Post Secondary Enrollment Option (PSEO)
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Postsecondary Enrollment Options (PSEO) is a program that allows students in 10th, 11th and 12th grade to earn both high school and college credit while still in high school, through enrollment in and successful completion of college 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 admissions requirements for enrollment into the PSEO courses.
- Students in 11th and 12th grade may take PSEO courses on a full or part-time basis
- 10th graders are eligible to enroll in PSEO on a more limited basis (see note below).
- 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 on a term by term basis.
By March 1 of each year, or three weeks prior to the date a student registers for courses for the following school year (whichever is earlier), schools must provide PSEO information to all students in grades 8-11 and their families. To assist the district in planning, a student must inform the district by May 30 of each year of their intent to enroll in postsecondary courses during the following school year.
Enrolling in a PSEO course does not prohibit a student from participating in activities sponsored by the high school. School districts must allow a PSEO student reasonable access to the high school building, computers and/or other technology resources during regular school hours to participate in PSEO courses, whether on-line or on campus.
Each year, districts must publish their grade-weighting policy on their website, including a list of courses for which students can earn weighted grades.
All courses taken through the PSEO program must meet graduation requirements. Districts must transcript credits earned in PSEO by a ratio prescribed in statute. Districts have the authority to decide which subject area and standards the PSEO course meets. If there is a dispute between the district and the student regarding the number of credits granted for a particular course, the student may appeal the board's decision to the commissioner. The commissioner's decision regarding the number of credits will be final.
Postsecondary institutions are required to allow PSEO students to enroll in online courses consistent with the institution’s policy regarding postsecondary student enrollment in online courses.
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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. for a list of schools and their contact information.
Interested and eligible public 10th-grade students should contact the postsecondary institution to find out which Career and Technical (CTE) courses are offered and what the application process is at that institution.
To assist the district in planning, 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 meet with their Dean to determine if PSEO is the right fit for them and their academic plan and to obtain more information. Interested students must complete the Postsecondary Enrollment Options Program Registration Form, .
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PSEO State-Approved Early/Middle College Programs
PSEO State-Approved Early/Middle College Programs allow eligible students to earn a high school diploma while also earning postsecondary credits or conferring a degree or credential including a certificate, diploma or an associate’s degree. Students are considered eligible if they are enrolled in a core school day State-Approved Alternative Program (SAAP) under the graduation incentives program as defined by MDE. Access a list of currently approved PSEO State-Approved Early/Middle College Programs in Minnesota on the .
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PSEO for 10th Graders - CTE Courses
Legislation allows eligible 10th-grade students, including 10th grade nonpublic and home school 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 or PSAT score can be substituted.
For students with disabilities, there is an alternative option to demonstrate reading proficiency. The Minnesota Department of Education has a policy on eligibility options for 10th grade students with a disability who wish to participate in career and technical education classes through PSEO. Access the policy, procedures, and the Modification Request Form, .
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Cost and Transportation
Are Costs Involved for PSEO?
There is no charge to PSEO students for tuition, books or fees for items that are required to participate in a course; however, students may incur fees for equipment that becomes their property when the course or program is completed, textbooks that are not returned to the postsecondary institution according to their policies, or for tuition costs if they do not notify the district by May 30 and the district does not waive this date requirement.
Transportation Reimbursement for Qualified Students
Funds are available to help pay transportation expenses for PSEO students whose families are at or below the poverty level, as determined by the federal government, to participate in PSEO courses on college campuses. For more information on these funds, access the .
PSEO Registration Deadlines
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Students who are interested in taking college classes through the PSEO (Post-Secondary Education Option) program should note each institution's individual PSEO application deadlines. Students should check with their Dean of Students to discuss this PSEO possibility and if it's right for them.
Deadlines for PSEO colleges commonly used by Lakeville South students are as follows:- Concordia University, St. Paul
- May 5
- University of Minnesota Twin Cities
- April 17
- University of Northwestern, St. Paul
- July 15
- DCTC, Inver Hills and Normandale
- June 1 - priority deadline
- July 1 - final deadline
- Concordia University, St. Paul