Dassel-Cokato School District
The Dassel-Cokato School District has a stellar reputation of being one of the best school districts within the area and providing an array of educational opportunities for all ages.
The DC School District 466 is committed to educational excellence for all students from birth to senior citizens, as stated in its mission to the community.
The district’s k-12 population is approximately 2,300. Schools include Dassel Elementary, located in the heart of Dassel; Cokato Elementary, near downtown Cokato and next to Peterson Park; the Dassel-Cokato Alternative Learning Center (ALC), located on Highway 12 in Cokato; and the Dassel-Cokato High School and Middle School, along with the Early Childhood Family Education Center, all located between the two towns, on Highway 12.
In 1972, Dassel and Cokato combined schools in a new facility. In 2004, an addition was made, including a Performing Arts Center (PAC), an 800-seat auditorium used for a variety of school and community events. Along with the PAC came a 2,000-seat gymnasium and a brand new football field and track.
In all levels of learning, Dassel-Cokato Schools teach character education, which includes six character-building pillars; respect, responsibility, resiliency, integrity, compassion, and understanding diversity.
Along with the pillars, the schools have adopted theOlweus anti-bullying program, teaching students to step up and stop bullying inside and outside of school.
All of the schools are in the process of equipping each room with SMART Boards. These are interactive white boards that provide more learning opportunities for all learning styles.
Strong partnerships, and a dedication to every student, are at the foundation of the DC public school’s tradition of excellence.
The school district can be reached at (320) 286-4100. Also, visit its website at www.dc.k12.mn.us for further information on each school and a staff directory.
Elementary schools
Both Dassel and Cokato elementary schools were named 2004-05 Schools of Excellence by the Minnesota Elementary School Principal’s Association.
Cokato Elementary has an enrollment of about 520 in kindergarten through fourth grade. It is located at 200 Fifth Street SW in Cokato. To contact Cokato Elementary, call (320) 286-4100 ext. 1300.
Dassel Elementary has approximately 390 students enrolled. It is located at 131 William Avenue East in Dassel. To reach Dassel Elementary, call (320) 286-4100, ext. 1500.
All schools encourage parents to volunteer by getting involved in their children’s school experience. They can do so during a number of events and activities throughout the year.
Middle school
The Dassel-Cokato Middle School has recently made some schedule changes, which gives students more time for learning in the core classes of science, math, communication, and social studies. The change also gives students physical education opportunities on a daily basis, rather than one trimester per year.
As part of its mission, the Dassel-Cokato Middle School program is designed to meet the special needs of middle level students with a program that strives to be “transitional in nature.” It provides students with a “bridge between the self-contained classroom of the elementary school and the departmentalized curriculum of the high school.”
To reach the middle school, call (320) 286-4100 ext. 1600.
High school
The Dassel-Cokato High School believes in promoting positive relationships, personal responsibility, and academic rigor in order to prepare students for success in a changing world.
Along with a range of academic opportunities, including advanced placement (AP) and college credit courses, the high school offers a variety of extra- and co-curricular activities for those interested in participating in athletics and fine arts.
The high school is excited to have expanded opportunities for students through not only the AP courses, but also through the new addition of Project Lead The Way, an engineering program to get more students involved in science and technology fields, as well as the certified nursing assistant’s program.
The high school can be reached at (320) 286-4100, ext. 1800.
Community Education
Dassel-Cokato Community Education provides lifelong learning experiences for people of all ages, abilities, and cultures through programs and services offered year-round.
Such programming offered includes: youth enrichment and recreation, adult basic education, lifelong learning, and recreation; along with school-age child care with Charger Kids Club.
Activities and enrichment courses vary throughout the seasons. Visit the Community Education website for details on programming, www.dc.k12.mn.us/commed.
