Warroad Invests in Their Students
$1.3M Awarded at the 2021 Scholarship Awards Ceremony
Quality of education is arguably one of the greatest factors for families considering a relocation. The community of Warroad is passionate about the success of their learners which is why they voted to invest $16M into their school campus, creating high quality learning environments and expanding to include a dedicated Early Learners Center for their youngest students. This addition created classroom spaces for preschool and Head Start students, a new gym and beautiful multipurpose sunroom and a new Kindergarten wing. These additional spaces allow class sizes to remain lower, especially for their primary and early elementary students.
The elementary renovations were centered around modernizing spaces and creating flexible learning environments that met the varying needs of their student body. But the investments didn’t end with the referendum projects. Dedicated teachers have successfully written grants to benefit the overall education of their students. Like Christine Prusak, the elementary music teacher, who has successfully written grants that have equipped her students with more than 50 African drums and gyils (African xylophones) giving them the unique opportunity to learn about African culture and music through an artist-in-residence program. This program has been underway for two years and is expected to continue for many years to come.
The modern upgrades followed through to the high school spaces. It is now reminiscent of a college campus with a mix of soft seating, standard height and high-top tables, and booths in the large commons area that serves as the central gathering point.
Again, the investment far surpassed the conclusion of referendum projects. Additional grants and community contributions have elevated the Career and Technical Education (CTE) wing of the school into a state-of-the-art facility. Highlighting a wood working and a metal shop as well as a clean lab where students utilize Computer Animated Software (25 Seats), 3D printers, Laser Engravers and robotics. Students have the ability to design and bring their designs to life through CNC equipment in all of the lab spaces. Students are well prepared for careers in manufacturing, design and automation making them well-rounded and highly employable community members.
Under their trimester system, students take 50% more classes than high schools operating under the standard semester schedule, which allows for a greater variety of classes and electives earned. Nearly 50 college credit courses are offered as well, allowing for students to get a head start on their college coursework.
Perhaps the most impressive program is the scholarship program, which annually awards $1M plus to graduating seniors. A blend of college-specific awards, plus the giving hearts of our community provide our students with a financial leg up as they embark on the next chapter of their educational journey. A select number of students who exemplify civic-mindedness through volunteerism have the opportunity to get full-tuition and fees paid for at a public 2-year trade or technical school or 4-year college or university. This is made possible because of a $15 million dollar endowment created by the late William S. and Margaret I. Marvin, who grew up in the depression era and understood the value of hard work and education.
Warroad offers opportunities for learners of all ages, from Early Childhood Family Education through Adult Basic Education, and also has an active homeschooling community for those who choose to teach their children at home. We invite you to live life – and learn – here in Warroad.
