Wayzata Central Middle School - Plymouth, MN

Wayzata Central Middle School is celebrating 20 years of serving the academic and social needs of middle school students and families. The largest of three middle schools in Wayzata, Minnesota, Central Middle School prides itself on focusing on the whole child.

High academic expectations, coupled with a culture that nurtures adolescents, has always been the soil in which students grow. The Wayzata Public Schools' mission statement drives Central's work. One of the keys to high academic achievement is Central's school culture. Children are divided into teams of teachers who become experts in the needs of their students. Teams help a bigger school feel smaller by surrounding students with adults and peers who know and support them.

Teachers work in concert with the Student Services team to create, monitor and assess behavioral and academic intervention plans. Positive Behavioral Interventions and Supports (PBIS) is also an important part of providing students with social and emotional assistance. It sets behavioral expectations for students and serves as a daily reminder to be a contributing member of a positive school community.

Students attend each day knowing that they will be welcomed by caring adults who understand their individual needs. By addressing both the academic and affective sides of school life, the head and the heart, Central Middle School has proven to be an Exemplary High Performing School.