Valley Crossing Elementary Honored as a Minnesota Blue Ribbon School
Valley Crossing Elementary Honored as a Minnesota Blue Ribbon School
Valley Crossing Elementary School (VCES) has been recognized by the Minnesota Department of Education (MDE) as one of just eight schools statewide honored for exceptional academic achievement and success in closing achievement gaps.
“These eight schools are doing outstanding work and deserve recognition,” said MDE Commissioner Willie Jett. “In Minnesota, we believe that every student deserves access to a high-quality education, and these schools are living out that belief.”
Although the U.S. Department of Education discontinued the National Blue Ribbon Schools program in 2025, Minnesota continues to recognize schools whose results would have qualified them for national honors. VCES was nominated by the state for consideration as a 2025 National Blue Ribbon School and is now being recognized at the state level for that achievement.
VCES earned distinction in both Blue Ribbon categories, Exemplary High Performing and Exemplary Achievement Gap Closing, an uncommon accomplishment that reflects years of intentional work focused on student growth and belonging.
The school serves nearly 750 students in grades K–5 and is built around learning structures designed to support strong relationships and personalized instruction. Central to that approach is VCES’s Multiage Magnet Program, a research-based model in which students stay with the same teacher team and peer group for two years. Classrooms are organized into developmental cohorts, K–1, 2–3, and 4–5—allowing students of different ages and abilities to learn together while building deeper connections over time. The school also hosts the district’s Gateway Program for advanced learners, offering enriched and accelerated learning alongside social-emotional support.
“Learning is built on relationships,” says VCES principal Connha Classon. “We believe that social-emotional learning is just as important as academic learning, and we strive hard to build a climate and culture where every student can succeed. This honor is a true testament to the strong connections we make between students, staff and families.”
While Valley Crossing is a large elementary school, it is intentionally designed to feel smaller. Students and families are connected through three neighborhood pods, creating close-knit communities and long-term partnerships between staff and families. The model blends the resources of a larger school with the sense of belonging often found in smaller ones.
“I have made a lot of friends here. Valley Crossing feels like home,” says third grader Crosby Olson.
“Students learn not just from teachers, but from one another, across ages, strengths and perspectives,” says VCES assistant principal Joy Peterson. “They grow within a community that knows them.”
VCES’s recognition as a Blue Ribbon School reflects years of intentional design, strong family engagement and a belief that academic success and belonging are inseparable.
“Valley Crossing proves that when students are deeply known, excellence follows,” says principal Classon.
“As a parent in this school community, it feels amazing to know that everyone is giving it their all every day,” said VCES parent and staff member Jen Gackstetter.
VCES shared the news of their Blue Ribbon award with its students in an all-school assembly to thunderous applause.
“You can just feel the sense of belonging and community within this school,” said Superintendent Julie Nielsen. “I am so proud of their achievements.”
Principal Classon has additionally been nominated for the Terrel H Bell Award for Outstanding School Leadership. This award recognizes principals of National Blue Ribbon Schools for excellence in their communities and overcoming significant challenging circumstances.
Valley Crossing Elementary’s Blue Ribbon honor is a celebration of its students, staff and families and the relationships that make learning thrive. Congratulations!