Schools

FAIR (Fine Arts Interdisciplinary Resource) School Pilgrim Lane is an arts magnet school serving students in Kindergarten through 5th Grade (FAIR Crystal serves students in grades 6-8). As a public magnet lottery school, families in and outside of District 281 can apply to join our program.

The FAIR School is the result of imaginative educational conception, inventive curriculum planning and innovation. Our campus, located in the northwest suburb of Plymouth, is a nationally-recognized school by both the U.S. Department of Education and the Kennedy Center for the Arts. 

The FAIR model began in 2000, where it has evolved and grown. Students learn in an academically-challenging environment promoting critical and creative thinking. Our commitment to arts education gives students the opportunity to actively engage in culturally relevant and student-centered curricula. Through an interdisciplinary approach to instruction, students make cognitive connections across several disciplines. The student experience is enhanced by the school’s unique partnerships with a variety of community organizations and local artists. Students have in-depth experiences with a multitude of artistic mediums. 

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Forest is dedicated to providing all students with an excellent education so each child can succeed in school and in life. With high expectations for learning and behavior, Forest staff members are dedicated to meeting the needs of each student in order for them to reach their fullest potential. We provide students with an integrated technology learning experience. Each classroom has an updated audio enhancement system, a SMART board, laptops, and access to computers through our two computer labs.

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Lakeview Elementary is an authorized school for the International Baccalaureate Primary Years Programme (IBPYP). IBPYP takes an international approach to educating the whole child with inquiry-based learning. Through a rigorous and diverse education, students learn problem-solving skills, appreciate different cultures and gain an understanding of their place in this world. IBPYP provides the framework for curriculum in language arts, math, science/ technology, social studies, arts and personal/social/ physical education. Students are encouraged to ask questions, think critically and make connections from learning to their everyday lives.

At Lakeview, students take part in experiential and engaging hands-on learning. Smartboards are in every classroom, and students have 1:1 devices (Chromebooks or iPads). Technology contributes to more relevant, hands-on and engaging learning for the students.

All students receive instruction in both the Spanish language and culture beginning in kindergarten. Instruction in an additional language is an integral aspect of the IBPYP Programme. Instruction in language and culture helps broaden young minds in learning the value of global relationships.
 

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In an environment of mutual trust and respect, Meadow Lake will, in partnership with parents and community, enable all children to learn and become productive caring citizens in an ever changing world.

It is a privilege to have your child at our school. We have a dedicated staff that is here to help guide your child’s academic success, social development and intellectual fulfillment. Students learn through hands-on-activities, first-hand investigations, and the application of knowledge and thinking skills to complex problems. In order to accomplish this, the staff has a strong commitment to the students and their education. Meadow Lake has created a positive culture, and meeting the needs of all students is a priority. This focus on the whole child will help to develop strong, contributing members of society.

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At Neill, we strive to create a respectful, nurturing and challenging learning environment for all students. Teachers, staff and families have high expectations for students in terms of academic achievement and behavior. The school’s staff is highly trained and has many support systems in place to help students achieve success. Our community of learners has a sense of pride. We believe in celebrating our successes and highlight them monthly during our PRIDE assemblies. Connected to our PRIDE assemblies are the school-wide expectations of respect and responsibility. Educating children is an important and rewarding responsibility. Community involvement is encouraged at Neill. You are welcome to visit anytime.

We provide students with total technology integration to make them 21st century learners with Chromebooks, iPads, laptops, desktops and large screen projection Smartboards. Kindergarten through third grade classrooms are equipped with audio sound systems with teacher microphone for surround sound in the classroom.

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The Northport community provides a learning environment with high expectations for Belonging, being Empathetic, Achieving our highest potential, and showing Respect to all. Northport Elementary is a K-5 Turnaround Arts school known for its respectful, nurturing and challenging environment. Teachers, staff and families have high expectations for students in terms of academic achievement and behavior. Northport believes education is a partnership between students, parents and school. We are committed to being a culturally-responsive school and meeting the needs of our school community. 

We infuse our science curriculum with STEM for grades 3 through 5. Our classroom teachers co-teach with a certified STEM teacher using inquiry-based project learning, real world video connections, performance tasks and literacy tasks. 

