Award recognizes deep community connections, civic leadership, and real-world learning for students
North Elementary School has been named a 2025-26 Minnesota School of Excellence, an honor awarded by the Minnesota Elementary School Principals’ Association (MESPA). This status is given to a select group of Minnesota schools that sustained a one-to two-year commitment of research and self-reflection to improve their schools. Their peer-reviewed application is centered around six standards of effective schools. North Elementary is not only a place of learning, but also a hub for civic engagement and community partnership.
“Going through the School of Excellence process reaffirmed our belief that continuous improvement is at the heart of who we are at North Elementary,” Principal Darin Doherty said. “We live by the idea that ‘when we know better, we do better,’ and our staff and students embrace that mindset every day. This recognition is an honor and well deserved, but what truly matters is the process—celebrating what is going well with clear evidence and setting goals and action plans to grow in the areas that need it. I couldn’t be more proud of our school community for the way we’ve committed to learning, reflecting, and improving together.”
Civic Leadership at the Core
In their application, North Elementary described civic leadership as one of their most “deeply embedded strengths.” Principal Darin Doherty and the student support team regularly collaborate with Nicollet County social services, local mental health providers, and the district nurse to address the holistic needs of students and families.
“These collaborations ensure that academic interventions are paired with the social supports needed to help students thrive,” they shared in their application.
From participating in local festivities, to engaging with the Lions Club and Chamber of Commerce, staff make it a priority to keep education on the radar of community leadership. Teachers also serve on nonprofit boards, volunteer with local organizations, and connect their civic work back to the classroom.
North’s “Kindness Crew” program trains upper-grade students to mentor younger peers and model positive behaviors aligned with the school’s Character Strong SEL curriculum. Students also take part in donation drives and outreach projects that build empathy and responsibility.
When schools take an active role as civic leaders, they build powerful networks of support for students and families. This means educators aren’t working in isolation—they’re collaborating with city officials, nonprofits, local businesses, and service agencies to address challenges that affect learning, such as housing, transportation, food access, and mental health. By engaging with the broader community, schools can connect families to resources more quickly, advocate for student needs at decision-making tables, and ensure that education priorities remain a shared responsibility. This approach strengthens trust, fosters community pride, and creates a safety net that helps every child thrive.
Learning beyond the classroom walls
North Elementary has built a network of partnerships to expand learning opportunities. Highlights include collaborations with the local public library, area food shelf, and nearby university and college to offer guest speakers and art exhibits that feature student work. These initiatives build student confidence and provide authentic outlets for real-world application of skills.
“These efforts reflect a long-term goal of making learning increasingly collaborative, connected, and community-driven,” they noted in their application.
“North Elementary’s story goes beyond what happens inside the classroom,” said MESPA Executive Director Michelle Krell. “It’s about how the school weaves itself into the life of the community—serving students, families, and neighbors in ways that leave a lasting impact.
About the MN School of Excellence program
The Minnesota School of Excellence program is grounded in research, based on six standards of effective schools and is peer reviewed. It’s a one- to two- year-long journey of reflection, learning, and goal-setting. The Minnesota School of Excellence program emphasizes that excellence is not an end goal—it’s a process. It’s built day by day, decision by decision, through reflection, responsiveness, and a shared belief that growth is always possible.
Congratulations to North Elementary for this extraordinary achievement.