Winona Area Public Schools

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Nestled in the heart of Minnesota, Winona Area Public Schools stands as a beacon of educational excellence, serving generations of families since 1861. With a rich history spanning over 160 years, this dynamic school district has consistently demonstrated its commitment to inspiring curiosity, empowering resilience, and engaging the community through comprehensive and innovative educational approaches.

A Legacy of Learning and Innovation

Winona Area Public Schools encompasses a comprehensive educational system that serves approximately 2,634 students across multiple institutions. The district includes:

• Eight early learning programs
• Three elementary schools:
  • Goodview Elementary
  • Jefferson Elementary
  • Washington-Kosciusko Elementary (W-K)
• Winona Middle School
• Winona Senior High School
• One alternative school

The district operates under Independent School District 861, currently led by Dr. Annette Freiheit, who continues to guide the school system with a forward-thinking approach to education.

Distinctive Educational Programs

Spanish Immersion: Ríos Program

Winona Area Public Schools offers a unique Ríos Spanish Immersion program housed at Jefferson Elementary. This innovative program:

• Accepts a maximum of 24 students in kindergarten
• Expands by adding one grade level each year
• Provides the same rigorous core curriculum alongside Spanish language instruction
• Requires an application process with a lottery system for enrollment

Comprehensive Learning Supports

The district is dedicated to providing individualized educational experiences that cater to diverse student needs. Key support programs include:

• English Language Learner (ELL) instruction
• Intensive newcomer programs
• Collaborative teaching models
• Sheltered content classes
• Dual language immersion opportunities

Academic Standards and Achievement

Winona Area Public Schools follows the Minnesota K-12 Academic Standards, ensuring:

• Consistent, research-based learning goals
• Clear expectations for student knowledge and skills
• Regular curriculum updates to maintain relevance
• Alignment with college and career readiness objectives

Comprehensive Achievement Goals

The district is committed to achieving ambitious educational objectives, including:

• Ensuring all children are ready for school
• Closing racial and economic achievement gaps
• Preparing students for career and college
• Supporting multilingual and special education learners

🍎 Note: Starting in 2024, the district has integrated the Reading to Ensure Academic Development (READ) Act to support individualized reading goals for all students.

Community and Extracurricular Engagement

Beyond academics, Winona Area Public Schools offers:

• Diverse extracurricular opportunities
• Career and technical education pathways
• Strong student support systems
• Language immersion experiences

The district’s motto, “Inspire curiosity, empower resiliency, engage community,” reflects its holistic approach to education.

Final Reflections

With a student-teacher ratio of 15.21:1 and a dedicated staff of 232.53 full-time equivalent professionals, Winona Area Public Schools continues to be a cornerstone of educational excellence in Minnesota. The district’s unwavering commitment to nurturing compassionate, curious, and resilient learners ensures that students are well-prepared for the challenges and opportunities of the future.