Our Turnaround Arts Program uses art as a way to approach teaching and learning. We use the fine and performing arts as primary pathways to learning. The goal of arts integration is to increase knowledge of a general subject area while concurrently fostering a greater understanding and appreciation of the fine and performing arts.

Our Two-Way Spanish Dual-Language Program is open to students at Northport Elementary. In this program, students from different language backgrounds learn together while instruction is systematically delivered in two languages. Students read, write, listen and speak in both languages becoming bilingual, biliterate and bicultural while working toward grade level academic achievement. Dual language offers an opportunity for students to add another language while at the optimal age for language learning.

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“Yo hablo español” means “I speak Spanish.” The RSI community promotes a passion for Spanish language and culture with whole school Spanish instruction. Our mission is to inspire students to achieve academic excellence while becoming respectful, responsible and honest in an ever-changing global society. It is a privilege to have your child at our school. 

We provide students with total technology integration to make them 21st century learners with Chromebooks, iPads, laptops, desktops and large screen projection Smartboards. 

There are many options to learn for every type of learner, including gifted services, targeted services for remediation in math and reading, and after school activities include a robust chess club.

As a public K-5 magnet lottery school, families inside and outside District 281 can apply to join our program.

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2018 U.S. Department of Education National Blue Ribbon School

2020 U.S. Department of Education National Green Ribbon School

SEA is rooted in the STEAM philosophy, which focuses on critical thinking, collaboration and problem solving. A stimulating and engaging atmosphere fosters all students’ innate curiosity and joy of discovery to achieve high levels of success through inquiry-based, hands-on learning. 

As a public K-5 magnet lottery school, families inside and outside District 281 can apply to join our program.
 

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Zachary Lane is a K-5 elementary school that prides itself on delivering a stellar education for all students. We believe the key to raising student achievement is by fostering a strong partnership between home, school and community. Be Respectful. Be Responsible. Be a LEADER. 

Zachary Lane’s engaging learning environment is designed to build tomorrow’s leaders today. Staff members are committed to current research-based instructional practices, customizing curriculum so every child’s needs are met at their level, and incorporating innovative technologies into their daily teaching and learning. 

We provide students with total technology integration to make them 21st century learners with Chromebooks, iPads, laptops, desktops and large screen projection Smartboards. 

There are many options to learn for every type of learner, including gifted services, targeted services for remediation in math and reading, after school chess club and Discover U enrichment classes. We partner with various organizations to provide learning experiences that combine education with service. 

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Welcome to Plymouth Middle School. We are a learning community dedicated to maintaining a healthy educational environment where all students are supported to meet rigorous academic goals.

The core courses include math (assigned through geometry by readiness level), science, social studies, English, reading, Spanish and French. Support is available for students who need a little extra help.

The Allied Arts courses include visual arts; Microsoft Office; family and consumer science; technology education, including Gate-way to Technology (GTT) the middle level curriculum of the Project Lead the Way Engineering program; health education; AVID; physical education; band, choir and orchestra (or study hall if student is not in music).

AVID (Advancement Via Individual Determination) is a college readiness elective designed to help academically promising students — especially those who will be the first in their family to attend college — prepare for and succeed in college, by accelerating student learning using research-based methods for instruction and motivation to succeed.
 

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In an environment of mutual trust and respect, Sandburg Middle School will, in partnership with parents and community, enable all children to learn and become productive caring citizens in an ever changing world.

Sandburg Middle School prepares students for a global community through the Advancement Via Individual Determination (AVID) program. AVID is a college readiness elective designed to help academically promising students - especially those who will be the first in their family to attend college - prepare for and succeed in college. AVID accelerates student learning using research-based methods for instruction and motivation to succeed.

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Robbinsdale Virtual Academy (RVA)  is an option for students in grades 6-12. RVA offers a fully accredited online curriculum, with courses which were developed to be taught online. Students do not meet in a physical classroom at a specific time, and gives students the flexibility to design their own high school experience. 

More about Robbinsdale Virtual Academy (RVA):
Online courses offer the same challenge in a different format. The amount of time and work will be equal to traditional, in-person courses. Students learn in a format used frequently at colleges and work sites. Courses include:

• Videos, readings, assignments, quizzes and tests in Schoology
• Online discussions and projects
• Weekly reflection and goal-setting
• Daily access to subject licensed teachers for support in assignments

Students who collaborate with others gain a deep understanding of concepts and retain information. Respectful collaboration with peers and teachers is foundational to all RVA courses. Online discussions and group assignments provide opportunities for students to collaborate.

