Dakota Middle School

Established in 2020, Dakota Middle School is a state-of-the-art learning environment in northwest Rochester serving students in grades 6-8. We are a welcoming neighborhood school where students and staff work together to learn, grow, and excel. At Dakota, we believe that education is a shared journey—we strive to ensure that every student's individual needs are known, met, and celebrated as they develop the knowledge and resilience to succeed.

What Makes Dakota Special:

• Inspired by innovation: As one of Rochester’s newest schools, Dakota was designed for modern learning. Our space encourages collaboration and creativity, providing students with the tools they need to explore new ideas. We intentionally build community through mixed grade-level advisory classes that foster connection, leadership, and a strong sense of belonging. In addition, our daily 30-minute flexible period provides students with targeted opportunities for intervention and enrichment, ensuring support and challenge are responsive to individual needs. Our staff are lifelong learners who continually adapt their strategies to support the unique potential of every student.
• Empowering the whole student: At Dakota, we focus on moving students forward in all areas of life—academically, socially, and personally. Through a rich offering of elective courses, daily music classes, and a block schedule, we create meaningful opportunities for students to explore interests, build skills, and begin developing career pathways. We provide an environment where students can discover their strengths and build the independence they need as they start to navigate their own paths. By fostering a culture of mutual respect, we ensure every Bison is prepared for a fulfilling future.