Riichfield is a comfortable neighborhood community with a tradition of excellence in education.The Richfield Public Schools provide a full range of educational offerings and student support services Pre-K through Grade 12 as well as an extensive community education program for adults and preschoolers. The school district serves about 4,100 students K-12 in Richfield and part of Edina.

The mission of the Richfield Public Schools is to prepare all learner for success in a changing world by developing their knowledge and abilities within a climate of mutual trust and respect.

Like the pioneer families who built the first log cabin school on the shores of Wood Lake in 1854, the Richfield school community continues to invest in its youth: volunteering in schools and classrooms, serving on the school board, committees and task forces, and providing the financial resources necessary to keep our schools up-to-date and support student learning. Recent examples include passage od a 10-year capital projects levy in 2003 to upgrade and expand technology use and a 2005 operating levy referendum to maintain current educational programs, reduce class sizes and expand to all day kindergarten, reading and literacy support and expanded gifted education opportunities.

We are proud of our students and our staff. They continue to work hard, win awards and do well on various measures of progress. As examples, tow students received National Merit Scholarships in 2005, and two additional students achieved Commended status in 2006. Among students taking Advanced Placement exams in MAy 2006, three RHS students were recognized as Advanced Placement Scholars, earning a score of 3 or greater on 3 or more exams. Two students qualified as AP Scholars with Honor, earning ab average exam score of 3.25 with grades of 3 or higher on four or more exams.

In addition,Richfield Public Schools was one of 34 Minnesota School Districts recognized by Standard and Poor's for narrowing the achievement gap, based on an analysis of statewide assessments results in 2003-2004 and 2005-2005. Richfield's middle and high schools narrowed the achievement gap between black and white students and between economically disadvantaged students and all students. "It is difficult to narrow achievement gaps," explained Tom Sheridan, vice president of Standard & Poor's School Evaluation Services. "However, this analysis shows that there are a number of schools that have made outstanding progress."

For more information

To learn even ore about our schools, please visit them or go to www.Richfield.k12.mn.us. You may also contact the district office or a particular school with questions at any time.

Again, thank you for your interest in the Richfield Public Schools. We hope to welcome your family to our community.

Yours truly,

Barbara S, Devlin, Ph.D.

Superintendent