A community where we imagine, explore, create, reflect, and celebrate learning.

 

 

Mission Statement

 

     Barnette is a magnet school within the Fairbanks North Star Borough School District that offers innovative courses or programs in order to attract students from a broad urban area. We serve over 400 students in Kindergarten through 8th grade.

      Barnette’s magnet or “draw” is a combination of: student selected exploration classes, facilitating a positive connection to the Fairbanks community, and quarterly all-school Exhibit Nights. These are the elements of the school that set it apart from other schools and make the Magnet School experience a rewarding one for both students and parents.        

      The students’ day at Barnette is made up of an uninterrupted morning core of reading, writing, and math followed by an afternoon of student-chosen explorations. Exploration classes fall into seven strands that include science, social studies, fine arts, movement, languages and cultures, technology, and literature. The exploration classes are multi-age, hands-on, and project-based. Explorations change each quarter, allowing students to choose twelve classes a year. Students enjoy their exploration classes and look forward to the quarterly “Exhibit Night” where everyone is able to share their projects with parents, share some food, and possibly perform in the much anticipated stage show.  

     Other elements of the school that make it attractive to families include a creative staff, extensive opportunities for parent involvement, strong community involvement, looping core classrooms, after-school program, and a host of other enrichment opportunities.