Kato Public Charter School was started under the name RiverBend Academy in July of 2000, when the Minnesota Department of Children Families and Learning accepted and approved its charter. In September of 2000, the school opened its doors to students in grades 7 through 12 in the Belle Mar Mall, which has since been demolished. It moved to its current location on 6th Street in August of 2003. The program was expanded to serve 6th-graders in the fall of 2005. The school has undergone several changes since its inception, constantly adapting to the needs of our students. The change to Kato Public Charter School in July of 2014 in a way acknowledges this evolution into a school that is markedly different from the RiverBend Academy of 14 years ago.
Kato Public Charter School continues to strive to give students a strong, performance-based education closely related to real-life experiences. Like other charter schools, Kato Public Charter School provides choice for parents and students within the public school system. Students must meet all graduation requirements set by the State of Minnesota to receive a high school diploma. This includes mastery of the Minnesota standards and mandatory standardized tests. Kato Public Charter School has additional graduation requirements, including community service, presentations, and completion of a senior project.
Kato Public Charter School is a safe, learning community providing each student a foundation for independence.
Kato Public Charter School seeks to create an environment of excellence where our students own their academic path and achieve their goals, with family, staff and community as their engaged partners.