Independent School District 15

St. Francis Area Schools

Independent School District 15, St. Francis Area Schools, are nestled in the rolling woods and fields of northern Anoka County and Southern Isanti County. This oasis of fresh air and livable green space focuses on the quality of life that area families feel is "second to none." This well kept secret is a mere 40 minutes from downtown Minneapolis and St. Paul.

A Growing Population

A growing population of 36,000 residents that live in the area covering 167 square miles supports the school district. The growing student body includes approximately 2700 students in grades 7-12 and 3300 students in k-6. The ISD 15 attendance area includes the eight municipalities of St. Francis, East Bethel, Bethel, Oak Grove and portions of Andover, Burns, Athens and Stanford Townships.

An Award Winning Local Newspaper

An Award Winning local newspaper "The Courier" serves the community. The Courier brings the local news about schools and community right to area doorsteps. The slogan "Bridging Schools and the Business Community", speaks highly of the local businesses attitude toward building a positive educational climate and experience.

Educational Programs

The ISD 15 School System and it¹s surrounding communities enthusiastically support the following programs and their schools in the quest to provide a high quality learning journey.

Lifelong Learning Center

Dedicated to the 0-4 year old student and their families through community education's Early Childhood Family Ed. (ECFE) and the district's Early Childhood Special Needs Program, as well as Adult Basic Education and Kids Connection.

Three Kindergarten - 5th Grade Schools

• Cedar Creek Community School
• East Bethel Community School
• St. Francis Elementary School

One Middle School Grades 6-8

St. Francis Middle School Grades 6-8 operates a Core Learning System (school within a school) that is better able to answer the individual needs of students. In addition, a full compliment of school recreation, intramurals and Community Education are available for students.

One High School Grades 9-12

St. Francis High School, "Home of the Fighting Saints." A National School of Excellence, offers a five period day that has courses for the college bound through it's honors program, dual credit college courses through the "College in the Schools" program and a technical skills component in cooperation with the Oakland Vocational consortium.

Alternative Learning Center

A center is located in downtown St. Francis for students who require or need a non-traditional learning environment.

Sandhill Center for the Arts

Located in Bethel, the center offers music and performance theater, art classes and programs. Literary arts, ethnic folk art forms and a cabaret theater.

Community Education and Services

An Award Winning Community Education and Services department that provides services for youth to adults in the areas of; after-school enrichment, recreation and academics; "Kids Connections" for before and after school child care; youth recreational sports leagues, adult education and enrichment.