Located on the city's Eastside, John A. Johnson Achievement Plus Elementary is part of the Achievement Plus partnership. This partnership focuses on raising student achievement by providing students and families with a standards based academic program, extended day instruction and community services in one convenient location.

John A. Johnson Achievement Plus Elementary School has won both state and national awards. In January of 2006, we were recognized by Minnesota Senator Mark Dayton as a "school of excellence." On the floor of the United States Senate, Senator Dayton said:

• Johnson Elementary School is a "model of educational success...one of Minnesota’s best performing schools serving children of a predominately low income population.”
   
• Johnson Elementary School “does more than teach children; it is structured to assist families and reduce barriers to education that impede children’s learning.”
   
• "Students and staff at John A. Johnson Elementary School understand that, in order to be successful, a school must go beyond achieving academic success; it must also provide a nurturing environment.”

In August, 2004, we were awarded the Richard W. Riley, KnowledgeWorks Foundation Award for schools as the center of community. This prestigious award is conferred annually to the "best community school in the nation." We were chosen for this award based on several criteria:

• Johnson Elementary School partners with many community organizations to provide on-site access to family support, health services, dental care, mental health services, financial and employment counseling and adult education. These services are available not only to Johnson School families, but to the entire community.
   
• The school is used as a gathering place for community groups and cultural celebrations and is part of several community development initiatives, such as housing and economic development.

Special Features:

• The school's academic program is based on the Project For Academic Excellence (PAE) model which focuses on meeting high standards in literacy and math.
   
• A wide array of early childhood programs is available for children aged birth to five.
   
• The East YMCA is attached to the school and children attend physical education classes at the YMCA, including swimming instruction.