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In 2009, a number of home school parents gathered to design a corporate, Christian, educational setting that assists home educated junior/senior high school students and families. WEST desires to help facilitate home education with a range of core and supplemental courses. Students must be registered with their school district as a home educated student. WEST is a 501( c ) 3 non-profit organization.

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A:

Robin Fraser, Director

Robin desires to support homeschoolers as they seek to teach and influence as well as love and empower their children.   As a homeschooler herself, Robin sees the need for homeschooling families to have options within schooling at home.  Opening the doors of WEST has been a long time vision of Robin’s.  She is excited to use her leadership experience and skill set at WEST.

Robin holds a degree in education – has taught in the inner-city public schools at the middle/junior high level.  In 1993 Robin won the Sallie Mae First Class Teacher of the Year Award for Wisconsin.  She has also served as an inner-city youth director, has worked in the corporate world and has served in church:  council member/teacher/ministry lead and more.

Robin is a home educator of 12 years.  She is the founder of a homeschool coop, co-founder of WEST and has recently finished two years of schooling to earn certification as a Spiritual Director.

Robin’s heart is to engage, encourage and empower parents and students in a variety of ways – one being WEST.

Kathy Hanson, WEST Office Assistant

Kathy began homeschooling when she and her two daughters wanted to spend the year touring with her musician husband. That was nine years ago! They enjoyed homeschooling so much that they never went back.

Kathy graduated from the University of Minnesota with an Elementary Education degree. She spent 8 years teaching kindergarten in St. Louis Park prior to moving to northern Minnesota to help develop an Outdoor Education program at Camp Shamineau. This was a perfect pairing of Kathy’s love for teaching & students with a love of the great outdoors.

Kathy, her husband Joel, and two girls live on a hobby farm in Greenfield where they share their lives with 5 goats, 15 chickens, 2 cats and one dog. They are passionate about growing things not only in the ground but also in people. They love gathering groups to worship, mentoring young musicians & families, and providing space for others to slow down and listen.

Kathy loves watching the friendships and relationships that develop at WEST and she is excited to be a part helping WEST serve homeschooling families.

Julie Monseth, Registrar

Julie Monseth has been homeschooling her boys for the past 15 years.   She loves being part of the WEST team and believes strongly in the mission of WEST to support families in their homeschool journey.

Julie graduated from Northwestern College in Roseville,  MN with a degree in Elementary Education.  She spent 5 years as a Program Director for adults with Developmental disabilities.  In 1998, Julie and her husband Nathan moved to Dubai, United Arab Emirates to help start up an international school.  After three years of the expat life and the birth of their third son, they moved back to the US and have been settled in the community of St. Michael for the past 17 years.   Julie has owned her own piano studio for 18 years and enjoys sharing her love of music.

Julie has been in a variety of leadership roles in her homeschool coop, and has also remained active in her local church with a passion for seeing woman come to know Jesus more intimately through the study of His Word.   Julie and her husband live in St. Michael with their five boys.

Julie Burkstrand, Treasurer

Julie Burkstrand has been a part of the homeschooling community since the year 2000.  She is pleased to join the WEST team and hopes to encourage fellow homeschoolers in their journey.

After graduating from Bemidji State University, Julie worked as an exercise consultant for 5 years at a local health club, before leaving that position to be a stay at home mom. She and her husband, Todd, have four children and have made their home in Osseo, MN for the past 27 years.

Julie has served in a variety of roles in her community, church, and homeschool co-op, the latest of which has been on the leadership board as treasurer for the past 9 years.

