Jefferson Elementary School

Welcome to Jefferson Elementary, a true Rochester landmark! Since opening our doors in 1950, we have been a place where generations of families have built memories and shared a love of learning. We recently celebrated our 75th anniversary, and while our history runs deep, our focus is on the future. We are proud to be a school where academic excellence and a warm, welcoming community are inextricably linked. As we always say, "Once a Jaguar, always a Jaguar!"

We offer a rare mix: the warmth of a neighborhood school with some of the highest academic results in the state.

• Top 10% in Minnesota: We take "academic excellence" seriously. Jefferson ranks in the top 10% of all schools in Minnesota for overall test scores. When your child joins the Jaguars, they are joining a community dedicated to high achievement and proven growth.
• Inclusive learning for all: We believe every child brings something special to our school. We are home to the district's Intensive Autism Programming, which blends specialized support with general education classrooms. This creates a learning environment where all students learn compassion, collaboration, and understanding.
• A community that cares: Jefferson feels like home. We have a diverse student body and an enthusiastic PTSA that brings parents and staff together. In fact, our community is so strong that many of our teachers choose to stay here for their entire careers—and when they retire, they place their handprint on our "Wall of Service" to leave their mark on the school they love.