Banaadir Elementary
Minneapolis School Finder Rating
About
About Us
Banaadir Elementary is a tuition-free K-5 school in Minneapolis created in partnership with educators, Somali community leaders, & families. Their mission is to provide a safe, caring, & culturally-grounded learning environment where every child feels valued & supported. At Banaadir, they believe in the power & potential of each student. Their dedicated staff focuses on helping students grow academically, socially, & emotionally, while also encouraging them to be responsible citizens & lifelong learners. The school combines strong academics with a welcoming community so students not only gain knowledge but also confidence, respect, & a sense of belonging. With high expectations, nurturing support, & a deep commitment to families, Banaadir Elementary helps children build strong foundations for success in school & life.
Languages spoken by school staff
English, Arabic, Somali
Extra programming
Extracurricular activities are done in collaboration with other community organizations.
Uniforms
Students who attend Banaadir Elementary are not required to wear uniforms.
How to enroll
To enroll, contact Sharmarke Elmi at (612) 724-4680 or be@emailmtcs.org.
Students at this school
Teachers at this school
Average student to teacher ratio
Academics
Below Average
Academic programming
Banaadir Elementary provides students with a strong, balanced instructional program that builds both academic & social-emotional skills. For reading & foundational skills, they use a combination of American Reading Company’s Core curriculum, UFLI (University of Florida Literacy Institute), & CAREI’s functional phonics & morphology resources to ensure every child develops accuracy, fluency, & deep comprehension. In mathematics, they implement Reveal Math, which emphasizes problem-solving, conceptual understanding, & real-world application. Science & social studies are supported through teacher-created resources that align with state standards & provide meaningful, engaging learning experiences. To nurture character, empathy, & resilience, they incorporate Character Strong, a curriculum that supports social-emotional learning & helps students build positive relationships.
Academic Programs Offered:
Arts Focused Programming, Personalized Learning
Special education programming
Banaadir Elementary is committed to meeting the unique learning needs of all students. They provide special education services designed to meet the needs of students with disabilities across the district. It is the mission of their Special Education Services Department that every student on an Individualized Education Plan (IEP) receives the educational programming that best meets his/her individual needs, & supports each student with their future goals.
Curricula
For mathematics, Banaadir uses Reveal Math, which emphasizes problem-solving, conceptual understanding, & real-world application. For reading, they use a combination of American Reading Company’s Core curriculum & UFLI (University of Florida Literacy Institute), as well as CAREI’s functional phonics & morphology resources. Science & social studies are supported through teacher-created resources that align with state standards & provide meaningful, engaging learning experiences. To nurture character, empathy, & resilience, they incorporate Character Strong, a curriculum that supports social-emotional learning & helps students build positive relationships.
English language learner programming
The goal of the English Language Learner (ELL) program at Banaadir Elementary is to assist students in achieving English Language proficiency in order to be successful learners in the classroom. They welcome students from all linguistic backgrounds; use best educational practices to provide instruction; provide safe, welcoming environments for all students; & ensure all students have access to the support that they need.
Proficiency
2 out of 10 students are performing math at grade level
1 out of 10 students read at grade level
Progress
4 out of 10 students are progressing to graduate on grade-level in math
4 out of 10 students are progressing to graduate on grade-level in reading
Climate
Average
School values
Banaadir Elementary is a safe, nurturing, & welcoming school where students are empowered to see education as a pathway to opportunity. The school celebrates the rich culture & community our students bring, weaving it into the heart of learning. At Banaadir Elementary, they also honor the unique connection with Banaadir Academy, where older students serve as mentors & role models. Together, they create a community of learners who grow with confidence.
Recess
Recess is an essential part of the elementary school day because it gives children a safe & welcoming space to play, connect, & recharge. On the playground, students build friendships, practice cooperation, & learn problem-solving through play. Recess also supports emotional well-being by giving students time to move, laugh, & release energy in a healthy way. With caring supervision & inclusive activities, recess ensures every child feels safe & part of the school community. Most importantly, recess makes learning more meaningful by helping students return to the classroom refreshed, focused, & ready to succeed.
Discipline Policy
At Banaadir Elementary, discipline is about creating safe, respectful, & supportive learning environments where every student can thrive. Schools work with students to encourage positive choices, teach responsibility, & resolve conflicts in fair & restorative ways. The focus is on helping students learn from mistakes, build strong relationships, & succeed both in & out of the classroom. The school follows all Minnesota laws & guidelines.
Teacher retention
Attendance
Discipline
Equity
Above Average
Equity vision
Equity means ensuring every student—regardless of background—receives what they need to succeed & belong. Banadir honors & believes in diverse cultures, & they work to remove barriers in teaching & learning so students thrive. That commitment is evident in how they:
• Create fair opportunities: Banaadir partners with families, students, & the community to build culturally-responsive learning that reflects each student’s identity & experience
• Invest in their teachers & leaders: Banaadir trains their staff to understand & dismantle systemic bias, ensuring they bring cultural awareness & fairness into every lesson
• Make learning meaningful to all: Banaadir designs curriculum, assessments, & school practices to reflect diverse cultures & meet students where they are—emotionally, socially, & academically
In short, Banaadir Elementary strives for an equitable school where every child’s culture is valued, every voice matters, & barriers are lifted so all learners can grow & succeed together.
