Personalized Learning

Academic Enhancement Program 
In 2007, Simley High School initiated an academic enhancement program for students in grades 9-12. The goal of the before- and after-school program is to prepare traditionally underrepresented students for college success. Many of these students would be the first in their families to attend a post-secondary institution. The program received a Star of Innovation Award from the Minnesota Association of Secondary School Principals.

AP Chemistry at Simley High SchoolEarly Credit & Accelerated Courses
Inver Grove Heights Schools aims to provide equity and rigor for all students. Our schools' curriculum and course pathways, especially at the secondary level, ensure that every student can enroll in challenging classes and has the opportunity to make their learning meaningful to them by exploring topics that engage them. Classes at the Inver Grove Heights Middle School are designed to challenge each student through differentiated learning and advanced coursework. Academically gifted middle school students have additional opportunities to earn early high school credit through subject acceleration. Every Simley High School student can earn college credit through dozens of courses: Advanced Placement (AP) classes, career classes where students can earn internships and career certification, and concurrent enrollment courses in partnership with local colleges and universities that provide students with both high school and college credit.

Alternative Learning Program 
Simley High School's Alternative Learning Program provides qualifying juniors and seniors with a unique opportunity to learn in a smaller learning community. Students and teachers collaborate to develop an individualized curriculum based on the state's academic standards and the student's needs, abilities, interests, and learning style. Click here for the Simley ALP webpage.

5th graders using iPads to make moviesDigital Devices for All Students 
In 2018, Inver Grove Heights Schools implemented its Engage 199! initiative, which helps personalize student learning by expanding access to digital devices and training teachers to incorporate new ways of learning into their classrooms. All students in grades K-12 receive a digital device to support their learning.
 
Elementary Universities
Each ISD 199 elementary school offers extended day programs: Hilltop University, Pine Bend University, and Salem Hills University. The classes are an additional learning support that addresses academic, organizational, and social-emotional needs related to core academic areas.

Flexible Furniture
Throughout Inver Grove Heights Schools, students have the option to choose seating that works best for their learning. Elementary students who need to move around can use a wobble chair to help them focus on their work while older students have access to chairs and tables they can configure to complete work individually, collaborate with partners, or hold a discussion with the entire class.

Simley High School Performing Arts CenterState-of-the-Art Facilities
Thanks to the support of the community, Inver Grove Heights Schools has a number of new facilities to offer modern student learning. Facilities include updated spaces for classes, studying, extracurricular activities, and community meetings. Flexible furniture, more outlets, and updated technology also increase each space's usefulness, equipping students to learn in ways that work best for them.


Summer Academy
ISD 199's Summer Academy is a state-funded targeted services program that offers additional learning opportunities to eligible students in kindergarten through 8th-grade over four weeks in the summer. Students qualify and are eligible for participation based on state targeted services criteria:
  • demonstration of academic performance significantly below grade-level expectations,
  • at-risk for failing to meet the state's academic content standards,
  • having limited English proficiency,
  • and/or having behavioral or mental health needs that may put students at risk of not being successful in school.