Armatage Elementary School

Armatage Elementary School is a public community school located in Southwest Minneapolis, Minnesota, serving grades Kindergarten through 5 (including pre-kindergarten). Under Principal Steve Searl, it provides an equity-driven, culturally responsive environment where all students and families feel welcome. The school emphasizes differentiated instruction to meet learner needs, high-quality academic programming including Telescoped Math, and specialized services such as special education and early childhood special education (ECSE). Armatage is a hub for its local neighborhood, fostering strong family and community engagement through site councils and PTA, after-school & community education programs, and school-age care before & after school. With approximately 350-400 students and a student-teacher ratio around 17-18, it aims for academic rigor, social-emotional growth, and lifelong learning.

In 2025, Armatage Elementary is featured in the Minnesota Report Card as performing above average in math and reading proficiency compared to state benchmarks.

The calendar for 2024-2025 includes several community-centered events like “MCA Math” assessments for grades 3-5, a Student Recognition Celebration, and after-school enrichment nights.

Q1: What academic performance is Armatage Elementary achieving?

A: Armatage shows strong results on state tests: about 65-69% of students are proficient in mathematics and about 70-74% in reading, both well above Minnesota state averages. It ranks in the top 10% of public elementary schools in Minnesota.

Q2: What are the demographics and student support services available?

A: The school has around 350-400 students. Roughly one-third of the student body is from minority backgrounds. About 9-12% qualify for free or reduced-price lunch. It offers services for English learners (around 2-5%) and special education, including specialized programs for ASD (Autism Spectrum Disorders) and ECSE.

Q3: What specialty or enrichment programs does Armatage offer?

A: Armatage provides Telescoped Math for advanced learners, early childhood special education, and special education spectrum supports. Extracurricular and enrichment include community education after-school programs, music, STEM/STEAM clubs, visual arts, theater, and before/after school care.

Q4: How is leadership structured and what is the school’s philosophy?

A: The principal is Steve Searl. Armatage operates as a community school, meaning it fosters collaboration with families and caregivers, emphasizes equity, and shapes its identity in alignment with neighborhood values. The decision-making includes staff, families, and site council input.

Q5: How do facilities, funding, and community involvement support students?

A: Funding comes from the Minneapolis Public Schools district, supplemented by grants, community education, and support from caregiver involvement (PTA, site council). Facilities support include specialized classrooms for ECSE and ASD, spaces for arts and STEM, and access to school-age care and before/after school programming. The school serves as a neighborhood hub.