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About

Welcome to Prairie Winds Middle School, home of the Cougars, located in Mankato, Minnesota. Prairie Winds Middle School (PWMS) embraces a diverse community of learners within the Mankato Area Public Schools (MAPS). In partnership with parents and our community, the mission is to assure learning excellence and readiness for a changing world. We partner with higher education institutions, innovative businesses and nonprofit organizations and engaged community leaders to prepare our students for college, career and life.

Every day, students walk through the doors of PWMS filled with talent, dreams, and enormous potential. Our responsibility is to provide the world-class education that will empower them to hone their gifts and develop the skills they need to pursue the future that calls them. Preparing our students for success in college, career and community requires a holistic approach. Our curriculum has evolved to include the courses demanded by today’s colleges and the skills demanded by today’s employers. Our educators are supported and empowered, and our school is safe and has a nurturing learning environment for all students. We strive to provide an organizational culture that values each employee and provides excellent customer service to our students and families. We stand committed to the communities that we serve, and stand committed to providing a safe and nurturing environment for all regardless of race, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity, and/or gender expression. 

In partnership with parents and our community, PWMS exists to provide a comprehensive educational experience that is high quality, challenging, and inspires all students to make a positive contribution to society.

PWMS is a champion for every child and is committed to educating the whole child, offering families a portfolio of rich options and programs to ensure all students have the support they need to achieve their potential and dreams. PWMS recognizes that all children have the potential to meet high expectations in the right environment, and that the entire community has the responsibility to provide that environment for all children.

Educating the next generation is a great responsibility, and it depends on strong relationships between the district, its schools, families, and our community. PWMS demonstrates integrity in all of our relationships through clear, honest communication; by achieving results, and by respecting the expertise in our diverse communities. We welcome you to our school community!