Academics - Shakopee Public School District

Shakopee Public Schools is deeply committed to fostering an academic environment where each and every student has the opportunity to thrive. We believe it's our fundamental responsibility to continuously evolve our systems until they measurably benefit each individual learner. This commitment means our entire organization maintains high expectations and provides unwavering support, ensuring every student receives quality core instruction and develops agency in their own educational journey.

We actively seek out opportunities for student voice, strive for "an activity for every student, and every student in an activity," and work to ensure our most academically rigorous courses reflect the diverse student body we serve. By individualizing the student experience, providing meaningful teacher evaluations and aligning all operational decisions with our core values, we are dedicated to academic excellence for all.

ELA

K-5

6-8

At the middle level, English Language Arts encompasses reading, writing, speaking and listening. Throughout their experience, students read and analyze a variety of fiction and nonfiction texts. Students craft multiple writing pieces including narrative, argumentative and research.

In order to deeply engage with content, students work individually as well as through small group collaboration.

9-12

At the High School level, students are required to take the equivalent of four years (8 credits) of English Language Arts courses. Students have many options to meet this requirement.

All courses include reading, writing, speaking and listening. Students read, analyze and discuss fiction and nonfiction texts.

As they write for a variety of purposes, students review, revise and refine their work. Throughout their high school experience, students deepen their understanding of multiple perspectives as well as develop critical thinking skills.

Social Studies

K-5

The elementary social studies curriculum aims to provide students with a foundation in key social studies concepts while fostering curiosity about the world around them. Throughout the curriculum students engage in hands-on activities, discussions and readings that promote critical thinking and collaboration skills to prepare them to become responsible and informed citizens in an increasingly interconnected world.

6-8

The middle school social studies curriculum in Minnesota is designed to provide students with a comprehensive understanding of their state's history, government and its role within the broader national and global contexts. Key areas of focus include: Minnesota History, Civics and Government and United States History.

Students develop skills in critical thinking, historical analysis, map reading, research and writing.

The curriculum is designed to provide students with a broad understanding of key historical events and concepts while also fostering an appreciation for the complexities of the world around them.

9-12

The High School social studies curriculum provides students with a comprehensive understanding of history, government, economics, geography and global issues.

Students are required to choose from a variety of required and elective courses for four years (8 credits).

Students develop critical thinking skills, research and analytical abilities and an understanding of diverse perspectives. They also learn to apply historical, economic and political knowledge to analyze contemporary issues and make informed decisions as engaged citizens.

Music

K-5

6-8

9-12

The high school Music Program is an enriching and comprehensive curriculum designed to provide students with a rigorous and diverse musical education. Tailored to meet the needs and interests of students in Grades 9-12, this program offers a wide range of opportunities for musical growth, performance and artistic expression.

Students must complete Fine Arts courses (2 credits).

Math

K-5

Shakopee builds the foundation for future math success through the nationally recognized Illustrative Math curriculum. With a focus on conceptual understanding and number sense, students are brought into the world of math through hands-on activities and discussion based explorations that provide a much needed connection between math and our students’ lives.

These student centered classrooms prepare students for success in higher level math by supporting math fluency and building the fundamentals of math while also making them problem solvers and critical thinkers. Check out the video below to see elementary math in action!

6-8

Students are required to take three years of mathematics. As students begin their middle school mathematics education, they have the opportunity to choose their own path. Students can choose one of three paths: general, accelerated (one grade level above) or twice accelerated (two grade levels above).

EnVision Mathematics is the core curriculum for Math 6 through Accelerated Algebra 2. Building on the strong foundation of K-5 learning, students will engage in tasks that promote:

Reasoning and problem solving
Effective communication
Analyzing and evaluating real-world problems

9-12

Students are required to take three years’ equivalent (6 credits) of mathematics. Students have three options to complete their graduation required courses.

Students can choose one of three paths based on their middle school sequence: general, accelerated (one grade level above) or twice accelerated (two grade levels above). Students can also take two math courses in a year.

