School Information

Washburn Elementary School is fortunate to be able to offer academic interventions through our PAWS program. Eligible students in kindergarten through fifth grade may benefit from the additional instruction this program provides. This is done through the use of research-based intervention strategies and materials in a daily small group setting taught by licensed teachers. The goal of PAWS is to help your child reach grade level expectations and become a successful independent student while experiencing success in classroom learning.

Preschool at Washburn is a half-day early literacy program serving 4-year-old children living in Bloomington five days a week. Language and literacy skills are encouraged through the use of deliberate, intentional instruction. Our focus is to get children ready for kindergarten and beyond. 

For a child to attend preschool he/she must be 4 years old on or before Sept. 1 and be an English learner and/or from a low-income family. Transportation is provided. Parents participate in activities that help them learn how to support their children's education.

Through the hard work of countless volunteers and the generosity of donors, we are the home of the district’s largest and most extensive outdoor classroom. The space includes native plants, a butterfly garden, dry creek bed, classroom vegetable garden beds, bird houses, contemplative space, stadium-style seating and our own weather station. This amazing space speaks to all types and styles of learning, offering opportunities for rich, hands-on, real world learning across the curriculum.

Kids' SAFARI is a before- and after-school child care program. Children participate in structured activities like gym or art, or they may choose to have free play in the game room or outside. Kids' SAFARI also offers full-day care on most days when school is not in session. This is a fee-based program and is open only to children who are enrolled at Washburn.

Before school: 6:30 - 8:30 a.m.

After school: 3:15 - 6:00 p.m.

Contact Kristie Christiansen, Washburn Kids' SAFARI Site Leader at 952-681-5506

Camp Washburn provides learning opportunities that actively engage the learner while extending each student’s learning. Our after-school program offers additional and innovative instruction and is free to participants.

The student council is comprised of class representatives from grades 4-5 and teacher advisors. Regular monthly meetings are held throughout the school year.

These students lead the school in various ways throughout the year. Past projects have included food and clothing drives. Goals emphasized include; learning about student government procedures, developing and fostering school spirit and promoting good character.

Student Safety Patrols play an important role in helping students learn about pedestrians and traffic safety.  Our patrols monitor students at the entrances, on buses and at street crossings.

Contact Libby Kieser at 952-681-5519.

Junior Naturalists is an after-school club for 4th and 5th graders.  Students in Junior Naturalists are leaders and role models for Washburn.  They have the opportunity to care for the Outdoor Classroom, promote green practices at our school, participate in citizen science projects, and learn more about the environment through a variety of lessons and projects.    

Contact Stephanie MacPhail at 952-681- 5560 or Lisa Cogswell at 952-681-5532.

All grade 5 students have the opportunity to participate in band and orchestra. 

Band and Orchestra Website

Partners In Education Nights every month with engaging presentations and activities to promote home-school connections and student success. The evening includes a free meal and a parent presentation. Free childcare is provided.