Minnesota has long been ranked in the top 10 states for quality education, and according to the GreatSchools website, six of the top Central Minnesota schools are here locally.

 

GreatSchools is a nonprofit organization that offers parents resources to find great schools and get great education for their children. Their website lists Clearview Elementary School in Clear Lake and Annandale Elementary School in Annandale as two of the 12 highest rated Central Minnesota elementary schools, Becker Middle School and Annandale Middle School as two of the top rated Central Minnesota middle schools, and Becker High School and Annandale High School as two of the 12 highest rated Central Minnesota high schools. 

 

The rating doesn’t surprise Clearview Principal Sheri Rutar.

 

“I come to school early in the morning before the day starts,” Rutar said. “When I get here I reflect on Clearview, and I always think to myself that it’s such a nice place to be. The students are awesome, the staff is dedicated, and the community is so supportive. It’s just such a collaboration. We always keep the kids our focus.”

 

She points to the specials, like art, music and physical education, as an example, saying they go above and beyond. The specialist teachers take what’s happening in the classrooms and bring it into their area instead of being an island on their own. 

 

She also pointed out Clearview has a strong PTA (Parent Teacher Association) that’s highly involved and is always doing things for the students and the staff. The students themselves are also amazing.

“I see older kids helping our younger kids. They help them on the bus, they’re reading buddies, and they’re always cheering them on. It’s fun to see the sense of community.”

 

Rutar said the kids are definitely the most rewarding part of her job as principal. She makes sure to spend time with them in their classrooms, and she shared an instance where one of the girls walked up to her and said, “I think you need a hug.”

 

“You know what, I did need a hug,” Rutar said. “It was really nice. It’s the little things that make your day.”

 

“Someone asked me the other day what I do when I’m having a really bad day. I told them I go to a kindergarten classroom. To a kindergartener you’re the best, the prettiest, the smartest. They always make my day better.”

 

Rutar has been the principal at Clearview for six years. Before that she was the assistant principle at North Junior High in St. Cloud and she has also taught at Clearview.

 

“Overall I think it’s wonderful that people know what a great place Clearview is to be.” Rutar said.

 

Becker High School Principal Sandy Logrono isn’t surprised by the rating either. 

 

“Students, staff and the community are always working together,” she explained. “It’s a partnership, everybody is celebrating our schools.”

 

She points to the caring and nurturing staff that are willing to come in early and stay late to work with the students, and the students themselves who are respectful and wonderful to work with.

 

“We offer a balance of electives and opportunities,” she added. “Our technology is fabulous and we have awesome facilities. There have also been so many partnership formed, everyone does a good job celebrating our students in the community.”

 

Students continue to stay connected to the school through all the activities they participate in, which helps build the community within the school itself. 

 

“It’s people first, programs second,” Logrono said.

 

The GreatSchools rating is a simple tool for parents to compare schools to help them in making decisions about their children’s education. It compares schools across each state, and is designed to be a starting point for parents. To learn more visit their website at greatschools.org.