EDUCATION

School District No. 2856

The Stephen/Argyle Central School District was formed in July of 1996.  Previously known as Stephen School District #443 and Argyle School District #437, together they build a sound, progressive 500+ student school system which serves an extensive area of Western Marshall County.

The District consists of two building sites with space of approximately 200,000 sq. ft.  The Stephen site consists of a K-6 elementary and a 10-12 high school, while at the argyle site, there is a K-6 elementary and a 7-9 junior high school.

The district has wired both buildings with voice, date and video connections.  There are two computer labs in each building with internet access from each lab as well as each teacher has a computer in the classroom.  This allows for a wide use of technology for student instruction.

A new tradition of pride is growing from the well-established traditions of the previous districts.  Through this pride grows a strong foundation for development of quality education programs.

Elementary School

The Stephen/Argyle Central School District #2856 has two elementary school sites.  The Stephen site adjo8ins the Senior High building in the City of Stephen and the Argyle site adjoins the Junior High building in the City of Argyle.  This allows for K-6 to attend school in each community until seventh grade.  The elementary provides a comprehensive background with an emphasis on the basic skills.

Unique features include Minnesota's high standards, drug awareness and prevention programs, music (including vocal and instrumental), technology/computer labs, and Title 1 program which help ensure that all students meet district-wide goals for school success.

Pre-School Education

School District #2856 provides kindergarten classes for children who have reached their fifth birthdays.  Kindergarten classes are held at the Stephen and Argyle sites every other day with alternating Fridays.

Learning readiness classes are held at each site two days a week for children who have reached their fourth birthdays.  This is provided in the mornings two days per week at each school site.

Early Childhood Family Education ECFE

Early Childhood Family Education (ECFE) is a place where parents and children learn and play together.  Children from birth to kindergarten age explore and grow in ECFE's classrooms.  Parents discover practical parenting tips and activities to enjoy with their little ones.  A special time is set aside for parents to discuss the joys of having children as well as a variety of solutions for their concerns.

ECFE is sponsored by your local school district Community Education Program.  Call your local school district for more information.  Visitors are always welcome.

Junior High School

The Stephen/Argyle Central Junior High School facility is located in the City of Argyle, Minnesota.  Grades 7 - 9 attend classes within this building.

The goal of the Stephen/Argyle Junior High School is to provide a healthy educational environment where early teenage students can develop emotionally, socially, physically and academically.

Students are academically challenged through a structured curriculum emphasizing an educational core including:  three years of English, math, science and social studies.  In addition to these foundation classes, students take classes in:  physical education, health, visual arts, vocal music, industrial technology, family and consumer sciences and computer technology.

In line with our goal of creating lifelong learners, our school also works to develop positive "task management skills" in our students.  These skills include:  Respect for others, teamwork, perseverance, productive time management and positive resource management.

We believe in setting high standards and in holding students accountable for their performance in the classroom, in the school and in the community.

Senior High School

The Stephen/Argyle Central senior High School is located in the City of Stephen -- grades 10-12 attend classes at this site.  The senior high goal is to provide all students with the basic academic skills to ensure continued learning and to instill values which will enable them to successfully work with a diverse population and become active participants in all levels of society.

The senior high is fully accredited and offers a wide range of course offerings.  Courses range from college preparatory to the applied academics.  All these courses have adopted technology as a learning tool.  the internet and the Novanet are used for resources and remediation.

The school system is in the process of embedding the new "Profiles of Learning" in our curriculum as required by the State of Minnesota.  The new standards are being accomplished through the cooperative efforts or motivated students, dedicated staff, caring families, and individual communities.

WEBSITE:  www.stephen.k12.mn.us.

Post-Secondary Education

Stephen/Argyle residents enjoy relatively easy access to a number of institutions of higher learning.  The nearest four year universities include the University of North Dakota, Grand Forks, ND and the University of Minnesota at Crookston, MN -- they are less than an hour away.  also within only a few hours driving distance are the campuses of Moorhead State University and Concordia College in Moorhead, MN, and North Dakota State University in Fargo, ND.

Several vocational schools and community colleges such as Moorhead AVTI, Thief river Falls AVTI and Northland Community College in Thief River Falls are also within commuting distance.

Northwest Regional Library Bookmobile

The Northwest Regional Library, Thief River Falls, MN shuttles a Bookmobile to the surrounding communities.  This valuable service is available to Stephen residents every other Wednesday from 1:30 p.m. - 3:00 p.m.  Books can be returned to the library at the book drop located at the downtown corner of 5th Street and Pacific Avenue.

Day Care

Helpful Phone Numbers

Back to top