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Pam Kilsdonk, Karen Heuer, Tammy Sundby

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• Enrolling in WEST allows your student more interaction in a caring, Christian academic setting with WEST staff, tutors and other learners
• WEST offers students quality instruction and excellent tutors in a classroom situation
• Attending classes at WEST provides your student the opportunity to learn a subject in an engaging, hands-on group situation
• Junior and senior high home school students receive community in and out of the classroom at WEST
• Student’s work and effort is highlighted each semester in a WEST Showcase experience
• On campus events are planned for and by WEST students
• Registration and payment is made easy at WEST with on-line registration
• Workshops, testing, curriculum sale and other special events occur at WEST

Q:

A:

1. Go to www.westclasses.com
2. Request membership
3. Complete required fields of registration
4. Pay $45.00 annual registration fee
5. Wait for WEST confirmation email
6. Log in to website with username and password
7. Click on Class Registration tab
8. Begin registration process following prompts
9. Pay on-line for classes
    (If need to pay by check, payment must be received within 72 hours via mail or registration will be deleted)
    (If paying by check, write one check out for total tuition fees. 
     Note in memo which classes and what students are being registered)

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If paying by check, not on-line, mail to:  223 Cherrywood Ave NW St. Michael, MN 55376.

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Yes. Any first day walk-ins are welcome! Walk-ins will complete on-line registration forms and payments. However, students will attend classes the second week due to administrative processing and tutor notification.

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Email reduces our communication costs. It is also the most efficient form of communication, especially with time sensitive material and on-line registration and payment.

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Parents are primarily responsible for supervision of and assistance with coursework and final assignment of grades. This is necessary in order to qualify under the state guidelines as a home school. The parents and students are responsible to communicate with the tutor regarding any missed work or tests. Parents are responsible to have students arrive on time and be picked up promptly. Late pick up will be charged $15 due prior to next class day.

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The WEST annual registration fee helps to pay for rent, insurance, marketing, administrative and other costs.

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Checks written to WEST for registration and/or tuition payments can be deposited at any time.  If you need to make different arrangements, please contact registrar.west@gmail.com or billing.west@gmail.com 

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Yes. All registration and/or tuition payments made with cash will require coordination with the WEST Treasurer atbilling.west@gmail.com.  All cash payments must be made in person by an adult (not a student) to the WEST Treasurer. A signature is needed by the paying adult on the WEST Cash Payment Form for record keeping purposes.

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Q:

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Yes.
If you register after the deadline there is a $10 per class late fee.
The deadline is approximately two to three weeks prior to the start of classes.
Please check website registration for detailed dates per semester.
The registration process will communicate the exact date of late registration.

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General Registration up to Late Registration Date (June to August 15)

1. One time annual registration fee of $45 is non-refundable
2. WEST families registered for classes and drop a class, pay a $25 fee per class dropped.

Late Registration and Before Classes Begin (August 16 to Start of Classes, see website for first day of classes date)

1. One time annual registration fee of $45 is non-refundable
2. $80 non-refundable fee per class registration.
   • NOTE: $25 non-refundable fee for classes that run eight weeks or less with tuition under $100

After Classes Begin:

1. If withdrawing from classes that are a semester long, a $50.00 refund to WEST students who withdraw within 24 hours after the second day of classes.
2. If withdrawing from classes that are less than a semester long, a $50 refund is applicable if withdrawl takes place within 24 hours after the first day of classes  
   • NOTE: $40 non-refundable fee for classes that run eight weeks or less with tuition under $100
3. Withdrawal later than above requires no refund.

Please contact WEST to discuss other payment arrangements billing.west@gmail.com or registrar.west@gmail.com 

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Yes.

If your student is on a wait list no payment is required at this time.
If paying with check - don't include amount of wait list class tuition in check.
To avoid wait list payment if using on-line payment: Add to cart all classes except the wait list class then pay via Paypal. Next, log back in to register for classes, register for wait list class and make no payment for that class.

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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 your tutor 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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10925 Trail Haven Road Rogers, MN 55374 - Faith Family Life Center (FFLC)

9251 Elm Creek Blvd N Maple Grove, MN 55369 - Maple Grove Lutheran Church

Please DO NOT call the churches regarding WEST.  WEST contact information is thedirector.west@gmail.com or 763-227-6700.

