BHM Schools uniting communities

BHM Schools unite the communities of Buffalo, Hanover, Montrose and surrounding townships. Here, students are encouraged to dream, achieve and believe in their unique talents.

Ten schools serve approximately 5,700 students in a district known for its high academic standards, exceptional learning and extracurricular options, and caring teachers and staff. It is because of the over 750 dedicated district staff, that the Star Tribune named BHM Schools a 2016 Top Workplace.

To learn more, please visit www.bhmschools.org.

Early Childhood Family Learning

Lifelong learning is part of the strong foundation of BHM Schools and its communities. From early childhood development through higher education, the district is truly dedicated to providing only the finest educational experience possible to its residents.

To start, Early Childhood Family Education (ECFE) offers classes to children starting from birth and leading up to kindergarten. There are a variety of parent classes, parent/child classes, an annual family fair, summer events and preschool classes available to families. The ECFE preschool classes are offered to children age three to five and have been awarded the Minnesota Parent Aware Four Star Rating based on their curriculum and teacher certifications.

For more information go to www.bhmschools.org/early-childhood or call 763.682.8780.

Elementary School Opportunities

BHM Schools take pride in the number of opportunities they can offer to students at every educational level.

Discovery Elementary is a school of choice (enrollment is based on a lottery system) and offers multi-age, looping classrooms. Tatanka Elementary offers a STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering and Math) magnet program where an extra emphasis is placed on engineering.

Montrose Elementary School of Innovation (MESI) provides challenging and inquiry-based learning that infuses technology, creativity, collaboration and critical thinking into everyday learning experiences.

Quest is an accelerated learning opportunity for those students who are in the top two-to-three percent of their class in grades 2 through 9. In this school within a school (located in Parkside Elementary, the middle and high schools), students are challenged academically in the core subjects of English, math, science and social studies

In the Middle (School)

To help bridge the STEM program at Tatanka Elementary and the Arts Magnet program at the high school (see High School and Beyond), Buffalo Community Middle School (BCMS) offers students STEAM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Art and Math) classes. All 6th-grade students take coursework in technology, art, and communication, taught through the STEAM lens.

Students also participate in AVID (Advancement Via Individual Determination). This is a program that helps students get organized in school and works to improve their academic performance. All students benefit from the organizational skill development through the use of Bison Binders and group discussions during Prime Time (first 20 minutes of the day).

In addition, some students in 8th grade have an opportunity to take an AVID class to learn more educational and organizational skills.

For more information go to www.bhmschools.org/schools/buffalo-middle or call 763.682.8200, located on 1300 Hwy 25 N.

High School and Beyond

The initiation of the Minnesota Transfer Curriculum (MnTC) is the first of its kind in any high school to prepare as many of the top 70 percent of high school students for college and career. Credits taken as a part of the MnTC will transfer to any college or university in the Minnesota State Colleges and Universities System including the University of Minnesota. Phoenix Learning Center is also available as an alternative learning program for high school students who don’t fit into a traditional high school structure.

For more information go to www.bhmschools.org/schools/buffalo-high or call 763.682.8100, located on 877 Bison Blvd.

Or to learn about our Arts Magnet Program go to www.bhmschools.org/schools/bhs-magnet.


Helping Students Transition

Since the 2008-09 school year, PRIDE Transitions has served 18-21 year-old special education students. The program is for those identified students who need additional transition skills from high school to the world of work and independent living.

To learn more go to www.bhmschools.org/schools/pride.

Standing Out

BHM class sizes are smaller than most surrounding districts. BHM test scores also significantly outpace state averages and the high school graduation rate of 96% is exemplary.In 2013, Hanover Elementary also earned the coveted Blue Ribbon School distinction from the U.S. Department of Education for overall academic excellence and achievement.

Montrose Elementary School of Innovation in 2015 and 2016 was named a Reward School by the Minnesota Department of Education for having demonstrated exceptional student outcomes and success in closing achievement gaps. Northwinds Elementary also earned the Reward School distinction in 2016.

Community Support

Supportive community residents surround BHM Schools. In November 2014, district residents showed their support of the district by approving a $33 million bond to invest in safety and security improvements (e.g. secure school entrances, security cameras), technology upgrades, deferred maintenance projects (e.g. roof and parking lot repairs), building additions (e.g. high school gym and classroom space), and activity venue upgrades (e.g. high school athletic fields—football, soccer, lacrosse, tennis, softball and baseball). It’s because of that district-wide support, that BHM Schools prides itself on its extensive facilities, diverse curriculum and well-trained staffs – all aimed at developing each young person to their fullest potential.

BHM Schools supports each student and is dedicated to each student’s individual education path. It’s because of that support and dedication of the BHM staff and communities that BHM Schools is the place to dream, believe and achieve.

Parochial School

St. Francis Xavier is a vibrant faith community serving 1700 households with a school providing a Christ-centered education for students beginning in Kindergarten and continuing through 8th grade. The dedicated teachers and staff provide an education that helps each child develop spiritually, academically, and socially. Rooted in faith and growing in God’s love, each student at St. Francis Xavier School is supported in their personal pursuit toward excellence. They also have a traditional preschool program for pre-kindergarten children.

To learn more go to www.stfxb.org or call 763.684.0075, located at 223 19th St. NW.

Wright Technical Center (WTC)

WTC is a cooperative Technical High School for eight area schools including Annandale, Big Lake, Buffalo, Delano, Howard Lake, Maple Lake, Monticello, and St. Michael/Albertville. We offer Automotive Technology, On-The-Job Training, Youth Apprenticeships, Early Childhood & Elementary Careers, Construction Technology, Cosmetology Careers, Health Science Technology, Law Enforcement & First Responder, Welding Technology, Project Lead The Way, CEO (Creating Entrepreneurial Opportunities) and Graphic Design. The Technical Center offers a full-day learning center for middle and high school students. WTC also offers Special Education classes in Automotive Career Skills and PAES (Practical Assessment Exploration System).

For more information go to www.wtc.k12.mn.us or call 763.682.4112, located at 1405 3rd Ave NE.

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