HLWW School District
By Nate Walbruch, Superintendent
Howard Lake-Waverly-Winsted Public Schools – ISD # 2687
Independent School District 2687, serving the communities of Winst ed, Waverly, and Howard Lake, provides a high-quality education for its youth. With that commitment, we strive for excellence and opportunity for each student in every offering and activity.
The District comprises an area of about 115 square miles, primarily in Wright County, with a portion located in McLeod County, and a small portion in Carver County. District 2687’ s 9-12 high school and 5-8 mid dle school are located between Howard Lake and Winsted on Wright County Road 6. The K-4 elementary and preschool facilities are located in Waverly and Winsted
Elementary Schools
Both Humphrey Elementary( 2012) and Winsted Elementary( 2013), grades Pre-K-4, have received the National Blue-Ribbon Award from the US Department of Education. Humphrey Elementary was recognized in 2018 for progress in mathematics by the Minnesota Department of Education( MDE). Winsted Elementary was recognized as a Minnesota School of Excellence in 2014, and as a Reward School by MDE in 2011, 2012, 2014, 2015 and most recently in 2023!
Our schools create an environment that fosters positive teacher-stu dent-parent relationships, allowing for individualized attention. Small class sizes help create an opportunity for all students to participate in activities and to work with other community members, connecting and making longlasting friendships
Middle School
The Middle School, grades 5-8, provides a supportive transitional program in which students can achieve their full potential through a va riety of exploratory opportunities. Also, an enriching advisory program is offered to meet students’ needs. The middle school facility provides a quality educational setting where Smartboard and Chromebook technology is used in all classrooms.
High School
The High School was honored by being named one of“ America’ s Best High Schools” by US News and World Report in 2016. Out of over 21,000 high schools, HLWW High School was ranked in the top 11 per cent in the nation.
HLWW High School earned a Silver Medal.
A strong focus on academics at all grade levels is proven by ACT scores which are at, or above, national and state averages. Many of our graduates qualify for colleges of their choice.
The High School offers courses in math, science, social studies, lan guage arts, physical education, technology, and healthy living, comple mented by a wide array of electives, such as EMT-first responder, where students can earn first responder certification; CSI: classroom( forensic science); animal science; floriculture; desktop publishing; pottery and art studio; Spanish; music-choir and band; certified nursing assistant; and many more.
A variety of Advanced Placement( AP) courses and College In the School( CIS) courses in agriculture, Spanish, and mathematics are available, as well as technical college credit courses that are available through our partnership with Wright Technical Center in Buffalo.
Also offered is a nationally recognized FFA program that includes con sistent state and national award-winners. The HLWW FFA was named the premier chapter of Minnesota in 2007 and 2017. In 2010, HLWW FFA worked on the addition of a greenhouse to the school and was a farm-to-school grant recipient, which helped with the establishment of a 5 + acre garden on the school site. Also, students in the program are able to study crop production in our two crop plots.
An advisory program guides students on post-high school planning, career choices, college applications, workforce and military options, and other“ real-life” skills needed to succeed in today’ s world. An al ternative learning program( ALP) formed for students in grades 9-12, helps students reach graduation standards and achieve credits using an online curriculum. The ALP is housed at the Meeker and Wright Spe cial Education Cooperative( MAWSECO) in Howard Lake. A generous, supportive community awarded $ 58,550 in local scholarships to gradu ating HLWW seniors in 2022
26 Official guide to Howard Lake 2024-25