Two Mile Prairie Elementary School
| Type | Elementary School |
|---|---|
| Year Opened | 1975 |
| Principal | Larry Jones |
| Address | 5450 North Hwy Z |
| Phone Number | 573-214-3560 |
| Website | N/A |
| Student Capacity | 282 |
| Students Enrolled | 276 |
| Number of Teachers | N/A |
| Number of Trailers | N/A |
| Enrolled in Lunch Program | 74 |
| White Population | 252 |
| Black Population | 196 |
| Hispanic Population | 7 |
| Asian Population | 28 |
| American Indian Population | 2 |
| MAP Score Math | N/A |
| MAP Score Communication Arts | N/A |
ELENA CHADOVA
news@columbiamissourian.com
Established in 1965, Two Mile Prairie Elementary School sits amid farms and meadows a few miles from the I-70 exit to Centralia. It is nevertheless part of Columbia Public Schools, entitled to the same benefits and funding as its counterparts that are located within the city limits. The principal, Larry Jones, describes Two Mile Prairie as “the best of both worlds.” The rural location creates a homey atmosphere for the school’s 270 students, he says.
Two Mile Prairie prides itself on incorporating technology into the curriculum. According to Jones, while other schools in the district are only moving slowly in that direction, Two Mile Prairie has had SMART Boards installed in every classroom for several years now (view the photo slideshow).
Before- and after-school activities range from participating in ice-cream socials to improving skills related to the curriculum. One club, Rovers Readers, encourages children to complete a certain amount of readings each month, and as a reward, students can go on an imaginary trip to foreign countries. Tasting Japanese food and competing in a “Tour de France” on scooters in the school’s gym were some of the recent activities that enabled the children to learn about other cultures.
