Why Choose Birch Grove Elementary
Birch Grove Elementary School for the Arts is an award-winning magnet school serving more than 400 students in prekindergarten through fifth grade. By weaving arts education and core concepts together, scholars can learn through their passion for the arts every day.
We provide a strong academic foundation for all children and promote opportunities that allow students to create at many levels. Teaching through the arts helps students experience concepts rather than merely discussing or reading about them, and the study of the arts has been linked to scholars' increased critical and creative thinking skills, self-esteem, willingness to take risks, and ability to work with others.
Birch Grove enrolls students through the Northwest Suburban Integration School District (NWSISD).
Comprehensive arts education
Students at Birch Grove Elementary receive 150 more minutes of arts instruction (per six-day cycle) than students at other schools. This means children can delve deeper into important arts-related concepts that will set them up for success in middle and high school. Birch Grove is the only elementary school in Osseo Area Schools that offers drama and art instruction each week. Vocal music, band and orchestra opportunities are also offered to scholars, including instruction in stringed instruments as early as third grade.
Opportunities to shine
We offer a variety of before- and after-school activities for Birch Grove scholars, including:
- Birch Grove and Company Arts Troupes
- Annual spring musical
- Birch Grove TV
Magnet School of Distinction
Over the years, we've received numerous awards from Magnet Schools of America (MSA), the national association for magnet and theme-based schools. In 2020, Birch Grove was named a Magnet School of Distinction by MSA, recognizing our demonstrated ability to raise student achievement, promote racial and socioeconomic diversity, provide integrated curricula and instruction, and foster strong partnerships that enhance our arts theme.
Safe and healthy school climate
Birch Grove CARES! Our students and staff are:
- Cooperative;
- Assertive;
- Responsible;
- Empathetic; and
- Show Self-Control
We use restorative practices, trauma informed practices, the Responsive Classroom approach, and the MindUp curriculum to promote a safe and joyful learning environment.