Wellstone International High School serves as a community-centered college preparatory school in Saint Paul, Minnesota. The school emphasizes rigorous academics, multilingual pathways, and social justice to prepare students for university and civic engagement.
Wellstone International combines International Baccalaureate-aligned curriculum with robust student support, immigrant family services, and project-based learning that connects classroom lessons to real-world challenges.
| Program Feature | Description | Outcome for Students | Evidence |
|---|---|---|---|
| Multilingual Pathways | Instruction in Spanish and Hmong, with English learner support | Biliteracy and cultural affirmation | State test scores and Seal of Biliteracy attainment |
| College Readiness | AP courses, concurrent enrollment, and counseling | Higher enrollment in postsecondary education | Graduation and college persistence data |
| Restorative Practices | Community circles and conflict resolution | Improved attendance and reduced suspensions | Office referral and climate survey trends |
| Community Partnerships | Local universities and cultural organizations | Expanded internships and mentoring | Program participation logs and student reflections |
Academic Curriculum and Instruction
Rigorous Course Sequence
Wellstone International High School offers a structured sequence that includes foundational courses, honors options, and multiple Advanced Placement classes. This design ensures that students are challenged while receiving the scaffolding needed for sustained success.
International Baccalaureate Alignment
The curriculum reflects key elements of IB approaches, such as inquiry-based learning, interdisciplinary units, and global contexts. Teachers use formative assessments and ongoing feedback to refine instruction and meet diverse learner needs.
Student Support and Multilingual Services
English Learner Pathways
Wellstone provides targeted English language development integrated with content learning. Students access differentiated instruction, bilingual resources, and culturally responsive materials that build both academic language and confidence.
Social-Emotional and Counseling Supports
Counselors and support staff work closely with scholars and families to monitor progress, set goals, and navigate postsecondary planning. Individual education plans and restorative practices help create a safe, inclusive environment.
College and Career Preparation
Postsecondary Readiness Programs
Through partnerships with local universities, students engage in dual enrollment, campus visits, and mentorship opportunities. Career exploration activities and application guidance support informed decisions about majors and future pathways.
Work-Based Learning and Internships
Collaborations with community organizations enable internships, service projects, and workplace learning experiences. These opportunities connect academic knowledge to career skills and build professional networks.
School Culture and Community Engagement
Restorative Practices and Inclusion
Wellstone emphasizes relationship-building, dialogue, and accountability through restorative circles and community meetings. The approach reduces disciplinary incidents and strengthens trust among students and staff.
Family and Community Partnerships
Families are invited to participate in leadership structures, workshops, and school events. Strong communication systems and multilingual outreach ensure that parents and community members can actively support student achievement.
Leadership and Future Direction
- Maintain and expand multilingual pathways to reflect community demographics
- Strengthen data-driven instruction through ongoing assessment and teacher collaboration
- Deepen college and career partnerships to broaden internship and mentorship access
- Continue investing in restorative practices to sustain a positive, inclusive culture
- Engage families through leadership opportunities, workshops, and transparent communication
FAQ
Reader questions
What makes Wellstone International High School different from other public high schools in Minnesota?
Wellstone International High School stands out through its intentional multilingual programming, IB-aligned curriculum, and deep focus on restorative practices. The combination of rigorous academics, bilingual pathways, and community partnerships creates a distinct experience tailored to immigrant and multilingual learners.
How does the school support English learners while maintaining high academic expectations? The school integrates English language development with challenging content courses, using sheltered instruction strategies and bilingual resources. This approach ensures that students build language proficiency while meeting the same rigorous standards as their peers. What postsecondary opportunities are available to Wellstone students?
Students access Advanced Placement courses, concurrent enrollment at local colleges, and guided college counseling. Partnerships with universities and community organizations further expand internship, mentoring, and campus exposure opportunities.
How does restorative practices improve the school climate at Wellstone International High School?
Restorative practices replace punitive discipline with dialogue, accountability, and relationship repair. This shift leads to improved attendance, fewer suspensions, and stronger connections between students, staff, and families.