Metro West Learning Academy (MWLA) is an alternative program shared by three school districts: Adel-DeSoto-Minburn, Urbandale, and Waukee/Waukee Northwest. MWLA is a student-centered environment with a staff who is committed to creating positive change for students, leading to social, emotional, and academic success for high school graduation and beyond.

Student-centered learning engages students in the learning process. Students’ personal interests can help determine which projects they complete in addition to assignments and projects that help fulfill the Iowa Department of Education Academic Standards. With student-centered learning, teachers act as advisors who help facilitate the learning process. Instead of students sitting in a teacher-driven classroom, students learn through the exploration of topics that interest them. MWLA works with each home high school to fulfill core subject areas and electives that are offered through the program.

Students attending MWLA are working toward the graduation requirement of their home high school and earn their diplomas from their home high schools. All students are referred by their home high schools and attend either a morning session or an afternoon session.