Teaching & Learning

Our youngest learners from birth through age 5, and their families, are served through our early childhood programming. We offer ECFE courses, preschool, early childhood screening, and family literacy courses.

StormHawks Preschool

• Taste of Preschool (Ages 2.5-3.5 years)
• Half Day Preschool (Ages 3-5 years)
• Nature-Based Preschool (Ages 3-5 years)
• Preschool to Kindergarten Connection (Ages 4-5 years)
• Full Day Care & Preschool Education (Ages 3-5 years)
• Summer EdVentures (Ages 3 years-entering kindergarten)

Early Childhood Screening

The early childhood years from birth to the start of kindergarten are an important time of rapid learning and growth. Early Childhood Screening is a simple check of how your child is growing and developing. Between the ages of 3 and 4, screening can detect possible health or learning concerns so that children can get help before they start school. Parents accompany their child through the approximate hour-long process. After the screening activities, the screener shares information on the child’s growth, development, and learning. The screening is free for all students and required prior to enrolling in kindergarten.

Screening is held at the Family Learning Center which is located at 110600 Village Road, Chaska.

Kinder Academy

Parents and guardians frequently ask, "Is my child ready for kindergarten?" If your child meets the state age requirement - five years old on or before September 1 - the answer is "yes." Kinder Academy is designed for young five-year-olds, such as those with summer birthdays.

Kinder Academy is located in La Academia. School hours are 9:30 a.m. to 4 p.m.

Visit the Kindergarten Registration web page for more information.

Elementary teachers in Eastern Carver County Schools are passionate about helping each learner achieve their personal best. Our curriculum resources and teaching strategies are student-centered and evidenced based. We proudly offer:

• Structured literacy with interventions and supports (Being a Reader & Sonday Essentials)
• Inquiry-based mathematics (Math Expressions)
• Hands-on science aligned to the next generation science standards (FOSS Science)
• Dedicated specialists in art, vocal music, physical education, media, technology & innovation, and instrumental music/band for grade 5
• Gifted services supports

Students in grades 2-5 are issued a Chromebook, which is used as a tool and compliment our engaging, collaborative, and relevant instructional experiences. Devices for students in Grades K-2 are available during the school day but are not sent home.

The middle school years are a time of exploration, and our teachers are committed to helping middle school students experience opportunities for intellectual growth, self-awareness, and social-emotional learning. The middle school program includes exposure to a wide variety of content areas that will allow each and every student to develop, understand, and realize their interests. Students also meet three times a week in an advisory program that addresses the affective needs of young adolescents. 

Our curriculum is focused on developing independent thinkers and lifelong learners: 

• In Language Arts, students read texts they choose that are at their levels, so voracious readers can zoom ahead and reluctant readers can work on books they enjoy and understand. 
• In Math, students work through the Big Ideas curriculum and work cooperatively to develop their understanding of important concepts. 
• Science uses the Twig Curriculum, which is aligned to the Next Generation Science Standards and focuses on students acquiring both content knowledge and the skills to think like a scientist. 
• Social Studies curriculum is focused on inquiry and fact finding, developing students with a deep understanding of history, civics, and geography and the ability to think for themselves. 
• Students have the opportunity to join choir, band, and orchestra to develop musical talents. 
• Our physical education curriculum is focused on health and exploring a variety of activities. 
• All students take Family and Consumer Science, Art, and Technical Education to broaden their experience and explore interests and potential career paths. 

Our small schools allow each student to be in the limelight. While other high schools in our area have been expanding beyond 2,500 students, residents of Eastern Carver County voted for smaller high schools — doubling the opportunities for your student while maintaining small-school environments!
During high school, students have the opportunity to dive deep into a variety of pathways while preparing for whatever comes next. This includes: 

• More than 35 courses that can gain college credit, including 30+ AP course, concurrent enrollment courses, and Project Lead the Way
• Eight different pathways aligned to careers to give students a head start on understanding their life work
• Pathways for ALL students to take and succeed in Advanced Placement courses.
• Flexible learning opportunities including blended courses, time off campus, and interdisciplinary options. 
• State and nationally recognized programs in athletics, speech, debate, Knowledge Bowl, and Robotics
• High achieving arts, theater, musicals and one-act plays housed in world-class theaters.

Integrated Arts Academy is the district’s arts-focused high school. It is designed for students who want more flexibility and choice than the traditional high school experience. Students earned their required graduation standards through hands-on projects in a variety of subjects with teachers who tailor their learning just for them. Schedule an interview to see if IAA is right for you: 952-556-6200.