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General Information
Vision
Great River School integrates academic and social experiences in an environment of civility and trust. The Montessori philosophy and the International Baccalaureate diploma program inform the curriculum and pedagogy, inspiring deep questioning and peaceful action.
Great River School fosters self-expression in a supportive environment that values critical thinking and the richness and strength of a diverse community.
Great River School encourages students to seek new challenges and explore their abilities. Instruction through travel, practical learning, the arts, and micro-economic ventures provide relevant skills to meet the world with compassion and a sense of responsibility.
School Day
Monday through Friday, Great River School’s (GRS) day begins at 8:30 am and ends at 3 pm. The building will be open from 8 am to 3:30 pm for students who need to arrive early or stay late and have made previous arrangements with the front office. On Wednesday afternoons, many A3 students take advantage of the Creativity, Action and Service (CAS) activity time to participate in an internship or regular volunteer opportunity off campus.
Transportation
Parents/guardians are responsible for the transportation of their children. Great River School understands the significance of viable transportation and will work with families to get them information so they can organize carpools and/or use public transportation. Students are also encouraged to bike to school when weather allows for it. Students who choose to ride Metro Transit will receive a 10-ride bus card for use in getting them to and from school each week. Students must turn in a used bus card to receive a new one.
Special Education and 504′s
Special education services are available for students who are identified to receive them. GRS has special education teachers for all age levels and works with a special education director who oversees services. Federally mandated 504 plans are available for those with identified disabilities.
Conferences
Student led conferences for all students, their teachers and parent/guardian are held twice a year during the fall and spring. Students receive instruction about how to lead these conferences to discuss their work and progress and prepare a portfolio that helps parents/guardians understand their work.
Parent/Guardian Involvement
GRS fosters a cooperative community and encourages the involvement of parents/guardians. We need your help to make this school great for your student. Volunteer opportunities are available for all and can fit everyone’s schedule. Some of the opportunities include assisting at Open Houses and other marketing events, supporting teachers in the classroom and beyond, helping before and after key experiences with equipment organization, fund raising activities, serving on the Great River School Board or committees and more. Contact Lydia McAnerney to find out more ways to get involved.
Graduation requirements
Great River School will meet all state requirements for High School Graduation. Please refer to the IB Program pages of this website for more information about the IB program’s course sequence and requirements. Please review the Graduation Requirements for an overview of required courses for the high school.
Clubs
Maria Montessori advocated independent learning. Students can develop clubs and groups at Great River School based on their interests. Currently, robotics, lego league and a peace club are very active. A small group of students work with our theater teacher for fall and spring productions.
Athletics
Team sports at the Junior High level include competition with other schools in the League of Independent Sports Teams (L.I.S.T.) League. Those who play team sports at the High School level compete in the Minnesota State High School League. Presently, we offer cross country running, soccer, volleyball, basketball and ultimate frisbee. Some students elect to play other sports for their home district high school. This requires a cooperative agreement between GRS and the school. For more information cooperative agreements and athletics in general, please contact Marcus Walker, Athletic Director by phone at 651-329-2219.
Authorizer
Every charter school in Minnesota has an authorizer. According to the Minnesota Association of Charter Schools, ”A central component of the charter school concept is that every school has an authorizer. The role of an authorizer begins in the development stage of a charter, is critical throughout the life of the charter, and ends when a school is formally dissolved.” The Authorizer for Great River School is Novation Education Opportunties (NEO). NEO is a sole purpose authorizer. That is, their sole purpose is to authorize charter schools.
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