Forest Lake Area Schools
Independent School District # 831, known as the Forest Lake Area School District, serves students in the communities of Forest Lake, Lino Lakes, Wyoming, Columbus, Scandia and Linwood, but reaches May Township, parts of East Bethel, Ham Lake, Hugo, Marine on the St. Croix and Stacy.
Forest Lake Area School District has built a reputation as a first-class educational system, providing better academic and co-curricular options to students and their families. It is a big part of what makes Forest Lakes Area Schools an educational leader. Many high school students earn college credits through the high school’ s“ Ranger U” program, and career & tech students also receive preparation for their careers through the school’ s CTE courses.
Elementary Schools
Forest Lake’ s community-based elementary schools serve students in kindergarten through sixth grade, providing a comprehensive education giving students experiences they need to be successful. Each of the elementary schools offer unique programs like a school forest, language immersion, International Baccalaureate- or STEM-focused curriculum.
Each elementary school utilizes Positive Behavioral Interventions and Supports( PBIS) which is a proactive approach to establishing the behavioral and social skills for students to achieve emotional success.
High School Forest Lake Area High School prepares students for their future, on career or further education paths they may choose. Through challenging academic offerings and a wide variety of co-curricular activities and athletics, Forest Lake Area High School helps provide growth for the“ whole student.” A broad menu of electives includes agriculture, business, graphic design, technology, advanced world languages, and visual and performing arts. The high school includes highly regarded award-winning programs in music, speech, debate, FFA and Business Professionals of America.
Middle School
Forest Lake Area Middle School is organized into small teacher teams paired with students and allows the building to offer a small school feel while also giving kids access to a wide array of courses. Within the past few years, the high school’ s career-tailored tracks expanded into the middle school to help students get a taste of different subjects before ninth grade. Accelerated courses are available in many subjects and the school offers one of the only secondary school Spanish immersion programs in the north metro.
Area Community school The Forest Lake Area Community School is among Minnesota’ s top alternative schools. Named a finalist in the U. S. Dept. of Education’ s 2005 National Drop-Out Prevention Recognition Initiative, it’ s not only dedicated to helping at-risk kids get back on the road to graduation, but the school has helped many students advance to future success.
STEP, ECFE, Community Education
The STEP Program is an off-site program that provides support to students who are 18-21 years of age and have an Individualized Education Program. The focus of this program is to prepare students for life after high school.
Early Childhood Family Education programs provide a great place for parents and children to grow together, offering programs and services for families with children from birth to age 5.
Community Education programs provide innovative, cost-effective and engaging lifelong educational, social and recreational opportunities to the youth and adults.
Adult basic education offers reading, math and writing courses and General Education Development( GED) test preparation. Programs are available for adults with disabilities.
School Board
The Forest Lake Area School Board holds a regular meeting at 6 p. m. the first Thursday and 7 p. m. on the third
SCHOOLS see Page 23
Page 20 Forest Lake Community Guide • February, 2026