A major component of RVA is reflection and goal setting. Students who set goals and reflect on their learning are successful in school and beyond. RVA courses provide many opportunities for students to develop these important learning traits. Each week, students rate their progress from the previous week. They write about successes and challenges and set goals for the upcoming week.

Staff-initiated communication occurs at least weekly with all students, and is focused on course progress (recent assessment results and overall course grades) and each student’s weekly reflection and goal-setting. This communication will review each student’s online coursework in the context of their overall graduation plan. When students initiate communication (email, LMS messaging, phone call), teachers and support staff will respond within 24 hours (weekdays only) with rare exceptions.

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The mission of Armstrong High School (AHS) is to inspire and educate all learners to discover their potential and positively contribute to their community. Students receive a rigorous, well-rounded education based on a wide range of curricular choices and enrichment opportunities. We offer challenging and engaging curriculum in all areas, for all students and ability levels. We promote a quality learning environment, foster intellectual development, promote positive relationships among our students and prepare students for the responsibilities of productive living.

The Advanced Placement (AP) program at Armstrong is one of the largest AP programs in the state of Minnesota, offering AP courses in English, social studies, science, math, global language, art and music. AP is a voluntary program that offers students an opportunity to take one or more college-level courses while still in high school.

AHS has more than 75 school-sponsored teams, clubs, performing and fine arts activities and sports.

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The mission of Cooper High School (CHS) is to provide a caring and vibrant community where all members are respected, and for students to become active, compassionate, principled critical thinkers.

CHS prepares students through the International Baccalaureate Middle Years Programme (IBMYP), Advancement Via Individual Determination (AVID) program and the IB Diploma Programme for responsible citizenship in a global community. 

IBMYP provides students with a broad base of knowledge, an international perspective and higher order critical thinking skills. It is school-wide for all students in grades 9 and 10, with an honors component for interested students. The program culminates in the 10th grade Personal Project.

AVID is a college readiness elective course designed to help academically promising students —especially those who will be the first in their family to attend college—prepare for and succeed in college. AVID supports research-based methods for instruction and motivation to succeed. Teachers use AVID strategies building-wide. 

CHS offers many extra-curricular activities and a wide range of athletics.

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Robbinsdale Academy - Highview offers a full curriculum for students who are are ages 14-21 years old (grades 9 through 12). We have a unique, more personal environment for students who prefer a smaller setting. Our teachers and staff give individualized, self-paced work with expectations geared toward ability levels and opportunities for success through flexibility and choices. 

We are dedicated to providing all students a safe, respectful, supportive environment where each student has the opportunity to develop and apply academic, personal and career skills. 

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Robbinsdale Virtual Academy (RVA)  is an option for students in grades 6-12. RVA offers a fully accredited online curriculum, with courses which were developed to be taught online. Students do not meet in a physical classroom at a specific time, and gives students the flexibility to design their own high school experience. 

More about Robbinsdale Virtual Academy (RVA):
Online courses offer the same challenge in a different format. The amount of time and work will be equal to traditional, in-person courses. Students learn in a format used frequently at colleges and work sites. Courses include:

• Videos, readings, assignments, quizzes and tests in Schoology
• Online discussions and projects
• Weekly reflection and goal-setting
• Daily access to subject licensed teachers for support in assignments

Students who collaborate with others gain a deep understanding of concepts and retain information. Respectful collaboration with peers and teachers is foundational to all RVA courses. Online discussions and group assignments provide opportunities for students to collaborate.

A major component of RVA is reflection and goal setting. Students who set goals and reflect on their learning are successful in school and beyond. RVA courses provide many opportunities for students to develop these important learning traits. Each week, students rate their progress from the previous week. They write about successes and challenges and set goals for the upcoming week.

Staff-initiated communication occurs at least weekly with all students, and is focused on course progress (recent assessment results and overall course grades) and each student’s weekly reflection and goal-setting. This communication will review each student’s online coursework in the context of their overall graduation plan. When students initiate communication (email, LMS messaging, phone call), teachers and support staff will respond within 24 hours (weekdays only) with rare exceptions.

Website