Academics

Edina Public Schools is among the top public school systems in the country for one reason -- the quality of academic experience we offer every student. Edina Public Schools offers a world-class academic experience for students that includes rigor and support designed to meet the needs of each student at every learning level.

Curriculum aligns with state standards and goes beyond with a wide variety of options providing opportunities for students to explore their interests. Edina graduates excel academically and leave us future-ready to thrive and lead wherever their path takes them.

We believe each student deserves access to Academic Excellence, which includes challenging and rich curricula, high expectations, and inspiring instruction that meets individual needs.

Edina Public Schools adheres to academic standards set by the Minnesota Department of Education. These are a blend of Common Core and state-developed standards. Explore our areas of study below.

ENGLISH LANGUAGE ARTS

Gr. K-5

English Language Arts (ELA) are all of the communication and language skills people use every day to receive and send information. We receive information through listening, viewing, and reading. We send information through writing, speaking, facial expression, body language, and auditory and visual representations.

We use language to learn, to question, to share feelings, to help others, to be part of civilization. The ability to use and understand language, both spoken and written, is critical to every aspect of students’ lives.

Gr. 6-8

Middle school Language Arts students will develop College & Career Readiness skills in reading, writing, language, speaking, viewing, listening, and media literacy. Throughout grades 6-8, students will become self-directed learners who can comprehend and evaluate complex information.

Students will grow to be discerning readers, listeners, and viewers who use relevant evidence to support their thinking in writing, speaking, and reading. Students will implement technology to enhance their understanding and use of language. Students will actively seek to understand other perspectives and cultures.

Gr. 9-12

Four full years of English Language Arts (ELA) are required for graduation. Students who are successful in ELA are self-directed learners who exhibit a growth mindset, and have the ability to read classic and contemporary texts. Students will also participate in writing, as well as refining and revising their work. Students will be asked to read complex text, and analyze it in depth, complexity, and independence using tools of literary analysis.

HEALTH & PHYSICAL EDUCATION

Gr. K-5

The goal of the Minnesota K-12 Academic Standards in Physical Education is to develop “Physically literate individuals who have the knowledge, skills, and confidence to enjoy a lifetime of healthful physical activity. To pursue a lifetime of healthful physical activity, a physically literate individual:

Has learned the skills necessary to participate in physical activities.
Knows the benefits of involvement in physical activities.
Participates regularly in physical activity.
Is physically fit.
Values physical activity and its contributions to a healthful lifestyle."

Gr. 6-8

Middle school Health & Physical Education courses give students a chance to be involved in activities that work on perceptual motor development and movement skills.

The major areas covered are individual sports, team sports, rhythm and dance, outdoor education, indoor/outdoor games, and physical fitness. Basic rules, safety, and etiquette are emphasized in all areas.

Gr. 9-12

Students are required to complete two semesters of Wellness in grades 9-12. The Personal Wellness course is a prerequisite to all other Wellness courses. Students are required to complete one semester of Health during high school.

Health courses are designed for students to gain knowledge and develop attitudes to make responsible decisions that enhance individual, family, and community health. Students will evaluate selected areas of contemporary health issues. Community speakers, projects, simulations, and small group work will be used to augment the oral and written work.

MATHEMATHICS

Gr. K-5

Edina Public Schools has adopted Math in Focus for K-5 using a two year implementation process. Implementation began in the 2017-2018 school year, for all schools except Normandale. At Normandale, we are phasing in Primary Mathematics in French. Both of these programs are based on Singapore Mathematics.

The primary goal of Singapore Mathematics is to develop strategic mathematical problem solvers. The program has a strong focus on number sense and an increased emphasis on algebraic thinking.

Gr. 6-8

Students are required to take a full year of Mathematics in grades 6, 7 and 8. Each student will be placed in one of the available Math courses determined by a student’s performance on standardized tests, common assessments, and input from the student’s 5th grade teacher.

Courses will center around Numbers and Operations, Algebra, Geometry and Measurements, and Data Analysis and Probability. Course topics include: positive rational numbers, numeric and algebraic expressions, representations of equations and inequalities, ratios and rates, percentages, surface area, geometry of angles, probability, and displaying and summarizing data.

Gr. 9-12

SCIENCE

Gr. K-5

Students in grades K-5 increase and advance their knowledge of Science-related concepts and skills through active participation in group work and self-directed projects. Some examples of student learning opportunities are: outdoor education, Starbase Kits, and EiE.

EiE: ENGINEERING IS ELEMENTARY This award-winning curricula division of the Museum of Science, Boston, develops research-based, classroom-tested programs that empower children to become lifelong STEM learners and passionate problem solvers. To better prepare our next generation workforce, EiE infuses concepts of STEM habits of mind that consistently define excellence. These learning pathways blend instruction and collaboration with engaging, minds-on discovery.

Gr. 6-8

As part of an integrated Science program, students will learn to formulate questions, design and conduct experiments, collect and analyze data and reach conclusions. Students will demonstrate their understanding of scientific concepts by using them to explain observations and make predictions. Students will learn to use scientific tools and technologies to conduct experiments and analyze results.

