Schools and Education in Rochester MN

Education is one of the most valuable gifts that has been given to society. It is more than just a passing on, or teaching, of what we know to others. Education also passes on the culture of a society. Patterns of behavior, ideas, and values that distinguish unique groups from one another are also passed on. Education is designed to make use of the knowledge, ideas, and values that are passed on to make wise decisions through one’s life. New thoughts and ideas can then arise by combining the existing information in a new way, continuing the cycle of education.

Education of children is extremely important to the continued health of a society. Knowing this, many governments have set up a schooling system in which a standardized series of instruction can be presented to students. Teaching is the primary form of instructing students, using lectures, work sessions, and reading material. Specific skills and knowledge are passed on to students at certain ages, allowing students to understand and gain deeper meaning from the knowledge they are receiving.

There are multiple levels within the public education system. Primary education deals with fundamental topics, such as reading and writing, with mathematics, science, and history mixed in. Once a solid foundation has been obtained, Secondary education begins and the student learns more specialized skills. The years in between Primary and Secondary education may involve a separate school called a Middle school. This is still considered Primary education, but students are separated more from younger students in order to prepare them for the move to Secondary education. In the United States, Primary and Secondary education are required of all citizens in order to be a functioning member of society.

Rochester, Minnesota is home to a vast number of schools contained in the public education system that are dedicated to providing a solid foundation to students. Primary, Secondary, and Middle schools are spread throughout the city, offering the chance of an education to virtually anyone.

Primary schools make up the majority of the buildings in the school system. These schools include:

- Bamber Valley Elementary (K-5) – One of the larger elementary schools, with a dedicated staff and motivated students. The result is parental and community support that challenges the school to have high expectations and levels of achievement.

- Bishop Elementary (K-5) – Housing 500 students in Early Childhood Special Education from K-5, Bishop is proud of its dedication to students and the resulting standardized test scores.

- Churchill Elementary and Hoover Elementary (K-5) – A paired set of buildings that serves one student population. Education is focused on maximizing academic and social-emotional growth for all students.

- Elton Hills Elementary (K-5) – Focused on educating for tomorrow’s challenges, staff emphasize academic excellence in reading, writing, and math skills. Students are grouped in multi-aged classrooms based on their needs.

- Folwell Elementary (K-5) – Gifted and Talented and English for Speakers of Other Languages programs are strong here, strengthening the academic atmosphere. Active and supportive PTSA and an emphasis on Volunteers in Education are also strong points.

- Franklin Elementary/Montessori at Franklin (K-5) – Offers a K-5 Neighborhood program, and a K-5, District-wide, Public Montessori Choice program. The Franklin school offers quality education with a number of specialized academic support groups. The Montessori option includes three multi-age groups/levels of classes to develop students’ skills. Inter-relatedness is one of the main focuses of the curriculum.

- Gage/Gage East Elementary (K-5) – Individuality of each child is respected in the diverse population that makes up Gage Elementary. Strong reading, writing, and math programs are emphasized, and input from parents and volunteers is strongly encouraged.

- Jefferson Elementary (K-5) – The staff focuses on instilling the love of learning in students, helping them to become more prepared for the future as lifelong learners. The Read At Home program is offered as a home/school connection that increases student reading.

- Lincoln Choice (K-8) – The only K-8 school in the public school system, Lincoln supports the success of each student by giving and expecting respect for others and responsibility for themselves. Teaching methods focus on individual learning styles, and multi-age classrooms help accomplish this task.

- Longfellow Elementary (K-5) – While keeping the same academic standards, the calendar is made up of 45 days of concentrated instruction and learning, followed by a 15-day break period.

- Pinewood Elementary (K-5) – A traditional approach to curriculum with self-contained classrooms is used here, offering character development, classroom stability, and a positive atmosphere.

- Riverside Central Elementary (K-5) – Riverside’s mission is to have staff, students, families, and community word collaboratively to create a community that values education of all children, promoting the attitude of lifelong learning.

- Sunset Terrace Elementary (K-5) – Offers a wide variety of educational and leadership opportunities while still encouraging the growth of the whole child. A number of academic support programs are available to help those in need.

- Washington Elementary (K-5) – A school with a reputation for educational excellence, Washington, offers a challenging, Core Knowledge® curriculum. Fifty percent of the content involves Core Knowledge content, while the other 50 percent is mastery of reading, writing, math, and other skills.

The Middle schools found in Rochester all offer a strong focus on academics while giving students a chance to explore their own individual interests. A safe and welcoming environment is present at all schools, respecting students as individuals and quality and challenging education. The four Middle schools include:

- Friedell Middle School (6-8)
- John Adams Middle School (6-8)
- Kellogg Middle School (6-8)
- Willow Creek Middle School (6-8)

Secondary schools also offer challenging and quality education to the youth of Rochester. There are three public high schools throughout the city:

- Century High School (9-12) – The staff have created a culture that has high expectations, communication, trust, and caring at its core. The school works hard to effectively prepare students for life after graduation.

- John Marshall High School (9-12) – John Marshall values diversity and has been serving the community for more than forty years. Many proud traditions and accomplishments exist, including a curriculum that meets the needs of students looking at post-secondary schools as well as those planning to go straight to the work force.

- Mayo High School (9-12) – Also in existence for over forty years, Mayo is designed to meet the needs and challenges of every student. Advanced Placement courses are offered in math, science, and English, as well as a number of honors courses in most departments.

Education is a tool and gift that every person in society should have access to. The presence of a public education system provides a chance to receive that gift. Those that have received it have an obligation to pass on the gift to others, continuing the growth and health of a community and a culture. Education starts from the moment we are born, and with proper teaching and training, can continue with excitement and wonder until this life is over. Become a lifelong learner, while instilling the drive and motivation into others to do the same. Education is a gift that should not be wasted.