Turtle Lake Elementary School

1141 Lepak Court

School District

Mounds View Public
Grade

1-5
Teacher/Student Ratio

1:15
Type

public

School Map for Mounds View Public School District

GreatSchools Rating

The school rating calculation is based on four ratings: the Student Progress Rating or Academic Progress Rating, College Readiness Rating, Equity Rating, and Test Score Rating each designed to show different facets of school success. Learn more about GreatSchools Ratings

Reviews

Submitted by parent on October 14, 2020

I think it is a glorified average school. Your kid will be ok (safe etc) but don't expect excellence. It is mediocre with a stereotypical approach to learning and development.
Submitted by parent on April 13, 2018

One child has gone through Turtle and one still in. Highly recommend. Teachers and staff are very engaged. Consistent monitoring of progress or lack there of so that kids don’t get bored or fall behind. Wonderful community feel. Respect and responsibility are ingrained in day-to-day. All in all a great school.
Submitted by parent on June 07, 2017

Excellent school, especially for gifted students. My children are two years ahead of grade level and we know some that are three! They take a very personalized approach to each child.
Submitted by parent on July 31, 2015

The school and school district do not have appropriate training and programs for gifted students. They have a mentality of pushing all kids through square holes, no matter what shape peg they are. Our concerns about our child were largely ignored or blown-off by their homeroom teacher(s) and principal. Our children are high potential, but not being challenged. And when they act out due to boredom, they get ejected from the room. When we approached the teacher(s) about this they said "If they are bored, they need to find a better way to tell me". I agree, the kids shouldn't act out, but 8 year old boys tell you they are bored by acting out, that's how they work. They most likely aren't going to raise their hand and say "I'm bored."
Submitted by parent on December 04, 2014

We moved here because of the schools this neighborhood is assigned. Yes, we were that thorough. My son is now at Mounds View High School. Turtle Lake laid the foundation for his success. Such a warm, welcoming place. Extremely dedicated teachers. I can't say enough good things about Sandy Collins and the orchestra program. My son is now exploring a dual degree, one of them music, and I know that this is because of Sandy's dedication and high expectations. Mrs. Hunt, Mrs. Bell both challenged my high achiever, but also were just good adult mentors for him. Mrs. Arell made a hard year for our son much easier. She was kind and firm and helped him learn responsibility. Now, we had one clinker, but hey, we all learned from dealing with her! This group of teachers really cares about kids and they go out of their way to try new things to individualize learning for each student. The school health aid was a delight and helped our son with a comforting place where he could regroup. The administration and support staff were all wonderful. We made the right decision to move here. Home prices are much less than other highly rated districts, so it really was a no brainer.
Submitted by parent on March 16, 2014

I have three children in Turtle Lake, all at different levels of academic strength . TL has been able to adapt or challenge all of my kids to meet their needs. The involvement with parents and the community is outstanding. We moved into this school district for the great schools and we continue to be impressed and amazed at the dedication and compassion of the staff and teachers for our children.
Submitted by parent on February 01, 2014

Turtle was an excellent school, that is the entire reason my husband and I moved to the area. With test scores falling, poor leadership and increased enrollment, the school is taking a downward turn. Their test scores continue to drop. three years ago they were ranked as #12 in the state. Our children are high potential, but not being challenged. However, they do love the extra drawing and doodling time. Because our children have been "lost" multiple times we are looking at multiple private schools in the area. Safety is a concern for us as the administration recently forgot to tell the teachers the school was working on the fire alarms. The alarm went off and the students were lead out in below zero weather without coats. We know many families who have left Turtle Lake in the past year and we are next.
Submitted by parent on January 31, 2014

Big school, big goals, big achievement! Turtle Lake has been so helpful with our gifted son by challenging him in advanced reading and math classes. It's a large school, yet friendly. International in scope and attendance. Wide variety of specialty classes and activities. Zoned in the higher income areas of Shoreview and North Oaks. Community involvement is excellent. Currently building with community donations a playground "for everyone," an inclusive playground for physically challenged kids. We considered privates like St. Paul Academy, Liberty Classical and Mounds Park and found them excellent, yet insular. Turtle Lake is come as you are, but come to learn from the dedicated teachers, who are getting younger every year, from our observations.
Submitted by parent on February 26, 2007

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Submitted by parent on October 12, 2006

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