PSEO

Postsecondary Enrollment Options (PSEO) is a program that allows 10th-, 11th- and 12th-grade students to earn both high school and college credit while still in high school, through enrollment in and successful completion of college-level, nonsectarian courses at eligible participating postsecondary institutions. Most PSEO courses are offered on the campus of the postsecondary institution; some courses are offered online. Each participating college or university sets its own requirements for enrollment into the PSEO courses. 11th and 12th-grade students may take PSEO courses on a full- or part-time basis; 10th graders may take one career/technical PSEO course. If they earn at least a grade C in that class, they may take additional PSEO courses. There is no charge to PSEO students for tuition, books or fees for items that are required to participate in a course. 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. Funds are available to help pay transportation expenses for qualifying students to participate in PSEO courses on college campuses. Schools must provide information to all students in grades 8-11 and their families by March 1, every year. Students must notify their school by May 30 if they want to participate in PSEO for the following school year. For current information about the PSEO program, visit the Minnesota Department of Education’s Postsecondary Enrollment Options (PSEO) webpage.

To be eligible, seniors must be in the top 1/2 of their class and juniors must be in the top 1/3 of their class.

Students in 10th grade are also allowed to take Career and Technical Education (CTE) courses through PSEO:

Legislation allows eligible 10th-grade students to enroll initially in one Career and Technical Education (CTE) course through PSEO. If the student earns a “C” or higher grade in this first course, she/he is eligible to take additional CTE courses while in 10th grade. In order to be eligible, a 10th-grade student must have met the proficiency level of “meets or exceeds” on the 8th-grade MCA reading test. If the student did not take the MCA, another reading assessment accepted by the enrolling postsecondary institution can be substituted.

Steps to take:

1.  Students and parents must read and sign the PSEO Process and Policy Consent Form (see below) and either scan/email or the parent can simply email me to indicate that you have read it and give permission.  

*The PSEO Process and Policy Consent form has detailed steps on how to apply for PSEO.

2.  Students must apply (online) to MN West, as well as complete the PSEO Student Registration Form. 

 You can access the list of online PSEO classes available through MN West at www.mnwest.edu and click on Programs and Courses, Class Schedules, Online, and then select the semester.

    *click on the class title for a description.  

    *It is recommended that you take a class that is part of the MN West Transfer Curriculum (see resource below).  

If you have any questions regarding PSEO, please email me at rebeccam@dwby.k12.mn.us

Students who drop a PSEO class after the first 5 days of the semester will receive a 0% on their high school report card and transcript, which does effect GPA.  Students who fail a PSEO class will also receive a 0%.  

How to Enroll in PSEO

Interested and eligible 11th- and 12th-grade students should contact the postsecondary institution to find out their eligibility requirements, which courses are offered and what the application process is at that institution. 

Students are required to inform their district of their intent to enroll in PSEO courses during the following school year by May 30. Students should seek guidance from their high school counselor to determine if PSEO is the right fit for them and their academic plan. Interested students must complete the PSEO Registration form.

Policy for Books at MN West......  Sudents taking a PSEO class will need to return all of their PSEO books to Mrs. Mortenson on the last day of their class, or no later than the next day. Students are responsible to return their books by the deadline, or they may be charged for their books.  If you have any questions, please call the Minnesota West Bookstore at 507-223-7252.