Our district's youngest learners start their educational journey at Liberty Elementary School, which houses kindergarten through second grade. Early childhood family education and preschool classes are also held at Liberty, which creates a very smooth transition to kindergarten for children and families.
K-2 Standards and Extras
Our teachers utilize the most advanced curriculum and instructional approaches available to deliver Minnesota's academic standards to our students. In addition to core subjects, our students enjoy time in music and physical education on alternating days, and in our Artist in Residency program where students learn with our Art Specialist. Students also have additional time carved into their schedules three days a week, called FLY time, where working on Literacy skills is the prime focus.
STEM Education
Big Lake Schools is proud of its focus on STEM Education. We believe in it so much that our youngest learners get in on the action through STEAM (science, technology, engineering, arts, and mathematics) Days. Each grade level gets to participate in a STEAM Day where they learn firsthand how hands-on, project-based learning works! Our second graders also participate in Launch, a Project Lead the Way STEM program, several times throughout the school year. Students will continue with Launch during their years at Independence Elementary STEM School.
Communication is Key
We fully understand that leaving your young child at a school can be nerveracking, and that's why Liberty teachers are committed to great family communication. Our teachers utilize a family communication app called Seesaw to update parents throughout the week with pictures and instant messages that allow you to see what your child is working on, see his or her happy face, and message a teacher with any concerns. Of course, we will communicate via phone and email as well!
We Make Learning FUN
Liberty develops lifelong learners by making learning fun through special events like pumpkin parades, Upstander Day, Dr. Seuss’ birthday celebration, and many more. Check out our calendar for all of the fun events we have going on! You are always welcome to come to school and join in on the fun!
Creating Responsible Citizens
One of our goals at Liberty is to teach students about the importance of community and how each student plays a role in creating a positive environment. We introduce them to the district's behavior philosophy, the Hornet Way, and talk about how their individual behavior helps to create a safe, bully-free atmosphere. The Hornet Way focuses on on five traits: respect, honesty, kindness, responsibility, and fairness.
