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School Hours: 8:45 a.m.-2:55 p.m. | Phone: 651-425-7000
Welcome to South Washington Alternative High School
welcome!
South Washington Alternative High School serves students in tenth through twelfth grades and is part of SoWashCo Schools. The school offers an alternative learning environment with small class sizes that help students become career and college ready. At South Washington Alternative High School, all staff members are committed to helping every student feel supported and included. Teachers work to personalize student learning through one-on-one conversations and building relationships.
Learn More About Us:
South Washington Alternative High School News
![Supporting Our Community - Keeping All Students Safe]([{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_1/v1624026886/sowashcok12mnus/i3lksmoyhs9kwcafr9zg/SoWashCo-Logo-Vert-RGB-Color.png","width":256},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_2/v1624026886/sowashcok12mnus/i3lksmoyhs9kwcafr9zg/SoWashCo-Logo-Vert-RGB-Color.png","width":512},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_3/v1624026886/sowashcok12mnus/i3lksmoyhs9kwcafr9zg/SoWashCo-Logo-Vert-RGB-Color.png","width":800},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_4/v1624026886/sowashcok12mnus/i3lksmoyhs9kwcafr9zg/SoWashCo-Logo-Vert-RGB-Color.png","width":1200},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_5/v1624026886/sowashcok12mnus/i3lksmoyhs9kwcafr9zg/SoWashCo-Logo-Vert-RGB-Color.png","width":1600},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_6/v1624026886/sowashcok12mnus/i3lksmoyhs9kwcafr9zg/SoWashCo-Logo-Vert-RGB-Color.png","width":2200}]){kind=logo}
SoWashCo Schools is committed to creating a safe and supportive environment for all students. Every student has a constitutional right to attend school regardless of their immigration status, and public schools must remain a safe haven for learning.
This provides information that details how SoWashCo Schools handles interactions with Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE).
![Learn English and gain job skills in our free Work Experience Class.]([{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_1/v1765901608/sowashcok12mnus/smuzxzt9ulpsqo3tzka4/WorkExperienceFlyer.jpg","width":256},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_2/v1765901608/sowashcok12mnus/smuzxzt9ulpsqo3tzka4/WorkExperienceFlyer.jpg","width":512},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_3/v1765901608/sowashcok12mnus/smuzxzt9ulpsqo3tzka4/WorkExperienceFlyer.jpg","width":800},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_4/v1765901608/sowashcok12mnus/smuzxzt9ulpsqo3tzka4/WorkExperienceFlyer.jpg","width":1200},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_5/v1765901608/sowashcok12mnus/smuzxzt9ulpsqo3tzka4/WorkExperienceFlyer.jpg","width":1600},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto/v1765901608/sowashcok12mnus/smuzxzt9ulpsqo3tzka4/WorkExperienceFlyer.jpg","width":1700}])
- Participants must have:
- English as a Second Language, at least Intermediate Level
- 17+ older
- Not currently enrolled in K-12 schools
- When: Monday-Thursday 9 a.m.-1 p.m.
- Dec. 15-March 5
- March 16-May 28
- Where: District Program Center, 8400 E. Point Douglas Rd. in Cottage Grove
For more information or to sign up call 651-425-6634.
![2025-26 Seal of Biliteracy]([{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_1/v1676496427/sowashcok12mnus/bnwx349drrlauyj5ink0/Sealbiliteracyfinal.png","width":256},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_2/v1676496427/sowashcok12mnus/bnwx349drrlauyj5ink0/Sealbiliteracyfinal.png","width":512},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_3/v1676496427/sowashcok12mnus/bnwx349drrlauyj5ink0/Sealbiliteracyfinal.png","width":800},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto/v1676496427/sowashcok12mnus/bnwx349drrlauyj5ink0/Sealbiliteracyfinal.png","width":1097}])
The Seal of Biliteracy is an award given upon high school graduation to students who show proficiency in English and an eligible language other than English.
