Personal Growth and Development
In addition to strong academics and enriching student experiences, MNPS has dedicated teams working every day to support student personal growth and development.
Through caring relationships, intentional support, and meaningful opportunities to grow, students from Pre-K through 12th grade build confidence, resilience, and a sense of belonging.
Our coaches, navigators, behavior support specialists, and educators work alongside students, families, and school staff to help every child succeed.
Why it Matters
Personal growth and development helps students build the skills they need to navigate school and life successfully. These skills include self-awareness, self-management, social awareness, relationship-building, and responsible decision-making.By developing these competencies, students learn to manage emotions, build healthy relationships, overcome challenges, and achieve their goals.
These skills are just as important to a student's future success as learning the ABCs and 123s.
The Essential Elements
Positive school supports come to life through dedicated teams and proven practices that help students feel connected, supported, and ready to learn.
Safe and Welcoming Schools
Students learn best when they feel respected, included and connected.
Positive Classroom Practices
Schools build relationship skills, routines and problem-solving into everyday learning.
Caring Adults
Teachers, counselors, support staff and school leaders work together to help students succeed.
Behavioral Support
When students need additional help, school teams work with families to provide support before challenges become bigger.
How We Support Students and School Communities
Step into our classrooms to see our methods in action, and learn more about the skills your child is learning, and the resources available to your student and family.
Building Positive Classrooms
Each day begins with time to connect and build a positive school community.
At every grade level, Metro Schools uses a proactive, caring and coordinated approach to student well-being and this includes: Morning Meetings, Community Gatherings, Classroom Routines and Academic Integration
Morning Meetings
Community Meetings
Integrating Personal Competencies into Academics
MNPS educators intentionally create learning experiences that encourage students to collaborate, communicate, think critically, and share their ideas.
Through classroom discussions, group work, and active participation, students build confidence while strengthening important interpersonal skills.
By connecting students to both the lesson and one another, learning becomes more engaging, meaningful, and collaborative.
Want to see it in action? These videos give families a look inside MNPS classrooms, where students are building important life skills while engaging in meaningful learning.
Elementary School
Middle School
High School
Behavioral Support
When students need extra behavioral or emotional support, specialists work alongside teachers and school staff to develop strategies that help students remain engaged in learning while building positive behaviors and skills.
Navigators
Students have regular check-ins with a caring adult, called a Navigator, who works closely with students, families and educators to provide personalized assitance.
Conversations with students help schools identify needs and concerns early and connect students with support. With a focus on individualized support, the Navigator Department ensures every student has the guidance and tools needed to thrive in school and beyond.
Coaching Early Education Teachers
Instructional and behavioral coaches partner with teachers strengthen classroom practices that help every child feel safe, respected and ready to learn.
