Minnesota Excellence in Learning Academy

We have had two kids at Weaver Lake and have had an amazing experience. Our first is just graduating 5th grade after being their since kindergarten, and our second is now in 2nd grade after starting in Pre-K with the 4-star program. The staff has been overwhelmingly amazing, engaged, and warm toward my students and our whole family. The STEM programming and value-added projects add such depth and overall excitement to the curriculum. Most teachers are constantly working on SEL skills in the early grades. The library/media center and media center specialist are AMAZING. The student diversity is decent for a Maple Grove area school. The school is well supported by the PTO and family engagement is valued. We have loved our time at Weaver Lake Elementary!

Rice Lake Elementary used to be a very good school that I felt good about sending my children to. The two rounds of previous principals and the interim principal saw the school through a number of changes and there were the normal growing pains, but it was still a good school. Hiring the new/current principal after covid was a huge detriment to this school and I would no longer send my children there. I would even send my child to another district before sending my child to this school now under the current leadership (or lack thereof). It speaks volumes that almost all of the experienced and long-standing teachers that helped to make Rice Lake the strong school it was, left within a year of the new/current principal. While I have nothing against the principal personally, after many conversations with staff and other parents, she seems severely lacking in leadership and management skills. The principal has a very passive-aggressive style with staff and parents alike and it is very hard to get her to confront and address most problems. She seems to run the school like a click and if you get on her 'good side' and 'butter her up', you are in the in-crowd, but if you have an issue or concern that needs addressing, you are likely to be ignored. She seems to hide from problems - unwilling to meet with people, including staff, to address things. She gives the appearance of involvement, but she hides from problems. It is truly shocking just how avoidant this principal is and how much she brushes things aside and hides under a rug. My greatest complaint with what her lack of good leadership has done to the school is the safety concerns that have developed. Because of unwillingness to confront people and deal with problems, major student safety issues have developed and bullies and poorly behaved students now dominate the school. There are too many parent reports of assault to their students by 'bullies' that will not be addressed, let alone prevented. Under this principal, students no longer feel physically safe, which makes for a difficult learning environment. There is little to no accountability for disrespectful, let alone, unsafe behavior. Since the new/current principal has also caused most of the experienced teachers to leave, much of the staff is very 'green' and don't have experienced mentors for guidance. It is truly a sad situation what this school has become.

Fernbrook has been a great fit for us. We've sent all three of our kids there and have had a wonderful experience. The teachers are fantastic and they do care about each and every kid. The parents are also very involved in this school, there is a lot of parent participation for events and volunteering.

Good school. I feel like the Special Ed staff can do a better job in some ways, however. But overall, good school

This school is amazing. I've had three kids go here from four star on and they have thrived. So many opportunities and events. Great staff, volunteers, and PTO.

While it clearly needs more ethnic diversity, the school has an excellent learning atmosphere. It is perfect for pursuing Foreign Language, English, Math and Computer Science, or Athletics. Heritage is one of the best choices that you could make. A lot of opportunities present themselves here.

The Principal at this school sided with teachers even if the teachers did something wrong. The 7Th and 8th grade math teacher was not good and caused all of his students to get tutors. Over all this school was a very hard time for me and I would not recommend it to anyone.

An exceptional school! Small class sizes, safe environment, quality teachers and aides, and the opportunity for sports and after school programs. Our kids have created lifelong friendships.