![Students Nourish Their Community]([{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_1/v1764858142/sowashcok12mnus/ppj7f2y5jgcg8rqui07s/swahsatbasicneeds.png","width":256},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_2/v1764858142/sowashcok12mnus/ppj7f2y5jgcg8rqui07s/swahsatbasicneeds.png","width":512},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_3/v1764858142/sowashcok12mnus/ppj7f2y5jgcg8rqui07s/swahsatbasicneeds.png","width":800},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto/v1764858142/sowashcok12mnus/ppj7f2y5jgcg8rqui07s/swahsatbasicneeds.png","width":1000}])
Students from South Washington Alternative High School (SWAHS) have embarked on a new volunteering partnership with the Basic Needs Food Market in Cottage Grove.
![2026 Reading Screening]([{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_1/v1764858142/sowashcok12mnus/wnfprbhg45fx7yhnf1pd/readingtest.png","width":256},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_2/v1764858142/sowashcok12mnus/wnfprbhg45fx7yhnf1pd/readingtest.png","width":512},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_3/v1764858142/sowashcok12mnus/wnfprbhg45fx7yhnf1pd/readingtest.png","width":800},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto/v1764858142/sowashcok12mnus/wnfprbhg45fx7yhnf1pd/readingtest.png","width":1000}])
Some students in grades 4–8 and all 9th-grade students will take an online reading test called Capti ReadBasix this January. This is required by the state’s MN READ Act.
![Winter Weather and Transportation Reminders]([{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_1/v1764858143/sowashcok12mnus/jusssbazfnquudrygxrm/winterweather_1.png","width":256},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_2/v1764858143/sowashcok12mnus/jusssbazfnquudrygxrm/winterweather_1.png","width":512},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_3/v1764858143/sowashcok12mnus/jusssbazfnquudrygxrm/winterweather_1.png","width":800},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto/v1764858143/sowashcok12mnus/jusssbazfnquudrygxrm/winterweather_1.png","width":1000}])
Throughout the school year, SoWashCo Schools may enter into an emergency closure, e-learning day (extended-learning day) or a late start due to bad weather or other situations in which school cannot be held in person.
![2026-2027 Calendar]([{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_1/v1755618465/sowashcok12mnus/o1ouowddhiau3vt9fp0c/calendar.png","width":256},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_2/v1755618465/sowashcok12mnus/o1ouowddhiau3vt9fp0c/calendar.png","width":512},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_3/v1755618465/sowashcok12mnus/o1ouowddhiau3vt9fp0c/calendar.png","width":800},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto/v1755618465/sowashcok12mnus/o1ouowddhiau3vt9fp0c/calendar.png","width":1000}])
On Thursday, Nov. 20 the School Board approved the 2026-27 school calendar. You can view and download the calendar at sowashco.org/calendar.
Beginning in the 2026–27 school year, students in the Class of 2028 and beyond (current 10th grade students) will be required to complete a one-credit (one-trimester) Personal Finance course as part of their high school graduation requirements, in accordance with new state legislation.
![Building a Language Bridge]([{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_1/v1762438801/sowashcok12mnus/hbdsq5wngeyf5ansn8do/swahsel.png","width":256},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_2/v1762438801/sowashcok12mnus/hbdsq5wngeyf5ansn8do/swahsel.png","width":512},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_3/v1762438801/sowashcok12mnus/hbdsq5wngeyf5ansn8do/swahsel.png","width":800},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto/v1762438801/sowashcok12mnus/hbdsq5wngeyf5ansn8do/swahsel.png","width":1000}])
A partnership has been forged between two programs at the District Program Center.
![Keeping Up to Date for Potential Winter Weather Days]([{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_1/v1762439953/sowashcok12mnus/oye0ril8v26dzy8tpht7/winterweatherz.png","width":256},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_2/v1762439953/sowashcok12mnus/oye0ril8v26dzy8tpht7/winterweatherz.png","width":512},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_3/v1762439953/sowashcok12mnus/oye0ril8v26dzy8tpht7/winterweatherz.png","width":800},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto/v1762439953/sowashcok12mnus/oye0ril8v26dzy8tpht7/winterweatherz.png","width":1000}])
Throughout the school year, SoWashCo Schools may enter into an emergency closure, e-learning day (extended-learning day) or a late start due to bad weather or other situations in which school cannot be held in person.
