The
School Program
Heartland Ranch School works in cooperation with the SW/WC
Service Cooperative and Benson Public Schools to provide
education for the residents of Heartland Girls’
Ranch, a private non-profit group home licensed by the
Department of Corrections.
Faculty
The Heartland Ranch School is an MDE accredited educational
setting staffed by both regular and special education
certified teachers.
Curriculum
Classes are offered for both junior high and senior high
levels. Subjects include the core areas of English, math,
science, and social studies, as well as classes to build
skills in the areas of job readiness. Strong emphasis is
placed on improving basic skills, securing credits needed
for graduation and passing the Minnesota Basic Standards
Tests/MCA's. A primary goal is to prepare the girls to be
successful in future learning whether it is upon re-entry
to their previous school, or at a post-secondary setting.
Community
Involvement
As part of the work-based learning class, students have the
opportunity to work in the school run business of “In
Stitches ~ The Heartland School Embroidery Shop”.
Classroom Size
Small classroom sizes are maintained to best meet student
needs. Average student to teacher ratio is 6:1.
Behavioral Model
Our behavior modification program is directly tied to the
ranch program. This means that the students' behavior and
completion of assignments are tied to all activities and
privileges. Additionally, the teachers are supported by
case managers to deal with issues that are beyond the scope
of the academic program.
Location
We are a self-contained school located within the Benson
Junior-Senior High School. Our location makes it possible
to provide for transitioning to a mainstream setting.
Residents earn access to mainstream classes based upon
behavior and school progress.
School Year
Heartland Ranch School has a 7 period day with classes
meeting 50 minutes each. The school year is divided into
two semesters and each semester has two quarters. Grades
and credits (.25 per passing class each quarter) are given
at the end of each quarter. Fees for educational services
are billed by the school district to the child's home
school district.
Over the years, the ranch school has become an integral
part of the Ranch Program, where education and therapy
happen simultaneously.
Links:
Southwest/West Central Service
Cooperatives
Benson Public Schools
