PRAIRIECARE

PRAIRIECARE is a Title I public school that is part of the Rochester Public School District school district, located in ROCHESTER, MN with about 18 students offering grade levels from Kindergarten to 12th Grade. A Title I school provides supplemental financial assistance to school districts for children from low-income families. Its purpose is to provide all children significant opportunity to receive a fair, equitable, and high-quality education. With about 3 teachers, PRAIRIECARE has a student/teacher ratio of about 6:1. The national average for public schools is about 15:1. A lower student/teacher ratio is a key factor that determines how much a teacher can devote his/her time to each individual student thus improving, or reducing (in the event of a higher student/teacher ratio) the attention each student is given for their educational needs.

PRAIRIECARE in Rochester, Minnesota, is a specialized educational and therapeutic facility operated in partnership with the Rochester Public Schools district. Unlike a traditional academic school, PRAIRIECARE serves as a therapeutic day treatment program designed to support students in grades K-12 who are experiencing significant mental health challenges. The facility integrates clinical psychiatric care with academic instruction, allowing students to receive intensive behavioral support while continuing their education in a highly structured, supervised environment.

The program functions as a bridge for students who may be unable to succeed in a general education classroom due to emotional or mental health needs. By combining the expertise of mental health professionals—such as therapists and psychiatric staff—with licensed educators, the school focuses on stabilizing students' well-being while ensuring they do not fall behind academically. The collaborative approach between the healthcare providers and the school district aims to equip students with the coping strategies and stability necessary to eventually transition back to their home schools.

For more information, contact PRAIRIECARE at (507) 218-3700 or visit the school personally to speak with a faculty or administrative member about any specific questions you may have.