to take state and national tests to assure academic accountability. They do not charge tuition and there are no admission requirements to enroll students in charter schools. Dream Technical Academy’s mission is to provide innovative educational opportunities through Project-Based Learning and develop career pathways for young adults in partnership with the private and public sector. The vision of the school is to foster competencies, creativity, confidence and purpose resulting in successful leaders and citizens in the future.

Dream Technical Academy School at MinnWest Technology Campus in Willmar
7-12th Grade
www.dreamta.org
(320) 262-5640

PRIVATE SCHOOLS

Parents also have the choice of enrolling their children in Christian value based education at the two private schools in the area. As an extension of the Christian home, each school partners with parents and the churches to produce young leaders that will have a positive impact on the world around them.