Located in the heart of Saint Paul on the downtown waterfront, Wellstone Elementary teaches students to exercise critical thinking skills and to facilitate student-led discussions around content themes and social issues. Student Leadership and Social Justice are woven into the curriculum at all levels. Wellstone students benefit from a close connection with the downtown community, including local museums and arts organizations.

Students have the option of learning Spanish, with families choosing between Spanish Dual Immersion programming for their child or a traditional setting with instruction provided entirely in English. Wellstone Elementary is a Reading First school with an emphasis on targeted small group literacy instruction. The Early Intervention in Reading program supports struggling readers in grades 1-3 and small reading intervention groups are established for students in grades 4-6 who continue to need support in addition their classroom reading instruction.

Likewise, math instruction is provided for all students through large and small group lessons with extra support provided for struggling students. Students who need further challenge are also provided with accelerated learning opportunities within our Everyday Math program.

Technology is integrated into all areas of teaching and classrooms are equipped with wireless internet which is accessed through student stations in every classroom and mobile laptop lab. In addition, Science, Math, and Literacy are taught through technology integration which happens both within the classroom, and through experiences in each of two separate computer labs in the building.

Classes experience scientific inquiry and observations in a well equipped science lab. Students participate regularly in on-site swimming, physical education,and music classes.

Special Features:

• Students are connected to the downtown community through curriculum-based visits to the Minnesota History Center, the Science Museum of Minnesota, the Minnesota Children's Museum, and the Ordway Center.
   
• Dozens of volunteers from downtown businesses, city, county and state offices tutor students on a weekly basis.
   
• Recess fun happens on our rooftop playground!
   
• Students can attend pre-kindergarten and full day kindergarten.
   
• Bilingual cultural liaisons help parents, students and staff stay connected.
   
• Teachers host many evening family events to build connections with families and communicate what students are learning in school.