FAQs

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WEST class sizes range between 5 and 25 students. This is determined between the Tutors and WEST Team.

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No - WEST is not a school or an accrediting organization. Most classes earn a half or full high school credit. The parents are responsible for determining credits earned and then placing them on a transcript.

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No - Transcripts are the responsibility of the primary educational institution. This is the parent’s responsibility in the home school setting.

Contact WEST Executive Director for transcript consulting thedirector.west@gmail.com

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No - WEST is not a school. Each Tutor communicates student progress based on what they witness in the classroom and homework.Parents are the ultimate authority in grade assignment.

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The parent and student need to choose classes based on family choice. Depending on your student’s and families interests and needs – you will find plenty of classes to choose from at WEST.

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WEST offers many class sessions. You may register for a class each session or pick just one. Review the schedule and see what fits your needs. We are happy to host your student at any point in the week.

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Yes!  There are some classes at WEST that can follow a sequence. These are noted in the course descriptions on the Class Registration matrix. Most classes can be taken in any sequence at any time as well.

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WEST strives for every class to fill and run each semester and works hard to meet the minimum number of students per class. It is our goal to provide a quality educational experience for your student/s. WEST is able to run classes when families/students register themselves and share WEST with others who register. WEST reserves the right to cancel classes if student numbers are low. Families/student/s will be notified by email if a class will be cancelled.

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Possibly. WEST is always looking for potential Tutors and subject areas. If you or you know of someone who might be interested in tutoring at WEST, please submit an application

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Yes. The room is for students waiting for another class. It is a place to build friendships, play games, snack, study and help out the WEST Team. It is NOT a silent room. We hold this space for students as a gift, giving up classroom space for a Tutor.

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No, students do not have access to Wi-Fi at WEST under any circumstances.

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Yes, on Tuesdays and Wednesdays

There is no lunch period on Thursdays - students may eat in class with tutor permission

Lunch is COLD

There is no access to a refrigerator or microwave
WEST recommends students pack lunches in cooler type bag with name clearly marked on it

Students eat lunch in classrooms/areas within building
Students may eat outside on the designated grass area of north parking lot 

Wrappers, bags, water bottles, etc need to be cleaned up after eating
Students can get distracted in conversation and walk away from their lunch garbage - review and remind them to throw away all of their garbage from lunch

Due to possible peanut/tree nut allergies, leave all nut foods and spreads at home

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It is possible that students who attend WEST may have a peanut/tree nut allergy. 

WEST asks students and families to be aware of this when packing lunches, etc. 

Be mindful and leave any nut items at home...including Nutella or other nut spreads.

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WEST conducts multiple interviews with each possible Tutor, reviews credentials, and seeks Tutors who are supportive of home education. WEST also makes reference calls and background checks on all Tutors. Because the Tutors are not employees of WEST, we cannot guarantee their performance. WEST and the Tutors desire a positive working relationship with each other and WEST families.

Refer to WEST Tutor page to read each Tutor's biography.

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Yes. Your student's Tutor may hire a substitute. Each substitute goes through a background check, interview and reference check. If a class must be cancelled, the Tutors will communicate all necessary information effectively.

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Yes on Minnesota. No on Federal.

Go to MN Department of Revenue website and search “Qualifying Home School Expenses for K-12 Education Subtraction and Credit”. Minnesota allows a subtraction or credit for certain educational expenses. If your student meets Minnesota’s requirements, and depending on your family’s income level, the tutoring expenses at WEST might qualify for a credit or subtraction on your Minnesota Return.

The Tutor must be a qualified instructor by Minnesota Department of Revenue definition. That would include a licensed teacher or a person with any baccalaureate. Review the Tutor's biographies on the WEST website to see if  s/he qualifies. Even is the class qualifies as an educational expense, the actual deductibility or eligibility for credit will depend on your individual tax circumstances.

THIS GENERAL INFORMATION DOES NOT CONSTITUTE TAX OR LEGAL ADVICE. IF YOU HAVE ANY FURTHER QUESTIONS, PLEASE CONTACT THE MINNESOTA DEPARTMENT OF REVENUE OR YOUR PERSONAL CPA.

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This classification allows any donations (not tuition) you want to make to WEST tax deductible. WEST is always excited to receive any donations for the betterment of students.

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No - WEST is not a school or individualized tutoring service. Parents of home schooled children are the final authority in their success. WEST comes alongside and supports the home educated process.