Bedford Elementary School
906 Pennsylvania Street
Bedford, IA, 50833-0234
Mrs. Dana Nally, Principal at time of Nomination
Title I School
Bedford Community School District
The Mission of Bedford Elementary is to provide each student a quality education through programs, opportunities, and experiences to become productive citizens and lifelong learners. Bedford Elementary believes that high expectations and challenging objectives produce responsible, self-motivated students that become successful, self-directed learners.
- Black/African American: 1%
- White: 97%
- Two or more races: 3%
Students use inquiry learning to foster curiosity and enhance learning.
Bedford Elementary is a PK-5 school on the rural campus of the Bedford Community School District in Southwest Iowa. It is our belief that optimal learning occurs when students are actively engaged in meaningful, relevant, and challenging work, integrating technology where appropriate, and have the opportunity to be leaders within our classrooms, building, and community.
With our 17:1 students/teacher ratio, class sizes are small and the use of individualized, as well as differentiated instruction is evident in all classrooms. Our PK-5 students have access to 1-to-1 technology in their classrooms. They are exploring and learning more everyday through inquiry learning and the excitement of using the technology enhances student engagement and motivation.
Our school is unique because we have fully implemented a student-centered leadership program called "Leaders of The Pack." It is based on Stephen Covey's "7 Habits of Highly Effective People" and Franklin Covey's "Leader In Me" program. Bedford Elementary students and staff are creating an environment that reinforces leadership. Teachers integrate leadership language and the leadership habits into daily instruction. We continually build a culture of leadership through school traditions, such as celebration assemblies and service projects. Students in all grades are provided leadership opportunities in their classrooms and throughout the building. Classrooms and individuals track academic and personal goals and celebrate the success of reaching those goals. This unique program allows our students to showcase pride in themselves, pride in their school, and pride in our communities.