Welcome to Lester Prairie Community Education!

Those involved in the Community Education program in Lester Prairie are committed to the growth of the community through the continuing education of each individual member. Community Education aims to match the educational needs of community members of all ages with available resources.

View our current Community Education Brochure on this page under Quick Links. Spring/Summer Brochures are typically mailed in January. Fall/Winter Brochures are typically mailed in June. Extra brochures can be picked up in the Lester Prairie School entrance.

Scholarships are available from the United Way for K-12 students who reside in McLeod County. Click on the Scholarship page to download the application or pick one up in the Lester Prairie School entrance. The Lester Prairie Lions Club also provides scholarships. Contact Kim Dye to inquire. Income qualifications apply for both scholarship opportunities.

Ideas/Instructors/Volunteers Wanted for Community Education
Do you have a passion or skill you would like to share? We are always looking for new ideas and people who would be interested in teaching a class to help strengthen, entertain, or develop our community. Feel free to contact us with any ideas on how to improve our offerings or build interest among members of our community. We have volunteer opportunities available throughout the year.

Registration 

We have a new online digital registration so our community education programs can register online unless noted otherwise. Below are the steps to register. 

Please follow these steps:

• Create an Arbiter Registration account (you only need one account for your whole family, if you have previously created an account you just need to log in and add a student). The web address to sign up is below

https://account.students.arbitersports.com/signup

• Activate your Arbiter Registration account using the activation link that will be automatically sent to your email. (Note: this email may go into your junk folder). If you are having trouble creating your account, receiving activation email, or logging in, you may contact support at registration@arbitersports.com or call them at 800-311-4060

• Complete your Community Education registration by selecting the Community Education program from the Lester Prairie Activity Registration Landing Page.

Once you have completed registration, you will receive an email notification confirming we have received your registration.

If you have any questions in regards to registering please contact Ross Scheevel at 320-395-2521 ext 1184 or scheevel@lp.k12.mn.us

Contact Us

Community Education Offerings

Our Community Education Brochures contain detailed information about our programs and are printed and mailed to households two times per year. The Spring/Summer Brochure is typically mailed in January. The Fall/Winter Brochure is typically mailed in June. Additional copies are available at the Lester Prairie School office. Click on the link below to view a PDF version of our current brochure. 

Spring/Summer Brochure

Volunteer Opportunities

• Lester Prairie Community Education is always looking for volunteers to help coach youth sports. Contact Kim Schauer at 320-395-2521 ext 1105 for more information.

55+ Driver Discount Course

The Driver Improvement Program (55+ DIP) is an approved Accident Prevention course by the MN Department of Public Safety. Participants who complete the course are eligible for a 10% discount on their personal automobile insurance premium. The 55+ DIP will give participants a better understanding of vehicle and traffic safety, new technology, physical changes and increased driving risks as we age, changes to laws, and the decisions drivers can make to be safer on our roadways.

Become an informed driver by registering at www.driverdiscountprogram.com or by calling 1-888-234-1294.

4 Hour Refresher

Date: May 27, 2026

Time: 8:00am to Noon   

Location:  Lester Prairie Media Center

Cost:  $24

Instructor: Steve Soeffker

Register: on www.driverdiscountprogram.com 

or call 1-888-234-1294

Deadline:  1 week prior to the class (minimum: 10) 

Adult Exercise & Fitness

Lester Prairie Community Education is looking for individuals interested in teaching adult fitness classes. Classes that have been offered in the past include: 50/50 Circuit, Silver Strength, Belly Dancing, Kickbox Mix, and Running Club. Please contact us if you have an idea for a class or are interested in teaching a class.

Census

If you are new to Lester Prairie School District or have a new baby, please print out and complete the census form below and return it to the school office.

Census Form

CPR/AED/First Aid

CPR/AED/First Aid 

The class is hands-on skills training, preparing individuals to respond to breathing, cardiac, and medical emergencies in adults, children, and infants. This American Heart Association certification fulfills OSHA and daycare requirements and is valid for 2 years.

Date: March 19, 2026

Time:  5:00 PM

Location:  Lester Prairie School Media Center

Cost:  $50

Instructor:  Crown College EMTI

Deadline: February 27, 2026 (minimum 6)

Registration: Please contact Kim Schauer at 320-395-2521 or schauer@lp.k12.mn.us

GED/Adult Basic Education

Let us support your educational journey toward achieving your life goals. Whether you want to improve your basic literacy skills (English-ESL, reading, and math), enhance digital skills (computer skills), earn your GED, or prepare for college and career success, we’re here to help! Start anytime, classes are ongoing. 

WEST ABE, part of the Minnesota Community Education, has been the local educational provider for adult learners in Wright County and beyond since 1996. 

Eligibility: Must be 17 and older, not enrolled in high school, and in need of basic educational skills such as English: speaking, reading, and math, career preparation, GED prep, and computer skills. GED students who are 17 or 18 years of age will need an age waiver to take the GED test. (This can be found on ged.com)

Call 763-272-2040 with questions. Visit our website at westabe.monticello.k12.mn.us for more class listings and locations. 

