e proudly serve more than 50,000 residents and approximately 13,000 neighborhood students (and 62,000 total student learners) in all or parts of Albertville, Dayton, Elk River, Otsego, Ramsey, Rogers, St. Michael, Zimmerman and the townships of Big Lake, Baldwin, Burns, Hassan, Livonia, Nowthen, Orrock and Stanford.
We have nine elementary schools, four middle schools, three high schools and a secondary-level alternative school. We also have a Continuing Education Program that serves pre-schoolers to senior citizens.
We are a rapidly growing district located 35 miles northwest of Minneapolis. Our student population has increased from about 7,500 students in 1995-96 to more than 12,400 in 2007-2008. The growth in student enrollment is expected to slowly continue for the next 10-15 years.
We are committed to providing each and every student the best education possible and strive to offer comprehensive programs and services that foster each child's intellectual, social and emotional growth.
A standard, district-wide curriculum ensures students will meet the same basic learning goals at each school. Our curriculum is designed to enhance each student's intellectual, physical, emotional and artistic dimensions. Among values taught to lead students toward improved achievement are a strong understanding of basic skills, a lifelong interest in staying active and being healthy, a strong interest in becoming a contributing member of society and a high level of self direction and motivation.
Our students' test scores continue to improve and we are proud of their progress; however, we have much work to do so that every student is prepared to go to college when they graduate. Our district focuses a majority of our annual budget on improving what happens in classrooms. Each year, we look for the best teachers available to be a part of our district; if you're a first-class educator consider joining our team.
Our students have earned millions of dollars in scholarships and moved on to great accomplishments. Among our graduates are three National Hockey League stars. Outside the classroom, many students participate in extracurricular activities such as athletics and the arts, and often bring home state and national awards.
While we are committed to a strong pre-kindergarten through grade 12 curriculum, we serve residents of all ages through our community education program, which offers a variety of program and services to people of all ages.