There are two pathway options for science in middle school. All 6th grade students, whether on Pathway 1 or Pathway 2, learn the same content, are assessed on the same standards, and are equally prepared for their futures.

Gr. 9-12

Students must complete 6 semester credits in Science. Beginning with the class of 2026, all students will need to complete Physical Earth Science prior to taking any other Science courses. Those students taking Physical Earth Science in grade 8 will have satisfied this requirement. Additional requirements include one year of Biology and one year of either Chemistry or Physics.

Most students would follow Pathway 1: Physical Earth → Chemistry → Biology → Physics and/or Electives. Additionally, students sometimes double-up in science classes, thus allowing them to take elective courses earlier than grade 12.

SOCIAL STUDIES

Gr. K-5

The goal of the Minnesota K-12 Academic Standards in Social Studies is to provide “The interdisciplinary study of citizenship and government, economics, geography, history, and other disciplines in the social sciences and humanities in which students develop the content knowledge, skills, and dispositions necessary to be informed and engaged citizens in the contemporary world.

According to the National Council for the Social Studies, the purpose of social studies is to develop civic competence and help young people make informed and reasoned decisions for the public good as citizens of a culturally diverse, democratic society in an interdependent world."

Gr. 6-8

Middle school Social Studies focuses on studying Minnesota history and its government, while placing the state and its people within the context of national story. Students engage in historical inquiry and study events, issues and individuals significant to Minnesota history, beginning with the early indigenous people of the upper Mississippi River region to the present day. Students will examine the relationship between levels of government, and how the concept of sovereignty affects the exercise of treaty rights.

They analyze how the state’s physical features and location of resources affected settlement patterns and the growth of cities. Drawing on their knowledge of economics, students analyze the influence of a market-based economy at the local and national levels. Students will learn about the unique role Minnesota played, and continues to play, in regional, national and global politics.

Gr. 9-12

Students must complete the following: Government 9, U.S. History, one semester of Economics or a full year of AP Economics, and either World History or European History. The state Geography requirement will be satisfied by students that complete a year of U.S. History, the government requirement, the economics requirement, and either a year of World History or European History.

WORLD LANGUAGES

Gr. K-5

The new Countryside Spanish Immersion Program is a districtwide Edina Choice Program that is coming to Edina Kindergarten in Fall 2022! Because of the advancing skill level, entrance is most successful in kindergarten as we work to build a program with both native Spanish speakers and native English speakers.

Normandale French Immersion is a districtwide Edina Choice Program that immerses students in a second language (French) while they learn Mathematics, Science, Reading, Writing, and other curricular areas. Because of the advancing skill level, entrance is most successful in kindergarten. Students at Normandale are also part of a larger, international community. Over the years our staff has represented many French-speaking cultures - France, Canada, Belgium, Switzerland, Senegal - and we are reminded that people all over the world share our adopted language.

Gr. 6-8

INTRO TO CHINESE: Chinese Language and Culture I is the beginning course that will enable students to speak, read, write and understand the spoken word of the official Mandarin Chinese language. This course will help students understand the culture and heritage of approximately one fifth of the world’s population.

INTRO TO FRENCH: Students begin developing the four basic skills: understanding spoken French, conversing on basic, everyday middle school topics, and writing with reasonable accuracy. Spoken French and conversation is emphasized throughout the course. Some nuances of French culture are also discussed to help broaden students’ viewpoints and create global-minded students.

INTRO TO LATIN: Students begin to understand Latin and make connections to English words that come from Latin. Through readings based on the daily life of a Roman family in ancient Pompeii, students learn some of the basic forms and structures of the Latin language. Cultural and historical topics include the Roman family, house, food, dining, clothing, and Olympian gods.

INTRO TO SPANISH: In this Students will begin to develop basic proficiency skills. Focus will be given to vocabulary building along with listening, speaking, reading, and writing. Students will also explore cultural aspects of some Spanish speaking countries to round out the focus and to promote global awareness and understanding of the Spanish speaking community.

Gr. 9-12

For those students who are likely to study a world language in college, it is advisable to take that language continuously through grade 12. World Language course offerings at EHS consist of:

American Sign Language
Chinese
AP Chinese Language & Culture
French
Extended French
Enriched French
AP French Language & Culture
Latin
AP Latin (CIS: College in the Schools)
Spanish
Enriched Spanish
AP Spanish Language & Culture

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ENGLISH LANGUAGE ARTS

Gr. K-5

Gr. 6-8

Gr. 9-12

HEALTH & PHYSICAL EDUCATION

Gr. K-5

Gr. 6-8

Gr. 9-12

MATHEMATHICS

Gr. K-5

Gr. 6-8

Gr. 9-12

SCIENCE

Gr. K-5

Gr. 6-8

Gr. 9-12

SOCIAL STUDIES

Gr. K-5

Gr. 6-8

Gr. 9-12

WORLD LANGUAGES

Gr. K-5

Gr. 6-8

Gr. 9-12