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Tuesdays in Rogers

Session 1:  9;00-10:30

Session 2:  10:30-12:00

Wednesday in Rogers

Session 1: 8:30-10:00 a.m.
Session 2: 10:00-11:30 a.m.
Lunch: 11:30-12:00 p.m.
Session 3: 12:00-1:30 p.m.
Session 4: 1:30-3:00 p.m.
Session 5: 3:00-4:15 p.m.

Mondays & Tuesdays in Maple Grove
see current class schedule for times in Maple Grove

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WEST class sizes range between 5 and 25 students. This is determined between the tutors and WEST staff.

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No.
WEST is not a school or an accrediting organization. Most courses 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.

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No.
WEST is not a school. Each tutor decides on how they will communicate student progress. These usually come in the form of a progress update/evaluation. The parents are the ultimate authority in grade assignment.

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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.

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The parent and student need to choose classes based on family need. For example, if you desire a corporate learning environment in science then WEST is the place for you! Choir would be another option to register for as that can only occur with a group of students. 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 has five sessions in a day. You may register for a class each session of the day or pick one, two, three, four or five classes for the day. Review the schedule and see what fits your needs. We are happy to host your student at any point in the day.

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WEST strives for every class to fill and run each semester. It is our goal to provide a quality educational experience for your student/s. WEST is be 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. Cancellation date will be approximately two weeks prior to the beginning of the WEST start date. Families/student/s will be notified by email.

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Choosing a class outside of your child’s grade level is possible. Tutor approval is required prior to registration.

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Yes. It is up to the parents to register and withdraw their students as they are the final authority.

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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 a request for application at applications.west@gmail.com

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WEST does not have a study hall at this time. If the need arises we will be happy to provide such a service for a minimal fee. However, there are quiet rooms available for students and families on first come first serve basis.  These rooms are to remain quiet.

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Yes!  There are a number of classes at WEST that follow a track.  This is a guideline and a most common order but some classes can be taken in any sequence at any time as well.
 

Click here for our current class track at WEST.

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WEST conducts multiple interviews with each possible tutor reviews credentials and seek 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.

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Yes. Your 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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You will need to ask your tutor for their contact information either at the Open House or at some point on a WEST class day.

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The tutors at WEST are responsible for teaching concepts in a classroom setting. All content taught will be within the framework of Biblical worldview. Tutors will communicate with parents regarding lesson plans. Tutors will assign all homework necessary for the courses to be complete. Tutors will provide in-class tests for subjects where content needs to be mastered through memory rather than performance and a final evaluation at the end of the semester.

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The first step is to simply contact your student’s tutor/s via email or phone and let them know.
You may also contact WEST at thedirector.west@gmail.com or 763-227-6700 if need be

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The student is responsible to communicate with the tutor and collect class information from the tutor and/or classmates. The tutor will not re-teach the lesson to your student.

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WEST cancellation of classes due to bad weather will follow the Rogers/Elk River school distrcit closing for our Rogers location and the Osseo/Maple Grove school district closing for the Maple Grove location. Check your radio and television postings. WEST will also send out an email notification. Our goal is to be open every class day if possible.

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There will be no make-up days due to weather-related problems. In the case of a class cancellation of your tutor, s/he will contact you with necessary assignments for making up the missed lesson. Typically, a substitute will be present.

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Students must know their class schedule, get to class, arrive promptly and come prepared for class. Students are to complete the course work. Students must comply with WEST’s Code of Conduct. Students are to be attentive in class and understand that participation at WEST is a privilege, not a right. Students may be dismissed for disruptive behavior at any time.

Q:

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TBD

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Pick up your student(s) no later than 10 minutes after their class/es is over. The last pickup time for the day is 4:25 p.m. Students that are not picked up at that time will incur a late pick up fee of $15 paid to WEST prior to attending the next class day. This fee will be due each and every time a student is picked up late.