![Finding the Perfect College]([{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_1/v1762438800/sowashcok12mnus/ntvds46cjj1dkhnaxame/swahshbcu.png","width":256},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_2/v1762438800/sowashcok12mnus/ntvds46cjj1dkhnaxame/swahshbcu.png","width":512},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_3/v1762438800/sowashcok12mnus/ntvds46cjj1dkhnaxame/swahshbcu.png","width":800},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto/v1762438800/sowashcok12mnus/ntvds46cjj1dkhnaxame/swahshbcu.png","width":1000}])
South Washington Alternative High School (SWAHS) student, Mazaiya Marshall, was chosen to attend the 2025 Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCU) tour with Fellowship Minneapolis this fall.
![Please Prepare: Bus Driver Shortage Impacting SoWashCo Schools]([{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_1/v1760986919/sowashcok12mnus/pehszyegmoz5tdznv6kz/BacktoSchoolBuscancellations.png","width":256},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_2/v1760986919/sowashcok12mnus/pehszyegmoz5tdznv6kz/BacktoSchoolBuscancellations.png","width":512},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_3/v1760986919/sowashcok12mnus/pehszyegmoz5tdznv6kz/BacktoSchoolBuscancellations.png","width":800},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto/v1760986919/sowashcok12mnus/pehszyegmoz5tdznv6kz/BacktoSchoolBuscancellations.png","width":1080}])
SoWashCo Schools is at a critical stage with a bus driver shortage that could result in cancellations or delays for bus routes in the mornings and afternoons.
![Introducing the New Student School Board Representatives]([{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_1/v1759417022/sowashcok12mnus/s7a7hjcy9mdbnpesh31p/studentambass.png","width":256},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_2/v1759417022/sowashcok12mnus/s7a7hjcy9mdbnpesh31p/studentambass.png","width":512},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_3/v1759417022/sowashcok12mnus/s7a7hjcy9mdbnpesh31p/studentambass.png","width":800},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto/v1759417022/sowashcok12mnus/s7a7hjcy9mdbnpesh31p/studentambass.png","width":1000}])
Beginning at the Oct. 2, 2025 South Washington County Schools (SoWashCo Schools) Board of Education meeting, 3 new Student School Board Representatives will be joining the School Board.
![Orange Shirt Day]([{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_1/v1759417022/sowashcok12mnus/nmyyiwlxb2jiuvwpfam0/orangeshirt.png","width":256},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_2/v1759417022/sowashcok12mnus/nmyyiwlxb2jiuvwpfam0/orangeshirt.png","width":512},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_3/v1759417022/sowashcok12mnus/nmyyiwlxb2jiuvwpfam0/orangeshirt.png","width":800},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto/v1759417022/sowashcok12mnus/nmyyiwlxb2jiuvwpfam0/orangeshirt.png","width":1000}])
SoWashCo Schools recognized Orange Shirt Day on Tuesday, Sept. 30. Staff and students wore orange in recognition and solidarity for our Indigenous communities.
![2025 LWV School Board Candidate Forum]([{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_1/v1758204141/sowashcok12mnus/nvzsamfei6bhyx5dvh7g/candidateforum.png","width":256},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_2/v1758204141/sowashcok12mnus/nvzsamfei6bhyx5dvh7g/candidateforum.png","width":512},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_3/v1758204141/sowashcok12mnus/nvzsamfei6bhyx5dvh7g/candidateforum.png","width":800},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto/v1758204141/sowashcok12mnus/nvzsamfei6bhyx5dvh7g/candidateforum.png","width":1000}])
Watch the Schools School Board candidate forum hosted by The League of Women Voters Woodbury Cottage Grove Area (LWVWCG).