Why Big Lake?
High Expectations - Exceptional Results
Big Lake Schools is a community-focused district dedicated to providing an exceptional learning experience for our students. At all levels, we strive to foster an environment where our students feel like they belong, are supported, and can reach their full potential, all while continuously creating new and innovative learning opportunities.
A Student's Journey
Our youngest learners start their journey at Liberty Elementary (K-2), where they grow to love learning in a safe and nurturing atmosphere.
From there they move on to Independence Elementary STEM (3-5), our accredited STEM building which has been recognized statewide & nationally for it's innovative STEM and PBIS programming.
At Big Lake Middle School (6-8), students continue STEM exploration through hands-on PLTW courses, and find their passions through our numerous activities and athletic opportunities.
Students end their school years at Big Lake High School, where career and college readiness takes center stage. Our unique 3Es model exposes students to potential career pathways early on and provides many opportunities to explore and experience areas of interest.
Our mission is to challenge, educate, and inspire all students to reach their highest level of achievement in academics, athletics, and the arts.
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Big Lake Schools: At a Glance
District Fast Facts
- Students Enrolled: 3,204
- Town Population: 12,198
- Location: Northwest of the Twin Cities
- 5 Schools: Liberty Elementary, Independence Elementary STEM, Big Lake Middle School, Big Lake High School, and Big Lake Online
- Community Education Offerings: Childcare, Community Education, Early Childhood, Enrichment & Recreation Opportunities for All Ages
What Sets Us Apart?
![students smiling at big lake high school]([{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_1/v1706581494/biglakeschoolsorg/vckna2xqknmhi3smk7bh/DSC03304.jpg","width":256},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_2/v1706581494/biglakeschoolsorg/vckna2xqknmhi3smk7bh/DSC03304.jpg","width":512},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_3/v1706581494/biglakeschoolsorg/vckna2xqknmhi3smk7bh/DSC03304.jpg","width":800},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto/v1706581494/biglakeschoolsorg/vckna2xqknmhi3smk7bh/DSC03304.jpg","width":1200}])
The "Hornet Way" shapes Big Lake students with core values—respect, honesty, kindness, responsibility, and fairness. This ethos, intentionally taught at all levels, fosters citizens committed to these principles in all aspects of life.
![student writing with chalk on sidewalk]([{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_1/v1706580963/biglakeschoolsorg/psgsvqmolpqm1hjyphot/holistic-approach-to-education.jpg","width":256},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_2/v1706580963/biglakeschoolsorg/psgsvqmolpqm1hjyphot/holistic-approach-to-education.jpg","width":512},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_3/v1706580963/biglakeschoolsorg/psgsvqmolpqm1hjyphot/holistic-approach-to-education.jpg","width":800},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto/v1706580963/biglakeschoolsorg/psgsvqmolpqm1hjyphot/holistic-approach-to-education.jpg","width":806}])
Beyond the academics, Big Lake emphasizes social-emotional development for our school community. Our intentional focus on self-awareness, self-management, social awareness, relationship skills, and responsible decision-making enriches the overall educational experience.
![students in front of science display]([{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_1/v1706581340/biglakeschoolsorg/vszwkse7q6win38lihzk/stem-education.jpg","width":256},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_2/v1706581340/biglakeschoolsorg/vszwkse7q6win38lihzk/stem-education.jpg","width":512},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_3/v1706581340/biglakeschoolsorg/vszwkse7q6win38lihzk/stem-education.jpg","width":800},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto/v1706581340/biglakeschoolsorg/vszwkse7q6win38lihzk/stem-education.jpg","width":1200}])
By laying the foundation for essential 21st century skills, such as collaboration, communication, and critical thinking, our focus on STEM & applied learning sets our students up for future success, regardless of where life takes them.
![high school youth service students]([{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_1/v1706581878/biglakeschoolsorg/o3cnutkguxqgi6hpvnoq/youth-service.jpg","width":256},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_2/v1706581878/biglakeschoolsorg/o3cnutkguxqgi6hpvnoq/youth-service.jpg","width":512},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_3/v1706581878/biglakeschoolsorg/o3cnutkguxqgi6hpvnoq/youth-service.jpg","width":800},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto/v1706581878/biglakeschoolsorg/o3cnutkguxqgi6hpvnoq/youth-service.jpg","width":1200}])
The heart of Big Lake lies in its strong community bonds, dedicated teachers, and kindness exhibited by students and staff. We are able to keep this culture through the unwavering partnership with our passionate, local community who believe in the well rounded education of our students.
![teacher reading to preschool students]([{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_1/v1706200450/biglakeschoolsorg/phswdyrmgr2ntljhim1i/teacher-reading-little-learners.jpg","width":256},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_2/v1706200450/biglakeschoolsorg/phswdyrmgr2ntljhim1i/teacher-reading-little-learners.jpg","width":512},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto/v1706200450/biglakeschoolsorg/phswdyrmgr2ntljhim1i/teacher-reading-little-learners.jpg","width":615}])
Our Pre-K & elementary staff pride themselves on providing a safe and nurturing atmosphere, elevating achievement, and instilling a love for learning at an early age. The district's early literacy program, rooted in brain science, aims to cultivate capable readers with a genuine passion for reading.
![big lake graduate]([{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_1/v1706582428/biglakeschoolsorg/nzgqqf9eeqykvxo1d1oe/graduate-01.jpg","width":256},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_2/v1706582428/biglakeschoolsorg/nzgqqf9eeqykvxo1d1oe/graduate-01.jpg","width":512},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_3/v1706582428/biglakeschoolsorg/nzgqqf9eeqykvxo1d1oe/graduate-01.jpg","width":800},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto/v1706582428/biglakeschoolsorg/nzgqqf9eeqykvxo1d1oe/graduate-01.jpg","width":1200}])
Big Lake takes curriculum alignment and support systems very seriously. By continuously & strategically conducting curriculum reviews and creating strong systems to implement new teaching material, we work hard to ensure our curriculum has maximum impact on student learning.