Dowling Elementary

Grades:
K-5
Link to enroll
School hours:
Mon-Fri 9:30AM-4:00PM
Before school care:
Yes
After school care:
Yes
District:
Minneapolis Public Schools

School performance rating

76%

About

Languages spoken by school staff

English, Spanish, Somali

Extra programming

Dowling students participate in a variety of activities after school. Some of these programs include: swimming, theater, GEMS & GISE, chess, & Dungeons & Dragons. Student interest can initiate interest in new activities.

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

Students, by population (315 total)
  • American Indian or Alaskan Native
    8%
  • Asian
    2%
  • Black or African American
    18%
  • Hawaiian/Pacific Islander
    0%
  • Hispanic
    8%
  • Two or more races
    6%
  • White
    57%
  • English Language Learner
    12%
  • From a Low Income Background
    38%
  • Special Education
    15%

Teachers at this school

Teachers, by population (20 total)
  • American Indian or Alaskan Native
    0%
  • Asian
    5%
  • Black or African American
    0%
  • Hispanic
    0%
  • Two or more races
    0%
  • White
    95%

Average student to teacher ratio

14:1

Academics

85%

Academic performance rating

85%

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

The special education department is focused on students receiving individualized services & equitable instruction in the least restrictive environment. Dowling has a Special Education Resource program & a Developmental Cognitive Disability program. Dowling offers an inclusive environment for all students.

English language learner programming

English Language Development programs promote academic achievement of multilingual students who qualify for English Language Development services through research-based instructional strategies, language-rich learning environments, & affirmation of student, family, & community assets. Dowling has 2 multilingual teachers who will instruct students in a co-teaching or small group format depending on the needs of the students.

Proficiency

% of students on grade level
2021 2022 2023 2024 Math Reading 100% 0%

6 out of 10 students are performing math at grade level

2024 math proficiency - 60%

6 out of 10 students read at grade level

2024 reading proficiency - 57%

Progress

% of students on track
2020 2021 2022 2023 2024 Math Reading 100% 0%

6 out of 10 students are progressing to graduate on grade-level in math

2024 math progress - 56%

7 out of 10 students are progressing to graduate on grade-level in reading

2024 reading progress - 68%

Climate

77%

Climate performance rating

77%

School values

Dowling Eagles S.O.A.R.: 
Support each other,
Open their minds,
Achieve, & 
Respect their environments.

Discipline Policy

Dowling school has adopted the GLAD Personal Standards of: (1) Show Respect, (2) Make Good Decisions, & (3) Solve Problems. 

Bullying Prevention Policy

Dowling staff uses the GLAD personal standards when working with students who are showing behaviors that are not within the school’s standards. Students use restorative approaches to solve problems. Students are also held accountable for their actions & given positive praise for making positive decisions or consequences if appropriate.

Teacher retention

% of teachers who stayed at the school
91% 62% 83% 95% 2021 2022 2023 2024 100% 0%

Attendance

% of students who regularly attend school (at least 90% of time)
82% 74% 79% 2020 2021 2022 2023 100% 0%

Discipline

Number of expulsions or suspensions per every hundred students
Per 100 Students 0 2020 2021 2022 2023 16 11 1 9

Equity

48%

Equity performance rating

48%

Equity vision

Dowling Elementary has 3 key priorities. 
One, gain a deep understanding of how Dowling students, who are at the deepest margins, are experiencing schools, particularly around who their anchor relationships are. 
Two, intentionally create stronger networks & anchor relationships for students who experience students at the deepest margins with adults & other students at Dowling. Building structures & experiences that create conditions for these relationships to flourish.
Three, developing relationships, agency, leadership, & a sense of power in the community for students the school identifies as experiencing Dowling at the deepest margins (& giving back to the community here). 

Proficiency

% students on grade level, by student group
0% 100% City average 38% American Indian or Alaskan Native City average 26% Black or African American City average 22% English Language Learner City average 31% From a Low Income Background City average 29% Hispanic City average 46% Special Education City average 78% White City average 58% All students
0% 100% City average 38% American Indian or Alaskan Native City average 26% Black or African American City average 22% English Language Learner City average 31% From a Low Income Background City average 29% Hispanic City average 46% Special Education City average 78% White City average 58% All students

Progress

% of students progressing to graduate on grade level, by student group
0% 100% City average 40% From a Low Income Background City average 76% White City average 62% All students
0% 100% City average 40% From a Low Income Background City average 76% White City average 62% All students

Teacher retention

Teachers who stayed at the school last year by race/ethnicity
0% 100% City average 100% Asian City average 95% White
0% 100% City average 100% Asian City average 95% White

Teachers of color

5%

Students of color

42%

Attendance

% of students who regularly attend school (at least 90% of the time)
0% 100% City average 65% Black or African American City average 62% English Language Learner City average 63% From a Low Income Background City average 64% Special Education City average 87% White City average 79% All students
0% 100% City average 65% Black or African American City average 62% English Language Learner City average 63% From a Low Income Background City average 64% Special Education City average 87% White City average 79% All students

Discipline

Number of expulsions or suspensions for every hundred students
0% 100% City average 21 American Indian or Alaskan Native City average 2 Asian City average 21 Black or African American City average 4 Hispanic City average 12 Two or more races City average 2 White City average 9 All students
0% 100% City average 21 American Indian or Alaskan Native City average 2 Asian City average 21 Black or African American City average 4 Hispanic City average 12 Two or more races City average 2 White City average 9 All students