Education
WHITE BEAR LAKE AREA SCHOOLS
Celebrating Student Success and Community Connections
As students have settled into their school-year routines, we’ re finding many reasons to celebrate success and connection across White Bear Lake Area Schools.
Throughout the year, our School Board meetings have provided meaningful opportunities to recognize outstanding student achievements at both the state and national levels. Athletic and activity accomplishments have been honored alongside impressive academic achievements.
More than 130 current students and members of the Class of 2025 have been recognized for their success in the Advanced Placement( AP) program. Two students also reached the prestigious semifinalist level in the ongoing National Merit Scholarship process, and one of our current students earned a perfect score of 36 on the ACT – an achievement reached by just. 22 percent of test takers nationwide.
Hundreds of students are also gaining valuable, hands-on experience through our expanding Career Pathways programs. Last year alone, students in our automotive program completed 455 Ford ACE High School Automotive
Program courses, and 36 students earned certification through AllData Automotive Intelligence.
Another 52 students achieved ServSafe certification in the food service industry, more than 100 students earned First Aid and CPR credentials, and 41 students became Certified Nursing Assistants( CNAs). In the spring, we launched a successful“ Future Bear Educators” initiative to help train students who want to go into the teaching profession.
Early registration numbers for this school year indicate that 2025-26 accomplishments will be equally impressive. These meaningful experiences equip students with practical skills, industry-recognized credentials, and confidence as they prepare for future careers.
Student success is mirrored by district excellence. For the 25th consecutive year, White Bear Lake Area Schools earned top honors for financial reporting.
Six district publication projects received Awards of Excellence – the highest honor presented by the National School Public Relations Association( NSPRA). Otter Lake Elementary and Mariner Middle School are among just 13
schools statewide recognized as 2025- 26 Minnesota Schools of Excellence by the Minnesota Elementary School Principals’ Association.
White Bear Lake Area Schools is the only district in Minnesota to have more than one school earn this prestigious distinction this year. These accolades reflect the outstanding work happening throughout the district as careful stewardship of resources, proactive communication and school excellence continue to strengthen community trust and support the success of our students and staff.
Our success as a district is built through collaboration and care – qualities that make WBLAS such a special place to learn and grow. A recent example of this spirit was on display at one of our middle schools, where a sixth grader who was born without a right hand wanted to learn to play the violin.
Her school nurse and orchestra teacher began researching adaptive solutions and discovered specifications for a 3D-printed bow holder. They teamed up with a science teacher who is a hobbyist 3D printer and a technology education colleague who specializes in CAD design.
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