About Us
Harriet Bishop Elementary, constructed in 1959, is located in northwest Rochester and serves approximately 560 students in grades K-5. Bishop is a welcoming neighborhood school, striving to ensure that all students' individual needs are known, met, and celebrated. Harriet Bishop was the first school teacher in the area that is now St. Paul, Minnesota. She graduated from the Catherine Beecher's Teacher Training Course for Women in New York state, and came to St. Paul in response to a call for a teacher in 1847 when Minnesota was still a territory. Harriet Bishop was also a writer and a suffragist - she promoted women's right to vote throughout her life. Harriet Bishop never lived in or taught school in Rochester, Minnesota. In fact, as far as we know, Harriet Bishop never even traveled to this area. Yet, when our school was built, it was decided to honor Ms. Bishop and all teachers by naming our school Harriet Bishop Elementary.
What Makes Harriet Bishop Special
We combine a deep respect for the art of teaching with a modern commitment to student-centered growth.
Known, met, and celebrated: We believe that every student is an incredible natural resource. Our staff works tirelessly to build strong relationships so that we truly know your child. By meeting their specific academic and social-emotional needs, we create an environment where every student feels celebrated for who they are.
A legacy of leading and learning: Our school is named after Harriet Bishop - a writer, suffragist, and the first school teacher in the Minnesota territory. Though she never lived in Rochester, our school was named in her honor to celebrate all teachers. This legacy of leadership and advocacy inspires our students to develop the knowledge and independence to make their own mark on the world.
A partnership for growth: "I love being a part of things that grow" is our unofficial motto. We believe that school communities are most successful when students, families, and staff work together as partners. From our classrooms to our playgrounds, we focus on building a rich, supportive environment where academic achievement and personal character flourish side-by-side.
Our Mission at Bishop
Our mission is to equip every student with the knowledge, independence, and resilience to pursue a fulfilling path.
Challenged to Strive. Supported to Thrive.
Our Districtwide Values
Providing exceptional opportunities to succeed
We offer an extraordinary level of opportunities, classes, and experiences. Our standard of excellence ensures more than one path to success.
Building belonging and connection
By celebrating differences and embracing individual perspectives, we cultivate a vibrant sense of community and culture that benefits students, staff, and families.
Ensuring excellence through evidence
Guided by research and data, we enrich student learning and wellbeing through intentional decisions supported by proven practices.
Supporting the whole student
Through nurturing social skills and emotional wellbeing, we meet each student’s needs to help them flourish on their unique path.
Digging deeper for real-world application
We go beyond convention by fostering critical thinking skills, emotional intelligence, and deeper learning for success here in Rochester and beyond.
Investing in our community’s future
As the heart of a community focused on lifelong learning, we prepare the next generation of thinkers and doers.