English Language, GED, and Adult Basic Education – FREE 

English Language, GED, and Adult Basic Education is offered through West Educational Cooperative. Please see the school website for more information.

Dates:  Monday evenings when school is in session. Classes run 9/15/25- 5/18/26.

Time:  6:00 – 8:30 PM

Location:  Room 167  

Instructor:  Nancy Mellesmoen

*ESL classes are not currently offered in Lester Prairie. However, they are offered nearby at Glencoe-Silver Lake and other locations*

Medicare
Let’s Talk About Medicare

As you get closer to 65, the amount of information you receive concerning Medicare can make the process of applying very confusing. This is an educational meeting about Medicare and Medicare insurance that will answer your questions. We will discuss what Medicare covers, what it costs, and how and when to enroll. We will also review the types of Medicare insurance available and the factors to consider when deciding what type of plan is best for you.

Date: Tuesday, April 7th, 2026
Time: 6:00-7:00 PM
Location: Lester Prairie School Media Center
Cost: Free
Instructor: Jill Ehrman and Tom Hill

Deadline to register: 

Register with Kim Schauer at 320-395-2521 or schauer@lp.k12.mn.us by March 31, 2026 

Walking Hours

LP School is available for walking  Monday through Thursday 6:30am – 7:15am and 6:00pm – 8:00pm on days that school is in session. In the mornings, academic and commons will be open to walking (enter through door A). In the evenings, walking is limited to academic wing only. Evening doors (enter through door A) will be open from 6:00pm-6:15pm and again from 7:00pm-7:15pm on non activity nights. 

If you are interested in walking, please fill out the attached form.

Any questions or help filling out the form please contact Mr. Scheevel at scheevel@lp.k12.mn.us

Winter Walking Form

Music Lessons

Music Lessons

Learning an instrument is both fun and good for you. It can be done at any age! Once you understand your brain’s learning style, you can accomplish almost any new idea. This year, David Rue is offering highly personalized music lessons in guitar, bass guitar, drums, piano, ukulele and voice. It’s a chance for you or your young one to experience one of life’s most joyful and satisfying things: playing an instrument.

Ages:  All

Dates & Times:  By appointment, 30 minute sessions

Location:  Lester Prairie School Music Room

Cost:  $35 per 30 minute lesson for single student and families. $34 per lesson for two student families, and $33 per lesson for three student families. 

Instructor:  David Rue, email twostringbanjo@gmail.com for more information 

Lester Prairie ECFE and Little Learners Preschool

For program and registration information, please click here.

ECFE Classes

To register or if you have any questions contact Helen Lester at 320-395-2521 ext 1139 or lester@lp.k12.mn.us

To register or if you have any questions contact Helen Lester at 320-395-2521 ext 1139 or lester@lp.k12.mn.us

Scholarships

•  United Way Application
• United Way Application Spanish 

Driver Education

This is the 30 hours of classroom training needed before taking the state written test to receive a driving permit, if you are under the age of 18. Attendance at every class is mandatory. In-person classes will be filled on a first come first served basis. Min of 10 students, Max of 25 students per session. Teleconference classes are also available.  Students are encouraged to enroll in the session closest to their 15th birthday.

Age:  Must be 14 years of age on or before the start of class

Dates:

• Session 1:  REVISED DATES February 12th, February 17th – 20th, and February 23rd – February 27th, 2026  3:15pm-6:15pm
• Session 2:  June 1st-12th, 2026  9am-12pm

To register please go to:  https://www.todaysdrivingschool.com/services.phtml/lester_prairie

Location:  Lester Prairie School (in-person classes only)

Behind the Wheel

This is the six-hour behind the wheel component of driver education. Students will register and sign up for dates/times to complete the required supervised hours.  Note: Drivers under the age of 18 need to have a valid permit for 6 months before they may apply for a driver’s license.

To register please go to:  https://www.todaysdrivingschool.com/services.phtml/lester_prairie

5th-6th Grade Volleyball League

Lester Prairie Community Education is offering 5th and 6th grade Volleyball to girls interested in learning the fundamentals of volleyball and participating in games on Saturday mornings. If you are interested in participating, the online registration can be found on the school website, Community tab, Community Education tab, Online Registration tab.  Registration is due by Friday, August 29th. We need a count of participants to know how many teams we will have for the season.

Practice times will be determined by coaches who are volunteer parent coaches. We will need at least one coach for each grade.

The 5th and 6th grade teams will play against teams from area communities. Games are played on Saturdays in September and October. 

Any parents who would like to volunteer or if you have any questions please feel free to call Kim Schauer at 320-395-2521 ext 1105.

Cost: $40.00  Payments can be made online or checks made payable to Lester Prairie Community Education

Flag Football 

Flag Football is open to 1st-3rd grade boys and girls. The league is held on Saturday mornings beginning September 13th and is led by current Bulldog coaches and players. If you are interested in participating, the online registration can be found on the school website, Community tab, Community Education tab, Online Registration tab. Contact Coach Helland (tylerhelland@lp.k12.mn.us) with any questions.