Students will continue to deepen their understanding of mathematical concepts though the EnVision Mathematics curriculum and further develop their:

Reasoning and problem solving skills and strategies
Communication skills
Analytical and evaluative skills through application of real-world problems

Health/PE

K-5

6-8

The middle school Physical Education & Health program provides students with a well-rounded education that addresses the physical, mental and social dimensions of health and wellness.

By fostering healthy habits, promoting positive attitudes toward physical activity and equipping students with essential life skills, the program empowers students to lead healthy, active and fulfilling lives now and in the future.

9-12

The High School Physical Education and Health curriculum is designed to promote the holistic development of students by fostering physical fitness, health literacy, social-emotional skills and a commitment to lifelong wellness.

These programs provide students with the tools and knowledge they need to lead healthy, active, and fulfilling lives; which empower them to make positive choices for themselves and their communities.

Students must complete credits in Health (1 credit) and Physical Education (2 credits).

STEM

K-5

6-8

9-12

In addition to the extensive real-world experiences offered to students in Grades 9-12 through the Academies of Shakopee (see below to learn more), the Center for Advanced Professional Studies (CAPS) offer a CAPS Stem Class in the Engineering & Manufacturing Academy in addition to a CAPS STEM internship for students in Grades 11-12.

Shakopee CAPS - STEM fully immerses students by providing unprecedented access to real-world experiences in the dynamic fields of Science & Technology AND Engineering & Manufacturing. Partnering with experienced professionals, students will advance their understanding of engineering and discrete manufacturing, design process thinking, project management, software, hardware and technology applications, as well as explore the many career opportunities in these high demand industries. Students will be able to see the evolution of their projects from inception to completion with the evolution of the course.

Science

K-5

Elementary science is all about getting kids to DO science. It’s never too early to ask questions, look at evidence, construct explanations or engage in arguments grounded in data. These scientific practices are at the core of our two science curriculums, Amplify and Project Lead the Way (PLTW). Students will love getting their hands dirty as they learn about the world around them and build the habits that all good scientists have.

6-8

Students are required to take three years of science. Students follow the path of Earth Science, Life Science, and Physical Science. Students can also choose an accelerated science course for Life or Physical Science. During these classes students will:

Design and conduct experiments based on real world phenomena
Analyze and evaluate problems
Build effective communication skills

These practices are at the core of the Amplify science curriculum.

9-12

Students are required to take three years’ equivalent (6 credits) of science. Students follow the path of Physics, Chemistry, then Biology integrated with the Earth Science standards. Students can choose to take accelerated options of these courses as well as science elective courses to further their understanding and passion for science.

During these classes students will:

Design and conduct experiments based on real world phenomena
Analyze and evaluate problems
Build effective communication skills

These practices are at the core of the Science Dimensions curriculum.

Art

K-5

The Elementary Art program is focused on building a variety of developmentally appropriate skills that foster a love of artistic expression through choice-based art education. Students learn to create, present, respond, and connect with a variety of art medium including

Elementary Art Educators foster: Curiosity through Risk taking and Exploration in Authentic learning, while teaching Technique and creative Expression (CREATE).

6-8

9-12

The High School Art program allows for students to continue in the art standards Create, Present, Respond and Connect in real-world settings.

Students have a variety of elective options and can pursue a Program of Study in the Arts and Communication Academy and take courses to prepare them for jobs related to the arts, like Art Production and Management, Media Production and Recording and Creative Design.

Students must complete Fine Arts courses (2 credits).

6-8

9-12

In the foreground, a group of young chefs in white jackets and aprons gather around a stainless steel counter with cooking utensils and ingredients, while in the background, a male instructor in an apron demonstrates cooking techniques at a stove in a professional kitchen.

ACADEMIES OF SHAKOPEE

TOKATA LEARNING CENTER

A young woman with red hair and glasses helps a boy in a black jersey with a red apron in a classroom setting.

STUDENT SUPPORT