About Fridley Middle School
Welcome to Fridley Middle School - an IB World School!
Fridley Middle School is an International Baccalaureate World School that offers the Middle Years Programme (MYP) to students in grades 5-8.
There are many outstanding reasons to attend Fridley Middle School - we have committed and compassionate teachers, a diverse student learning environment that prepares students for a global workplace, and a strong focus on challenging all students to new learning.
In addition, our grade-level team structures are strategically designed to build community. Students also benefit from multiple opportunities to get involved, including a multitude of activities and athletics and community service activities.
Fridley Middle School became an authorized International Baccalaureate (IB) World School in 2007. The IB Middle Years Programme provides a challenging, comprehensive curriculum framework that encourages students to make connections between subjects studied and the real world through global contexts. Students develop Approaches to Learning (ATL) skills, preparing all students for success through collaboration, self-management, research, communication, and critical and reflective thinking skills.
Why Choose Fridley Middle School?
- Access to International Baccalaureate Programmes
- All middle school students have access to the International Baccalaureate Middle Years Programme (MYP) that provides a rigorous curriculum.
- All middle school students have access to the International Baccalaureate Middle Years Programme (MYP) that provides a rigorous curriculum.
- Early Focus on College & Careers
- AVID and GET READY programs offered, as well as many college exploration opportunities!
- AVID and GET READY programs offered, as well as many college exploration opportunities!
- Positive, Welcoming School Culture
- Many school-wide engagement opportunities for students and staff, including Restorative Circles, WIN Time, and Social Emotional Learning lessons.
- Many school-wide engagement opportunities for students and staff, including Restorative Circles, WIN Time, and Social Emotional Learning lessons.
- Outstanding Student Support
- Four grade-level deans, dedicated restorative dean, family & cultural liaison, psychologist, social worker
and more!
- Four grade-level deans, dedicated restorative dean, family & cultural liaison, psychologist, social worker
- Small school atmosphere with LARGE school opportunities
- Committed and compassionate teachers who build one-on-one relationships with students
- Award-winning student activity groups and sports teams
- Focus on character-building, leadership and community service opportunities
Benefits of MYP
- Build confidence in managing their own learning
- Learn by doing, connecting the classroom to the larger world
- Outperform non-IB students in critical academic skills
- Consistently have greater success in IB Diploma Programme examinations
- Thrive in positive school cultures where they are engaged and motivated to excel
- Develop an understanding of global challenges and a commitment to act as responsible citizens.
Meet the Principals
Jordan Halverson
Principal
jhalverson@isd14.org
763-502-5401
Kitty Hallin Payne
Assistant Principal
hallinpayne@isd14.org
763-502-5403
A Message From The Principals
Welcome to Fridley Middle School! I’m Principal Halverson, and it is my honor to serve our students, staff, and families. At FMS, our goal is for every student to feel a true sense of belonging, grow as a lifelong learner, and be fully supported throughout their educational journey. Thank you for trusting us with your scholar’s growth and success.
Go Tigers!
About Principal Halverson
Principal Halverson comes from Shakopee Public Schools, where he served as an assistant principal, and has held leadership roles in Eden Prairie. Earlier in his career, he taught in Wayzata and coached football, helping lead the team to a 2019 state championship. A proud Fridley High School alum, he is excited to give back to the community that shaped his own education. He holds an Ed.S. in K-12 Administration Leadership and a Master’s in Educational Leadership from Concordia University, St. Paul. With a strong background in student engagement, instructional leadership, and staff development, he is dedicated to leading Fridley Middle School with integrity, care, and vision.
About Assistant Principal Payne
Ms. Payne brings valuable experience to Fridley Middle School from her previous role as Assistant Principal at the West Education Center in Intermediate District 287, where she also earned her Director of Special Education license. Her background includes serving as an Administrative Dean at Eden Prairie High School and as the Lead ELL Teacher at Richfield High School. She holds an Ed.S. degree and principal license from Hamline University, a master’s degree in teaching from the University of St. Thomas, and a bachelor’s degree in French Language and Literature from Whitman College in Washington. Colleagues describe Ms. Payne as a calm, relationship-driven leader who is deeply committed to student success. She leads with a student-centered mindset and uses data to inform decisions that support continuous system improvement.