Mail payment to 223 Cherrywood Ave NW St. Michael, MN 55376 or bring to WEST Office before attending class.

Late Pick Up Fee:

Students that are not picked up within 10 minutes of their class end time will incur a late pick up fee of $15 paid to WEST prior to attending the next class day. This fee will be due each and every time a student is picked up late.

Mail payment to 223 Cherrywood Ave NW St. Michael, MN 55376 or bring to WEST Office before attending class.

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A:

All students and families must park on the north side of the parking lot at Faith Family Life Center (FFLC) - the south side of the parking lot is reserved for church staff and attendees.

Q:

A:

thedirector.west@gmail.com or 763-227-6700. In an emergency situation use the phone number 763-227-6700.

Please DO NOT contact Maple Grove Lutheran or Jesus People Church

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A:

Yes. Parents and potential students/tutors are welcome to visit the campus and classrooms. Permission is required through thedirector.west@gmail.com or 763-227-6700 at least 3 days prior to visit with permission forms completed for minors. Visitors must first check in at the WEST office with the on-sire director before touring.

For the safety of those within our rented space:

1. Unregistered friends or relatives are not welcome to attend with your student unless prior arrangements have been made with WEST Staff.
2. Other unrecognized people in our rented space will be asked to leave immediately and reported to police if unwilling to depart.
3. Parents must check in with the on-site director for the purpose of visiting a classroom or touring the building.

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A:

Lost items will be kept in the WEST office. The student may check with the on-site director to retrieve lost items the next class day or by contacting thedirector.west@gmail.com or calling 763-227-6700. At the end of the year, any unclaimed items will be donated to a local charity.

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A:

WEST desires to foster community within the northwestern suburbs of the Metro area as well as the homeschool population.  WEST supports the homeschool community through a classified section on our website, www.westclasses.com.

WEST will take into consideration all advertisements presented by outside resources.

WEST will make decisions on advertisements based on the following:

• Appropriate content
• Respectful presentation
• Reliable organization
• Applicable to WEST populace

To place an advertisement with WEST, the following will occur:

• Submit advertisement to thedirector.west@gmail.com
• Upon approval, the advertisement will be posted on the website www.westclasses.com and/or bulletin board for one school year
• Review of advertisement will be done one time a year
• Advertisements will be added periodically
• WEST has the final authority and the right to approve/disapprove, accept or deny, add or remove any advertisement at any time
• Any advertising approved by WEST is not necessarily endorsed by WEST but simply a venue for communications

WEST provides the www.westclasses.com as a service to homeschoolers.

WEST is not responsible for, and expressly disclaims all liability for, damages of any kind arising out of use, reference to, or reliance on any information contained within the site. While the information contained within the site is periodically updated, no guarantee is given that the information provided in this Web site is correct, complete, and up-to-date.

Although WEST’s Web site may include links providing direct access to other Internet resources, including Web sites, WEST is not responsible for the accuracy or content of information contained in these sites.

Links from WEST to third-party sites do not constitute an endorsement by WEST of the parties or their products and services. The appearance on the Web site of advertisements and product or service information does not constitute an endorsement by WEST, and WEST has not investigated the claims made by any advertiser. Product information is based solely on material received from suppliers.

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A:

Yes. The lunch period is held from 11:30 am - 12:00 pm on Wednesdays in Rogers
There is no lunch period on Mondays or Tuesdays in Maple Grove

Lunch is COLD

There is a refrigerator available to store lunches but space is limited
WEST recommends students pack lunches in cooler type bag with name clearly marked on it

Students eat lunch in designated classrooms/areas within building
Students may eat outside on the north end of the building

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 - please review and remind them to throw away all of their garbage from lunch

Due to possible peanut allergies, leave peanut foods at home

Q:

A:

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

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

Please be mindful and leave peanut items at home.