A Community of Learners

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Centerpoint Elementary School was started in 1976 by a group of parents and teachers seeking alternative ways to educate children. Since then, Centerpoint has held a tradition of innovation and excellence. We are a school that is always looking for new ways to make learning meaningful, engaging and enriching.

Centerpoint has a strong tradition of parent involvement. Each year, Centerpoint families volunteer over 8,000 hours to the children at Centerpoint. Whether leading a book club, teaching art or typing at home for the Centerpoint Publishing Company, there are many ways for families to contribute. While every family schedule is different, we encourage each family to find 40 hours each year to volunteer in ways they feel comfortable.

Research tells us that a guaranteed and viable curriculum is essential to student learning. Centerpoint has been at the forefront of curriculum innovation and implementation. It is our belief that the curriculum should be hands on, engaging and meaningful. Centerpoint was one of the first schools in Minnesota to adopt math curriculum set to the NTCM standards, was a pioneer in the Whole Language/Balanced Literacy philosophy and has always believed in Cooperative Learning.

As a community of learners, Centerpoint staff have always modeled learning. 2004-2005 is the first year we are able to provide Spanish language to our students. As the students have made a commitment to learn a new language, so have the teachers. After school on Monday, the teachers (yes, all of them) become students and are learning Spanish.

Our commitment to excellence is ongoing, we are continually seeking better ways to teach. Currently we are very involved in learning about the International Baccalaureate (IB) Program. All of our teachers have received some training in the IB Primary Years Program. Recently Centerpoint was part of generous grant from the White Bear Lake Area Foundation to continue pursuing the I.B. programs. During the next year we will be gathering information, receiving training and completing the first phase of the application. We are all excited about the possibilities this holds.

Like all learning communities, Centerpoint is a unique group of teachers, students and families. We invite you to learn more about us by following the links above or contacting us!