Learning to drive is an exciting milestone for teens, and at Blue Earth Area High School, it’s now also part of the school-day experience for ninth graders. BEA is proud to offer Drivers Education as an optional course within the school curriculum, giving students a convenient and affordable way to complete their classroom instruction while earning high school credit.
This addition to the curriculum reflects Superintendent Mandy Fletcher’s desire to align school programming with both BEA’s Strategic Roadmap and the voices of the community. In the spring of 2020, BEA conducted the Next Level survey, which invited community members to share ideas about programs they would like to see offered at the school. Drivers Education was one of the ideas that rose to the top, and the community strongly supported its inclusion. Based on that feedback, and in support of BEA’s long-term goals and vision, Drivers Education was implemented in 2022 as an option for ninth-grade students.
All BEA students entering ninth grade are eligible to take Drivers Education if they haven’t already completed the course through Community Education or another licensed provider. Students who wish to enroll simply select Drivers Education as an elective when planning their ninth-grade schedules. Students in grades 10, 11, or 12 who are interested in taking the high school Drivers Education course may select it as an elective as well.
The classroom portion of the course includes 30 hours of instruction and is provided at no cost when taken during the school day. Classes are taught by Joe Strukel, a BEA High School Social Studies teacher, as well as Shelly Bell, an additional Behind-the-Wheel instructor. Together, they focus on traffic laws, safe driving practices, and thoughtful decision-making—skills that help students feel confident and prepared before they ever get behind the wheel.
In addition to classroom instruction, all students must complete six hours of behind-the-wheel training with a licensed instructor. This required hands-on component costs $230 for all students, regardless of where the classroom portion is completed, and provides valuable real-world driving experience under professional guidance.
For families who prefer a summer option, Community Education will continue to offer a Summer Drivers Education session. Students who choose the summer program will pay a $170 classroom fee and a $230 behind-the-wheel fee. While this option does not include high school credit for the classroom portion, it can be a good fit for families who want to complete Drivers Education outside of the school year.
Families are encouraged to learn more about the Drivers Education process, timelines, and requirements by visiting the BEA Drivers Education webpage, or calling the Community Education Office at 507-526-3172.