Education

Mitchell County Economic Development Commission

Osage Community Schools ~ K – 12 Education

Osage Community School District is a district of approximately 1,000 students. The district operates four buildings. Lincoln Elementary which houses grades Kindergarten through Third, Washington Elementary houses Fourth and Fifth grades, The Middle School houses grades Six through Eight and the High School for grades Nine through Twelve.

In 2000 Osage High School was named one of the top 100 high schools in the United States by Offspring Magazine. Over the past 10 years the district has had 9 students named National Merit Finalists. In 2003 and 2006 the Osage High Band was named the top 2-A band in the state of Iowa by the Iowa Bandmasters Association. In athletics the district has solid programs for male and female athletes with many teams or individuals qualifying to participate in state events.

The district employs 78 fulltime teachers and 41% of these teachers have Master’s Degrees. This creates a student-teacher ratio of 13 to 1. The district also employs 21 teacher assistants to provide educational help to students and staff in the district.

Currently the Board of Education in involved in a formal plan to upgrade all facilities. The 2004-2005 project was a renovation of the high school gym facility - roof, gym floor, bleachers, and stage curtain. The 2005-2006 projects will be a re-roofing project at Lincoln Elementary and the bus garage and new lighting for the baseball field.

Riceville Community Schools ~ K – 12 Education

At the present time there are 413 students attending Riceville Community Schools. This is a comprehensive preschool through 12th grade program. the town also has a daycare facility and a Head Start Program. There are a number of students who have open enrolled into the Riceville School District. The school district is located in two counties: Howard and Mitchell. The district covers the territory from the Iowa/Minnesota border to approximately 8 miles south of Riceville and to the west approximately the New Haven area and to the east to the Saratoga/ Lime springs area.

Reasons to choose Riceville Community Schools:

	The school has been debt free for more than 10 years.
	The students are taught to be proficient in a world of technology through the new computer labs for students elementary through high school.
	The ICN Room reaches out to classes beyond the walls of the school, and is available for all community users.
	High school Juniors and Seniors may dual enroll for post -secondary classes that are taught by three NICC qualified teachers at Riceville or be released to attend those classes held by NICC at Cresco.
	Co-curriculum in the FFA program and by the Speech Department rank with the very best in the state of Iowa. Many national and all-state speech awards have been given to the students in these programs.
	Students are given a wide range of activities in the classroom and outside. Band and music concerts are held regularly. Athletics for both boys and girls show a strong competitive effort resulting in district and state recognition.
	Elementary students are mentored in character building through an Iowa State Extension program called 'Boomerang'.
	Staff development through in-service is an ongoing effort.
	A positive attitude of pride and support exists between the faculty and community. The caring and nurturing attitude linked with small class size gives the individual student the attention that advances our students in their college and lifetime careers.
	The Buresh Scholarship offers the support for our graduates who go on to college. A $2 million plus investment directs the interest to go to the students. A Dollars for Scholars group is community based with very active volunteers.

The Riceville Wildcats welcome you to an education program par excellence!

Saint Ansgar Community Schools ~ K – 12 Education

The St. Ansgar Community School district serves approximately 750 students from the towns of Bolan, Carpenter, Grafton, Meyer, Mona, Otranto, St. Ansgar, Stacyville, and Toeterville. The district is composed of elementary school (K-4), middle school (5-8), high school (9-12) and an alternative school in Grafton.

Academics are a strong tradition for the school district. Our students consistently score high in the Iowa Test of Basic Skills (ITBS), Iowa Test of Educational Development (ITED), and the ACT. The St. Ansgar School offers a vast number of Advanced Placement courses, ICN classes, and Post Secondary Options in conjunction with North Iowa Area Community College in Mason City.

Extra- curricular activities are very successful. Many students participate in a variety of offerings; ranging from Chorus, Drama, Speech, Band, Athletics, FFA, FCCLA, National Honor Society, and Big Brother/Big Sister. These activities are very successful with the support from the surrounding communities and businesses.

St. Ansgar is a family center school. We believe in our students, staff, and parents to help us provide the best education for all of our students. As our mission statements says: “to educate all students to be life long learners, enabling them to communicate, solve problems, and be productive, responsible citizens in a technological and diverse society.” We encourage you to visit our school and see everything we have to offer.

Unique Opportunities in the St. Ansgar School District

	A Sensory Integration Program for elementary students
	STARS- a K-8 after school program for all students
	IA EXCELLENCE- advanced math and science programs for students in grades 5-8 (St. Ansgar is 1 of 5 schools partnered with the University of Iowa)
	A strong emphasis on school community (Advisor/Advisee, Big Brother/Big Sister, Character Education, R&R Assemblies)
	Two language offerings- Spanish and German
	Up –to-date technology for all students and staff

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Copyright © 2008 Mitchell County Economic Comm Last modified: May 06, 2008

Copyright © 2008 Mitchell County Economic Comm
Last modified: May 06, 2008