Dassel-Cokato School District
Dassel-Cokato Schools provide every student with an excellent opportunity to learn the skills necessary to succeed in an ever-changing world.
“Our students perform at a high level and receive an excellent opportunity, for a low cost,” said Superintendent Jeff Powers. “We are an efficient and effective school system,”
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 school district’s k-12 population is about 2,300. Schools include Dassel Elementary, located in the heart of Dassel; Cokato Elementary, located next to Peterson Park near downtown Cokato; the Dassel-Cokato Alternative Learning Center (ALC), located on Highway 12 in Cokato; and the Dassel-Cokato High School, Middle School, and the Early Childhood Family Education Center, all located between Dassel and Cokato on Highway 12.
The two communities combined schools in 1972, building a new high school facility on Highway 12. In addition, the middle school was built connected to the high school facility, opening its doors to its first students in 1990.
The Performing Arts Center (PAC), an 800-seat auditorium used for a variety of school and community events, was the most recent addition to the complex in 2004. 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 the pillars of character education: 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.
Every educational room throughout the school district is equipped with SMART boards, which 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 about 360 students enrolled. It is located at 131 William Avenue East in Dassel. To reach Dassel Elementary, call (320) 286-4100, ext. 1500.
Cokato Elementary will be implementing a kindergarten boost program in the 2011-12 school year that will benefit up to 15 kindergarten students who are performing below their peers by providing them with an all day, every day opportunity. Dassel Elementary kindergartners who can benefit from the program may participate, as well.
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
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.”
In the 2011-12 school year, Brian Franklin, former dean of students, will be moving into the position of middle school principal following Gary Johnson’s retirement. Moving up to fill Franklin’s shoes as the middle school dean of students is Alisa Johnson, a long-time middle school fifth grade teacher.
The middle school is in the process of investigating intervention techniques at each grade level to assist meeting the needs of the students in different ways.
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.
DCHS believes in being responsive to the needs of students and challenging them to reach their potential. With this in mind, the school is excited to have expanded opportunities for students to earn college credit while in high school.
Currently, DCHS offers courses that equate to more than 70 college credits through Southwest Minnesota State University, St. Cloud State University, Ridgewater College, and the University of Minnesota.
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.
Programming includes: youth enrichment and recreation, adult basic education, life-long 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.
