About Us

Principal's Welcome

My name is Jen Smith, and welcome to FAIR Pilgrim Lane! Whether you're joining our school community for the first time or returning for another exciting year, I am delighted to welcome you.

At FAIR Pilgrim Lane, we believe every child is creative, capable, and full of potential. As an arts integration magnet school, we bring learning to life by weaving visual arts, music, drama, dance, and creative expression into everyday learning. Our students are encouraged to explore, imagine, collaborate, and discover new ways of thinking as they build the academic and life skills they'll carry far beyond the classroom.

Our dedicated staff is committed to creating a joyful, inclusive environment where every student feels seen, valued, and inspired to be their authentic self. We believe learning is strongest when schools and families work together, and we look forward to partnering with you to help every child grow with confidence, curiosity, and compassion.

Thank you for being part of the FAIR Pilgrim Lane community. Together, we'll make this a year filled with creativity, meaningful learning, and unforgettable experiences.

Warmly,

Jen Smith
Principal
FAIR Pilgrim Lane

ARTS IN EVERY CLASSROOM

FAIR Pilgrim Lane integrates the arts through every classroom. Creativity is at the heart of all we do, with curriculum that allows our students to stretch and explore their understanding of the world through a variety of artistic media.

We explore students’ artistic appreciation and expression, teaching them how to create, communicate, respond and make connections with their learning. The result? Academic excellence!

At FAIR Pilgrim Lane, core instruction encompasses reading, writing, mathematics, social studies, and science, all enhanced through intentional arts integration. By embedding dance, media, music, and visual arts into these subjects, we create engaging and meaningful learning experiences that meet academic standards across disciplines. For instance, during a literacy lesson, students might critique a work of art to deepen comprehension, while in mathematics, they could compose patterns to understand sequencing. This interdisciplinary approach not only enriches students' understanding of core subjects but also fosters critical thinking, creativity, and collaboration, preparing them for future academic success.  

FAIR Pilgrim Lane partners with Stages Theatre Company to provide students with a unique opportunity to engage with professional arts education. Through this collaboration, students participate in weekly lessons led by an instructor from Stages Theatre Company, ensuring consistent, high-quality instruction. These lessons are thoughtfully aligned with the Minnesota Academic Standards in the arts, fostering creativity while meeting rigorous educational benchmarks. By integrating theatre arts into their learning, students develop essential skills such as communication, collaboration, and critical thinking, all while experiencing the joy and discipline of performing arts in an engaging and supportive environment.

At FAIR Pilgrim Lane, Grade 4 students have the exciting opportunity to begin their musical journey by joining the orchestra. They participate in weekly orchestra lessons, where they develop foundational skills and techniques, and are encouraged to reinforce their learning through additional practice at home. In Grade 5, students can expand their musical experience by participating in both band and orchestra, allowing them to explore a variety of instruments. By the end of Grade 5, students have the chance to become fluent in playing two instruments, fostering a deep appreciation for music and enhancing their discipline, creativity, and confidence.

At FAIR Pilgrim Lane, our specialist programs in Media and Physical Education are thoughtfully designed to integrate the arts into core content areas. In Media classes, students utilize technology and multimedia tools to explore various forms of artistic expression. Similarly, our Physical Education program incorporates elements of dance and movement, allowing students to experience physical fitness through creative expression. This arts-integrated approach enriches the learning experience, fostering creativity, critical thinking, and a deeper connection to the curriculum.  

Study of and through the arts means exposure to many different creative styles and cultural traditions. Students see themselves reflected in their studies, and we encourage everyone to Be Respectful, Be Responsible, and Be a Leader.