Welcome to GFW Public Schools where we foster lifelong learners in a caring environment.

GFW Public Schools teaches 21st century skills using evidence based strategies to ensure high achievement for all learners. All students have access to 1:1 devices and a learning management system (SeeSaw or Schoology) to differentiate and enhance their learning.

We believe all students have the ability to achieve at a high level. Please take time to learn more about our programs and how we serve our students.

The Teaching & Learning Department is focused on increasing student achievement through effective teaching. GFW Public Schools works with administrators and teachers on staff development, graduation standards, coordinated curriculum, assessment and effective teaching practices. The goal is for each student to have an appropriate, consistent, coordinated and challenging educational program that prepares them to grow into future world class leaders.

• Diversity, Equity and Inclusion

• Comprehensive Achievement and Civic Readiness

• Reading Well by Third Grade

• Title I

• ARP ESSER III Spending Plan Reporting

• Minnesota Department of Education

• Restorative Practices

• 2024-25 Literacy Plan

• 2024-25 Assessment Calendar

The purpose of the Achievement and Integration (A&I) for Minnesota program is to pursue racial and economic integration, increase student achievement, create equitable educational opportunities, and reduce academic disparities based on students’ diverse racial, ethnic, and economic backgrounds in Minnesota public schools.

• GFW Achievement and Integration Plan 2023-2026

• 2023-24 Achievement and Integration Progress Report

Multi-Tiered System of Supports (MTSS) uses evidence and assessments to match instruction and interventions to personalize the needs of each learner. Used school-wide, this data-driven and prevention-based process improves learning outcomes for every student. MTSS includes social and emotional learning and support. 

The critical elements of MTSS is a detailed description of how to successfully implement the essential components of MTSS. 

The critical elements are:

• Effective leadership that makes connections among MTSS, School Improvement Plans (SIP)

• Alignment to policies and procedures within the classroom, building, grade level, departments and district

• Efficient use of problem-solving to support planning, implementation and evaluation of effectiveness

• Positive, continual collaboration among staff, students and families to ensure successful student outcomes

• Comprehensive, efficient and easy-to-use data systems that support decision-making

• Availability of coaching to assist school staff with problem-solving 

• Data-driven professional development that aligns with student goals and staff needs

• Sharing successful outcomes and opportunities for growth with students, staff and families 

Postsecondary Enrollment Options (PSEO) is a program that allows students in grade 10-12 to earn both high school and college credit while still in high school, through enrollment in and successful completion of college nonsectarian courses at eligible participating postsecondary institutions. Most PSEO courses are offered on the campus of the postsecondary institution with some courses offered online.

Each participating college or university sets its own admissions requirements for enrollment into the PSEO courses. Eleventh and 12th-grade students may take PSEO courses on a full- or part-time basis; 10th graders are eligible to enroll in PSEO on a more limited basis (see note below). Students must meet the PSEO residency and eligibility requirements and abide by participation limits specified in Minnesota Statutes, section 124D.09. If a school district determines a pupil is not on track to graduate, she/he may continue to participate in PSEO on a term by term basis.

By March 1 of each year, or three weeks prior to the date a student registers for courses for the following school year (whichever is earlier), schools must provide PSEO information to all students in grades 8-11 and their families. To assist the district in planning, a student must inform the district by May 30 of each year of their intent to enroll in postsecondary courses during the following school year.

There is no charge to PSEO students for tuition, books or fees for items that are required to participate in a course; however, students may incur fees for equipment that becomes their property when the course or program is completed, textbooks that are not returned to the postsecondary institution according to their policies, or for tuition costs if they do not notify the district by May 30 and the district does not waive this date requirement.

Funds are available to help pay transportation expenses for qualifying students to participate in PSEO courses on college campuses. For more information on these funds, access the PSEO Mileage Reimbursement Program Instructions.

Enrolling in a PSEO course does not prohibit a student from participating in activities sponsored by the high school.

School districts must allow a PSEO student reasonable access to the high school building, computers and/or other technology resources during regular school hours to participate in PSEO courses, whether on-line or on campus.

Each year, districts must publish their grade-weighting policy on their website, including a list of courses for which students can earn weighted grades.

All courses taken through the PSEO program must meet graduation requirements. Districts must transcript credits earned in PSEO by a ratio prescribed in statute. Districts have the authority to decide which subject area and standards the PSEO course meets. If there is a dispute between the district and the student regarding the number of credits granted for a particular course, the student may appeal the board's decision to the commissioner. The commissioner's decision regarding the number of credits will be final.

Postsecondary institutions are required to allow PSEO students to enroll in online courses consistent with the institution’s policy regarding postsecondary student enrollment in online courses.

Tenth-grade students may initially enroll in one Career and Technical Education (CTE) PSEO course if they receive a reading proficiency score of “meets” or “exceeds” on the 8th grade MCA. If 10th graders taking a CTE PSEO course earn at least a grade C in that class, they may take additional postsecondary courses. If the student did not take the MCA in 8th-grade, another reading assessment accepted by the enrolling postsecondary institution can be substituted. For students with disabilities, there is an alternative option to demonstrate reading proficiency.

For current information about the PSEO program, visit the Minnesota Department of Education’s Postsecondary Enrollment Options (PSEO) webpage.