Rice Lake Elementary School

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!

Ok Elm Creek also has an issue with some kids with emotional disorders being allowed to go too far resulting in classroom distractions and some bullying incidents. 2 of my 3 kids were victims of physical bullying at that school while there, BUT the principal herself got involved to mediate and resolve it. One student got expelled, regardless of the IEP and she moved another student to a different class. I think that's why I would still recommend this school. The principal, front office and most of the teachers are excellent. The teachers try hard and are dedicated to trying to help kids learn, and the ones who don't are not around long. I would love to see this school figure out what to do with all these disruptive and poorly behaved kids, and then their testing results would be a lot better. Maybe this will change with the new elementary school and boundary changes in 2026.

My son absolutely loves Step by Step and has really bonded with his teachers. He has learned so much, and has even taught us sign language at home from what he's learned at daycare. Teachers are very friendly and have good communication. Just all around a great place for a little one to start learning.

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.

Absolutely amazing school! It's not often you find a school where all the teachers and staff truly care about each student as an indivual. Our education system leaves most schools flawed by their focus on only test scores. There is much more to education than that and this school gets it. They teach about communication, emotional intelligence, and community in addition to using effective methods and partnerships for the classroom education.