About Dowling

At Dowling Urban Environmental School, a K through 5 Elementary school, we work to provide a social and academic climate that gives all students a strong feeling of belonging. Our staff is highly qualified, extremely motivated, experienced, and very stable. We have high expectations for student achievement and our ultimate goal is to teach children how to teach themselves. In addition to our strong core curriculum of math, science, reading, and core knowledge, students here participate in music, visual arts, physical education, computer skills, media, and swimming.

Our school is privileged to have highly involved parents who provide outstanding support and feedback to help us improve.  Dowling has a history that is unique in the Twin Cities. Our roots go back to 1924 when the school was founded to provide education to children with disabilities in the city of Minneapolis. In 1937 President Franklin Roosevelt came to Dowling and dedicated our therapeutic swimming pool. 

Since that time, thousands of students have learned to swim in its warm water.  Dowling remains one of the strongest schools in the metro area in the area of special education. Programs serving children with a wide variety of disabilities coexist with regular education classes. 

Dowling is located on the River Road overlooking the Mississippi River. It features 21 acres of land with a wonderful environmental diversity, including several large playground areas, a host of trees, a secluded nature area, an orchard, and the second oldest community garden in the United States. A strong environmental program K-5 is also a part of the school’s promise for the future of Dowling students. Our distinction is our environmental involvement, our special education programs, a highly qualified and stable staff, our history, and our unparalleled desire to have fun with learning.