About ABE
Mission of Minnesota Adult Basic Education (ABE): To provide adults with educational opportunities to acquire and improve their literacy skills necessary to be self-sufficient and to participate effectively as productive workers, family members, and citizens.
What is WEST ABE?
WEST ABE offers free educational services to adult learners in Wright County and surrounding communities.
Our main goal is to support you in your learning journey. Through free classes across 17 communities and GED test proctoring in Monticello, we can help you achieve educational and personal goals such as:
- Improving basic skills (reading, writing, math, digital/computer)
- Learning or strengthening English fluency (ESL/EL)
- Earning a GED and/or preparing for college and career success
We are here for you every step of the way!
How Much Are Classes?
Classes are completely free to eligible participants! As part of a statewide network, our funding comes from federal and state resources.
Who is Eligible?
We serve those who:
- Are ages 17+
- Are not currently enrolled in high school
- Did not receive a high school diploma OR are functioning below the 12th-grade level in reading, math, or English language skills (reading, writing, and understanding)
Instructors Who Care
To us, you are more than just another student! First and foremost our team cares about you as a unique individual. We take the time to get to know you, your learning style, and what success means to you so we can provide personalized one-on-one support to help you meet your unique goals.
Our friendly, dedicated, and patient instructors will be by your side every step of the way. They will quickly become your biggest cheerleaders!
Check out these stories featuring just a few of our amazing team members who are here to support you!
- Terrisa Fisher Named 2025 ABE Teacher of the Year (Buffalo)
- Diane Penttila: Not Your Average GED Proctor (STMA, Consortium GED Proctor)
Our Partner Schools
WEST ABE is a partnership of 17 local school districts. While Monticello Schools acts as the fiscal host, we offer classes at sites all across our service area. Services are run through the district's community education program.
- Annandale
- Becker
- Big Lake
- Buffalo
- Delano
- Foley
- Glencoe-Silver Lake
- Howard Lake-Waverly-Winstead
- Lester Prairie
- Maple Lake
- Milaca
- Monticello (Eastview Education Center)
- Monticello (CareerForce)
- Orono/Maple Plain
- Rockford
- St. Michael-Albertville
- Watertown-Mayer
- Westonka
I have accomplished many goals... I had all the help that I needed and more. I can certainly say that [these programs] work really well. The environment is welcoming and not judgmental, where I feel safe to ask questions and show my difficulties, as a student and as a person. ESL Student, WEST ABE
Ready to get started? Complete our interest form!