Dowling Elementary
Minneapolis School Finder Rating
About
About Us
A Department of Natural Resources School Forest site, Dowling Community is located in South Minneapolis’s Longfellow neighborhood on more than 20 acres of land along the Mississippi River. In Fall 2021, Dowling became a community school serving nearby students & families. Those who attend Dowling will help shape the way the school reflects & exemplifies the culture & fabric of its community. Families can expect an empowering, welcoming environment for all. Dowling celebrates diversity & values it as essential in preparing all students for lives of social responsibility, active citizenship, environmental stewardship & academic achievement.
Languages spoken by school staff
English, Spanish, Somali
Extra programming
Dowling Elementary offers Music, STEM/STEAM Clubs, Theater
Extracurriculars Offered:
Music, STEM/STEAM Clubs, Theater
Uniforms
Students who attend Dowling Elementary are not required to wear uniforms.
How to enroll
If interested in enrolling, contact Student Placement Services at (612) 668-1840 or sps.department@mpls.k12.mn.us.
Students at this school
Teachers at this school
Average student to teacher ratio
Academics
High Performing
Academic programming
Dowling students are energetic & curious learners. The school’s staff strives to be continuous learners of research-based practices to foster high levels of learning for students. Environmental learning is a large part of how Dowling integrates learning for their students. They are led by an amazing Environmental educator, Ms. Kristen.
The core academics are also important to make sure Dowling is building foundational skills for their elementary learners.
Literacy: Teachers are trained in the Science of Reading & Dowling uses a strong phonics program in the primary grades. They follow the district curriculum that focuses on reading comprehension & writing skills.
Math: Students engage in the 3 components of the district math curriculum. Bridges focuses on number sense. Number Corner, a calendar component, gives an overview of mathematical concepts. Work Places involves engaging mathematical games that encourage problem solving & differentiation of the curriculum.
Science: The district science curriculum uses Science Kits that give teachers all the tools they need to effectively teach science standards at each grade level. This is paired with the Environmental learning program & the outdoor classroom spaces.
Social Studies: Social studies is integrated into many subject areas & teachers follow the MN State Standards to ensure student learning.
Academic Programs Offered:
Environmental Focus
Special education programming
Consistent with federal & Minnesota law, special education instruction & related services are provided to all children with disabilities (age birth through 21 years) who need & meet the eligibility criteria for special education instruction & related services.
Read the full MPS Special Education Policy at: www.bit.ly/3Mul9kr.
Curricula
No response from school.
English language learner programming
MPS supports district programming & curriculum that promotes the accelerated academic achievement of English learners & recognizes the important role multilingualism plays in achieving academic success & in the future careers of MPS students.
Read the full MPS Bilingual Student Education Policy at: www.bit.ly/42VAq2U.
Proficiency
6 out of 10 students are performing math at grade level
6 out of 10 students read at grade level
Progress
5 out of 10 students are progressing to graduate on grade-level in math
7 out of 10 students are progressing to graduate on grade-level in reading
Climate
High Performing
School values
MPS’s values are:
1) Equity, representation, & anti-racism;
2) Physical & emotional safety & wellbeing;
3) Relationships, trust, & communication;
4) Shared decision-making & voice;
5) Transparency & accountability; &
6) Evidence-based strategies.
Learn more at: www.mpschools.org/strategic-plan.
Recess
No response from school.
Discipline Policy
MPS recognizes that appropriate school behavior is critical to academic success & to sustaining a rich & effective learning community. Their Discipline & Student Behavior Policy states that student instruction time lost due to removal from classes in response to misbehavior must be minimized. MPS looks to parents & families to partner in teaching & supporting appropriate school behavior to maximize the academic success of their students.
Read the full MPS Discipline & Student Behavior Policy at: www.bit.ly/42ZvEkZ.
Teacher retention
Attendance
Discipline
Equity
Above Average
Equity vision
MPS’s vision is that all students–no matter their background, ZIP code, & personal needs–will receive an anti-racist, holistic education that builds key knowledge to prepare students for future success. To achieve their vision, MPS will intentionally focus on & prioritize resources & actions to significantly improve the experiences & outcomes of Black students, Indigenous students, students of color, & their families. MPS is in the process of implementing their Climate Framework (www.mpschools.org/about-mps/climate-framework), in which all schools must write School Improvement Plans that address & incorporate equity.
Learn more at www.mpschools.org/strategic-plan.
