Living

Education

Kandiyohi County and its residents have made a huge commitment to supporting education. In 2017, two local levy referendums were successfully passed in Willmar and New London-Spicer for capital construction of buildings. The county as a whole is served by several school districts with reputations for excellent education. All of our school districts are proud of their impressive showings on the Basic Skills Test and Comprehensive Assessment tests administered by the state of Minnesota.

The wide variety of education opportunities in Kandiyohi County make our area unique. We have nine school districts within our county, one of the best community colleges in Minnesota and plenty of other alternative public and private learning options. One thing they all have in common is their focus on creating innovative, hands-on curriculum.

Many schools have partnered with local businesses to develop unique programs, such as KCEO and Manufacturing & Production (MAP). KCEO is a year-long class for high school juniors and seniors that immerses students into the business world; allowing them to learn by touring over 100 local businesses and even launching a startup of their own. MAP is a new course taught by area experts that introduces manufacturing careers to young talent. Ridgewater College also has an exceptional Customized Training and Continuing Education Program designed to help students and professionals of all ages receive ongoing training in their areas of interest.

To get a better idea of what Kandiyohi County has to offer in the educational realm, take a look below at some of the unique qualities each district or school brings to the region.  Click here to download our educational flyer.

Public Schools

acgc.k12.mn.us

1. Four-day school week (Tuesday-Friday)
2. National Blue Ribbon School for grades K-6
3. College in the Schools program
4.Participant in KCEO program

bold.k12.mn.us

1. Free preschool programs
2. Integrated technology
3. College in the Schools program
4. Growing enrollment

dreamta.org

1. A student-driven, small learning community
2. Hands-on, student-centered approach
3. Project-based learning opportunities focused on life skills
4. College-readiness, career preparedness & civic engagement

kms.k12.mn.us

1. Excellent band & choral departments
2. Adult/Youth enrichment opportunities
3. KMS 4 KIDS
4. KMS Early Childhood Initiative (ECI)

maccray.k12.mn.us

1. Extensive extracurricular activities
2. College in the Schools program
3. Free transportation for surrounding communities
4. Driver’s education during the regular school day

nls.k12.mn.us

1. Participant in KCEO program
2. 4-star Parent Aware Early Childhood Education Program
3. State-of-the-art facilities, fitness center & technology, including robotics
4. Small class sizes

willmar.k12.mn.us

1. High number of course offerings & extracurricular activities
2. Diverse performing arts opportunities
3. Participant in KCEO program
4. Notable student ethnic diversity

Private Schools

cmcschool.org

1. Impressive student to teacher ratios (12:1)
2. Brand new facilities
3. Increasing enrollment
4. Strong performing arts

willmarccs.com

1. Low student to teacher ratios (15:1)
2. Specialized instruction for Elementary students
3. College in the Schools program
4. Foreign language opportunities

Community & Technical College

ridgewater.edu

1. #31 out of 851 in the best Community Colleges in America
2. Job placement over 94%
3. Customized training for business and industry
4. Over 100+ degrees & certificates to explore

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