• Category 2

    Selected in 2023

  • Grades: pre k - 5
    School Setting: suburban
    Town Population: 60
    Student Enrollment: 636
    Student Demographics:

    Black/African American: 21.1%
    White/Caucasian: 34.9%
    Hispanic: 14%
    Hawaiian/Pacific Islander: 0.1%
    Asian: 23.6%
    Native American: 0.3%
    Other: 6%

    Teacher/Student Ratio: 1:21
    % Reduced Lunch: 37%
    % ELL Learners: 20%
    Founded: 2011
  • PRINCIPAL:
    Dr. Chris Rogers
  • CONTACT:
    13400 Staring Lake Parkway
    Eden Prairie, MN 55347
    952-975-7600
    Chris_Rogers@edenpr.k12.mn.us
Oak Point Elementary School
Eden Prairie, MN
At the heart of Oak Point’s success is the belief that 'There’s No Place Like Oak Point.'
1. Tell us about your school’s success.
At the heart of Oak Point’s success is the belief 'There’s No Place Like Oak Point.' This isn’t simply a phrase on a t-shirt, but rather a driving force seen in each facet of our school’s work. From our vision, which focuses on actively engaging and valuing each member of our school community, to our student-centered instructional practices, we are redefining what it means to educate a child. Through tailoring instructional matches for each student, differentiating instruction with diverse staff who reflect our student body, and empowering students as leaders in conferences and beyond, we amplify student voice and choice while giving them agency in their learning. In addition, we’re supporting families in communicating in their home language, intentionally developing volunteer and family engagement opportunities, and partnering in promoting our PBIS efforts and encouraging students to be safe, kind and responsible. We put people first.
2. Talk about the greatest contributing factor(s) that promoted positive change in your school.
At our school, we prioritize closing the achievement gap through targeted data-driven instruction. Through ongoing assessment, we collect data on student performance, identify areas for improvement, and tailor instruction accordingly. This commitment to personalized, culturally responsive teaching enables us to address disparities, fostering an inclusive learning environment that propels all students toward academic success. Additionally, the practices we are embedding into our educational experience at Oak Point prepare students for a rapidly changing world and enable them to be collaborators, critical thinkers, effective communicators, and creative problem-solvers.

Ultimately, though, it is our unyielding commitment to bringing our vision to life that sets us apart. We relentlessly pursue inspiring everyone to be lifelong learners in their journey to becoming the best version of themselves — and that’s why Oak Point is becoming the best version of itself. There’s no place like it.
3. How has ESEA funding supported the school's success?
Title I funding has played a pivotal role in supporting the success of our school. These funds have been directed towards targeted interventions, personalized instruction, and additional resources that specifically benefit students at risk of falling behind academically. They have allowed us to hire dedicated reading specialists who provide tailored assistance, fostering literacy skills and academic growth. Additionally, through careful allocation, we ensure dedicated time during WIN (“What I Need”) periods for students to receive personalized support. ESEA funding is a critical resource at Oak Point that allows us to implement strategic measures that directly contribute to the academic success of our students, and a driving force behind our commitment to equity and excellence in education.
4. What professional development activities were used to improve teaching and learning?
Our professional development initiatives focused on enhancing teaching and learning through a multifaceted approach. Culturally Relevant Teaching workshops empowered educators with strategies to connect with students with diverse backgrounds, fostering inclusivity. We emphasized the 4C's (Critical Thinking, Communication, Collaboration, and Creativity) through targeted training, ensuring a holistic approach to skill development. Additionally, we embedded practices supporting not only multilingual learners but all students, promoting linguistic diversity and creating an environment that caters to varied learning styles. While our professional development initiatives are essential, it's important to highlight that at the core of our teaching philosophy is a genuine commitment to seeing all students succeed. The passion we bring to the classroom goes beyond training – it's a heartfelt dedication to creating an environment where every student can achieve their full potential.
5. Talk about the cultural shift leading up to your school's success.
The remarkable success of our school is intricately linked to a transformative cultural shift that reflects our commitment to inclusivity and diversity. Over the past several years, district and school staff have intentionally made a deliberate and conscious effort to cultivate a school culture that values and celebrates differences. A cornerstone of this cultural shift has been the intentional building of a teaching team that is not only racially diverse but also gender inclusive. This diverse team brings a rich tapestry of experiences and perspectives, fostering an environment where students see themselves reflected in their educators. This shift has led to a more nuanced and culturally responsive pedagogy, ensuring that every student feels seen, heard, and understood. The success we celebrate today is a testament to the transformative power of an inclusive school culture, where diversity is not just acknowledged but embraced, ultimately enriching the educational experience for all.
6. How has community involvement strengthened your success?
Community involvement has been a driving force behind our school's success, creating a dynamic partnership that elevates the educational experience for our students. The high percentage of parent attendance at teacher conferences reflects the strong bond between our educators and families, providing a platform for meaningful dialogue and collaboration on student progress and goals. Our community's engagement is further exemplified by events like the "100 Minutes of Reading" day, where community members generously dedicated their time to read to different classes, fostering a love for literacy and community connection. Our multilingual learning (ML) team has played a pivotal role in designing events like Multicultural Night, showcasing the rich diversity within our community. This event not only celebrates cultural heritage but also promotes understanding and unity. These events serve as a testament to the holistic approach we take in fostering partnerships with our community.
Stats
  • Category 2

    Selected in 2023

  • Grades: pre k - 5
    School Setting: suburban
    Town Population: 60
    Student Enrollment: 636
    Student Demographics:

    Black/African American: 21.1%
    White/Caucasian: 34.9%
    Hispanic: 14%
    Hawaiian/Pacific Islander: 0.1%
    Asian: 23.6%
    Native American: 0.3%
    Other: 6%

    Teacher/Student Ratio: 1:21
    % Reduced Lunch: 37%
    % ELL Learners: 20%
    Founded: 2011
  • PRINCIPAL:
    Dr. Chris Rogers
  • CONTACT:
    13400 Staring Lake Parkway
    Eden Prairie, MN 55347
    952-975-7600
    Chris_Rogers@edenpr.k12.mn.us