Twin Lakes Elementary School - Elk River, MN

Twin Lakes Elementary School embraces a mission to educate, inspire and empower students to contribute to our global communities, and it has lived that mission since opening in 2007. Twin Lakes Elementary School has been the cornerstone for residents of northeast Elk River, Minnesota, in the heart of Independent School District 728.

Through much growth and change during the 2010s, Twin Lakes established itself as a state and district leader in academic excellence. Twin Lakes achieves this through building relationships with parents, students and staff, creating a culture of a true, neighborhood school. Using the tenets of Positive Behavioral Interventions and Supports (PBIS), TLES emphasizes the importance of respect, responsibility, kindness and safety as demonstrated by its students, families, staff and community.

Over the past decade, Twin Lakes has been a leader amongst school in mathematics, reading and science, establishing itself as a Minnesota School of Excellence winner. We believe in being good stewards for our future. Our building is LEED Certified, just one of 16 school buildings to attain that certification in Minnesota. Our principal, custodial team and other staff have a tradition of taking students on a tour of the building to highlight, explore and discuss the unique, energy-efficient designs of the building, allowing students to appreciate and respect their school environment and the building's impact on our neighborhood.

Through innovation and creative programs and curriculum, Twin Lakes has built a sense of "Otter Pride". This sense of connection has led to the success of the "whole child", looking beyond the classroom and into the family unit. That creativity starts each day with WTLN - the Twin Lakes "news" network - which teaches the four core values mentioned above and brings it into the home. Through rewards, highlight videos and more, the values are used to lift up students who are living the Otter Pride example each day.