Ages: 1st-3rd Grade

Dates: Saturdays September 13, 20, 27, Oct 4th,  2025

Time: 10:00 – 11:00 AM

Location: Lester Prairie HS Practice Field

Cost: $20

Youth Football League 

4-6th graders have the opportunity to participate in a Football league in Hutchinson. All practices are held in Lester Prairie and all games are played in Hutchinson. Teams are divided by weight classes, so your child’s team is only playing against kids close to their own weight. The online registration can be found on the school website, Community tab, Community Education tab,Online Registration tab. Contact Coach Helland (tylerhelland@lp.k12.mn.us) with any questions.

Future Hoopsters 

Students in K-3rd grade will learn the fundamentals of basketball. Information will be sent home with students in November. The online registration can be found on the school website, Community tab, then the Community Education tab,Online Registration tab. Sessions will be held from 8:00 – 9:15 AM on January 10, 17, 24, and 31. Future Hoopsters will be featured during a Varsity Basketball game on Friday, February 6th. Sessions are led by our Bulldog Basketball Head Coaches and current players. If you have any questions, please call Kim Schauer at (320) 395-2521 ext 1105.

Youth Basketball 

Boys and Girls in 4th-6th Grades will have a great opportunity to learn the fundamentals and the fun of basketball. Players will practice evenings during the week and Sundays based on Coaches’ availability. Games will be played on Saturdays in the months of December, January, and February. More information will be sent home with students and placed on the Community Ed web page in October. The online registration can be found on the school website, then the Community tab, then theCommunity Education tab, Online Registration tab. Volunteer coaches are needed. If you have any questions, please contact Ross Scheevel at 320-395-2521 ext 1184.

Join Girl Scouts!

Girl Scouts are active in Lester Prairie! 

Girl Scouts is the best girl leadership program in the world. Our program centers on what we call the Girl Scout Leadership Experience, or GSLE—a collection of engaging, challenging, and fun activities like earning badges, going on awesome trips, selling cookies, exploring science, getting outdoors, and doing community service projects.  

You can also visit GirlScoutsRV.org/Join or call 1-800-845-0787 to sign up today!

LP Ambassador Program

Are you interested in sharing your love of Lester Prairie with others? By signing up as a Lester Prairie Ambassador Candidate, you will be able to share your love through community service projects, parades, coronations, and a wide variety of other events.

The Lester Prairie Ambassador Program has two age groups for candidates. The Junior Ambassador Program is open to young women in Grades 5-8. Junior Ambassadors will have the opportunity to attend community events, local parades and coronations, and Twin’s Sparkle Night. The Senior Ambassador Program is open to young women between the ages of 16-21. Senior Ambassadors will travel throughout Minnesota representing Lester Prairie in parades, coronations, and a wide variety of Sparkle Programs. They will also participate in local community service projects. Senior Ambassadors will compete throughout the year for the chance to attend the Minneapolis Aquatennial in their title of Queen of the Lakes and Princess.

If you are interested in becoming a Lester Prairie Ambassador, please contact Lauren Trittabaugh or Taylor Bayerl, LP Ambassador Coordinators, at lesterprairieambassadors@gmail.com. Candidacy forms and handbooks will be available Spring 2024 in the Lester Prairie School Office, City Hall, and on the Prairie Days website. Stay updated by following the official pages of the Lester Prairie Ambassadors on Facebook (Lester Prairie Royalty) and Instagram (@lesterprairieambassadors).

Dance Lessons 

Dance Lessons will be held on Mondays beginning September 29th, 2025 and will run through April 2026.  We will have a Show in April!

Class Choices will be:

Beginners  (3-5 year olds)  5:30-6:00 PM $20/month

Intermediate (1st-4th grade or turning 6 at the beginning of the dance year)  6:00-6:45 PM $25/month

Elite (5th Grade and up)  6:45-7:45 $30/month

There is a one time $10 fee payable to Lester Prairie Community Education due at the beginning of the dance season.

There is also a one time costume fee of $35 due at the beginning of November.

Location: Lester Prairie School

Instructor:  Judy Thunstrom

To Register or if you have any questions, please contact:

Judy Thunstrom

320-583-5296

judythunstrom@hotmail.com

Swap and Shop 

Do you have sports equipment that your kids have outgrown? Are you looking for some sports equipment for your children this year? We now have the Bulldog Equipment Swap. You can donate gently used items by bringing them to the school office. They will then be organized by sport and size. Keep an eye on the school’s facebook page for swap dates for each season. Simply come and take what you need. No money will be exchanged. You can donate equipment for any sport at any time. Specific items to donate for the fall swap include football cleats and gloves, volleyball shoes and knee pads. Winter would include wrestling and basketball shoes. More swap nights will occur before each season. Any questions contact Terri Helland at helland@lp.k12.mn.us

2026 Summer Camps

To be announced soon