About West

How did WEST begin?
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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Who is the WEST Staff?
Sheri Simmer, Julie Monseth, Carla Hausladen, Robin Fraser
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Why should I attend WEST?
Enrolling in WEST allows your student more interaction in a caring, Christian academic setting with WEST staff, tutors and other learners. It provides a classroom experience. You are able to give your student the opportunity to learn a subject in a group situation. WEST offers junior and senior high home school students community in and out of the classroom.
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How do I register my student?
Go to www.westclasses.com and print off the registration/medical/liability forms. Fill them out completely and mail with fees to 223 Cherrywood Ave NW St. Michael, MN 55376. You will receive confirmation approximately two weeks prior to classes beginning.
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Where do I mail in my registration?
223 Cherrywood Ave NW St. Michael, MN 55376.
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May I Register the First Day of Classes?
Yes. Any first day walk-ins are welcome! Walk-ins will complete registration forms and payments. However, students will attend classes the second week due to administrative processing and tutor notification.
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Why can’t you process my registration without an email address?
Email reduces our communication costs. It is also the most efficient form of communication, especially with time sensitive material.
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What are parents responsible for?
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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Why do I have to write separate checks out to individual tutors?
Tutors are independently hired by the home educating parents. They are not employees of WEST.
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Why do I have to pay a family registration fee?
The WEST annual registration fee helps to pay for rent, insurance and administrative costs.
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How long do you hold my checks before cashing them?
The checks to the tutors will be given the first day of classes unless otherwise noted. The WEST Registration Fee check may be cashed as early as August 1st.
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Does WEST have a payment plan?
Yes. Tuition can be paid in full or in two payments.
Option 1:
Pay in full at time of registration.
Option 2:
Pay $100 down payment per class. Remaining balance due two weeks prior to first class.

Please contact WEST Staff to make arrangements at billing.west@gmail.com or 763-227-6700.
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Is there a late fee when registering for classes?
Yes. If you register after the deadline there is a $10 per class late fee. The deadline is approximately two weeks prior to the start of classes. The registration forms will communicate the exact date of late registration.
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Do I get money back if I withdraw my student?

Before Registration Closes:
1. One time annual registration fee of $45 is non-refundable
2. WEST families registered for more than one class and drop a class, pay a $25 fee per class dropped.
3. Family that is dropping all classes at WEST pays an $80 fee per class.

After Registration Closes:
1. One time annual registration fee of $45 is non-refundable
2. $80 non-refundable fee per class registration.

After Classes Begin:
1. $50.00 refund to WEST students who withdraw within 24 hours after the second day of classes.
2. Withdrawal later than above requires no refund.
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Are my expenses at WEST tax deductible?
Yes on Minnesota. No on Federal.
See: “Take Credit for Education” in your Minnesota Dept. of Revenue Booklet. Minnesota allows a subtraction or credit for certain educational expenses. If you student meets Minnesota’s requirements, and depending on your family’s income level, the tutoring expenses you 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 biographies 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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What is a 501 ( c ) 3 Non-Profit?
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 WEST.
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Where are the classes held?
22 North Main Street, St, Michael, MN – next to the Catholic school
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What time do the classes run?
Session 1: 8:30-10:00 a.m.; Session 2: 10:00-11:30; Lunch: 11:30-12:00.; Session 3: 12:00-1:30 p.m.; Session 4: 1:30-3:00 p.m.; Session 5: 3:00-4:00 p.m.
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What are the class sizes?
WEST class sizes range between 5 and 25 students. This is determined between the tutors and WEST staff.
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Are WEST classes accredited?
No. WEST is not a school or an accrediting organization. Most courses earn a half or full high school credit. The parent’s are responsible for determining credits earned and then placing them on a transcript.
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Does WEST provide transcripts?
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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Will my student receive a report card?
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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Can WEST guarantee my child’s educational success?
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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How do I choose which class(es) are best for my student?
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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How many classes should I choose?
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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Do classes cancel?
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 rigth to cancel classes if student numbers are low. Cancellation date will be two weeks prior to the beginning of the WEST start date. Families/student/s will be notified by email.
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Can I enroll my student in a class that is outside of his/her grade level?
Choosing a class outside of your child’s grade level is possible. Tutor approval is required prior to registration.
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Can I withdraw my student from a class?
Yes. It is up to the parents to register and withdraw their students as they are the final authority.
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Will WEST add classes to the schedule?
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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Is there a study hall?
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.
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How does WEST choose tutors for parents to hire?
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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Does WEST have substitute tutors?
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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How do I contact my tutor?
You will need to ask your tutor for their contact information either at the Open House in July or at some point on a WEST class day.
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What are tutors responsible for?
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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Attendance

What happens when my student misses a class?
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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How will WEST families be notified of a closing?
WEST cancellation of classes due to bad weather will follow the St.Michael/Albertville school distrcit closing. 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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How will students make up missed classes due to inclement weather?
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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What is the responsibility of the student?
Students must 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.
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DROP OFF / PICK UP AND PARKING

How do I drop off my student(s)?
Drive into the parking lot, go around the cars, stop in front of the WEST building, have your student(s) exit and pull away – always watching for students and others in the parking lot for safety.
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When do I pick up my student(s)?
Pick up your student(s) no later than 10 minutes after their class(es) is over. The last pickup time for the day is 4:10 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.
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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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Where do I park?
All students and families must park on the street – NOT in the parking lot. There is parking on Ash Street, First Street, Dominoes and Thrifty Drug parking lots.
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Contact Information

How do I get a hold of WEST Staff?
thedirector.west@gmail.com or 763-227-6700. In an emergency situation use the phone number 763-227-6700. Please DO NOT contact the Catholic Church.
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Are visitors welcome at WEST?
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. 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:
a. Unregistered friends or relatives are not welcome to attend with your student unless prior arrangements have been made with WEST Staff.
b. Other unrecognized people in our rented space will be asked to leave immediately and reported to police if unwilling to depart.
c. Parents must check in with the on-site director for the purpose of visiting a classroom or touring the building.
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Lost and Found

Where will miscellaneous items be kept between class days?
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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