Educational Options

The GEDO#2:The program allows students to earn a high school diploma from West Bend School District which is different from the traditional GED/HSED Programs that are offered at the technical colleges.  It is designed for credit deficient high school seniors, who meet entrance criteria, to graduate on time by earning credits through GED testing. Students have a modified day with independent instruction.  Students need to demonstrate employment skills by maintaining a steady job and completing a variety of other requirements. Some of the activities include a GEDO portfolio, completing volunteer activities, and self-improvement hours.

FORWARD:  The graduation competency-based model for graduation shifts the focus from earning credits to demonstrating meaningful learning and skill mastery. In this approach, students progress by showing what they know and can do, rather than how much time they have spent in a classroom. It provides multiple pathways for students to demonstrate their understanding, including performance tasks, projects, presentations, portfolios, and real-world applications of knowledge.

This model recognizes that students learn in different ways and at different paces. By allowing alternative methods of demonstrating competency, it creates a more equitable and personalized learning experience—especially for students who may not thrive in traditional, seat-time-based environments. Educators work alongside students to set clear expectations and provide targeted support, ensuring that each learner meets rigorous academic standards while also developing critical life skills such as problem-solving, communication, and self-direction.

PACE (Personalized Academic Credit Education) and POST (Personalized Off-Site Tutoring) are alternative education programs designed to meet the unique academic and personal needs of students who benefit from a more individualized approach to learning. These programs provide a structured yet flexible environment where students can focus on academic progress while receiving targeted support.

PACE and POST emphasize smaller class sizes and limited transitions throughout the school day, creating a more consistent and manageable learning experience. Students have the option to complete coursework through paper-and-pencil formats, allowing for reduced screen time and a learning style that may better suit their needs.

In addition to academics, the programs place a strong focus on social and emotional well-being. Staff work closely with students to build positive relationships, develop coping strategies, and strengthen decision-making skills. While students may enter PACE or POST for a variety of at-risk reasons, the goal is to help them rebuild confidence, increase engagement in their education, and prepare for a successful transition back to the traditional school environment.

Through personalized support and a relationship-centered approach, PACE and POST empower students to reconnect with school, experience success, and continue progressing toward graduation.

Project SEARCH is a high school transition program designed for students with disabilities who are interested in gaining real-world work experience and preparing for competitive employment after graduation. The program takes place during a student’s final year of high school and is based at West Bend Mutual Insurance company and West Bend Froedtert Hospital rather than in a traditional classroom.

Students in Project SEARCH participate in a series of internships throughout the school year, rotating through different departments to explore a variety of career paths. These hands-on experiences allow students to develop practical job skills, build independence, and learn workplace expectations such as communication, teamwork, time management, and problem-solving.

In addition to their internships, students receive classroom instruction focused on employability skills, resume building, interview preparation, and self-advocacy. A team of instructors and job coaches provide individualized support to help each student succeed and grow in confidence.

The goal of Project SEARCH is to prepare students for successful, competitive employment in their community by the time they complete the program, helping them transition from school to adult life with the skills and experience needed to thrive.

Credit recovery classes at the high school level provide an essential pathway for students who have not found success in a traditional classroom setting to re-engage with their education and stay on track for graduation. These programs offer a more flexible, supportive, and individualized approach to learning, allowing students to revisit and master previously missed content at their own pace. By removing some of the barriers that may have contributed to earlier struggles—such as large class sizes, rigid pacing, or external life challenges—credit recovery creates a renewed opportunity for success. Beyond earning credits, these classes help rebuild student confidence, strengthen accountability, and reinforce the belief that graduation and future goals remain attainable.

The West Bend School District Alternative Education Programs are committed to offering a caring, safe, and consistent learning environment that promotes student success. We achieve this by fostering strong, healthy relationships, encouraging positive decision-making, maintaining smaller class sizes, closely monitoring academic progress, and providing unique and engaging learning opportunities.

The West Bend Virtual Academy is a program of the West Bend School District. Learn more.