Two minutes at: Pattengill Elementary

Editor’s Note: This is one in a series of two-minute videos offering a quick glimpse into one of AAPS’ 32 schools. At AAPS, our vision is Every Child. Every Day. Every one fully sees, values, and celebrates each child for exactly who they are, the gifts and strengths they bring to this world.

Video by Jo Mathis/AAPS District News Editor

Pattengill Elementary is Ann Arbor Public Schools’ only upper elementary school and is specially designed for third, fourth and fifth graders. Most Pattengill students attend Bryant Elementary in the younger grades, and the two schools form what AAPS calls the “SuperPair.”

The paired concept was implemented in September 1986 as a result of a reorganization throughout the district.  This unique structure creates a rich learning opportunity, allowing each school to focus on the distinct developmental needs of their students. This arrangement results in multiple teachers at each grade level, which expands the variety of teaching expertise available to students and staff. 

Pattengill was opened in 1957 and named for Judson Pattengill, a former principal of Ann Arbor High School who died in 1908 after leading the school since 1876.

The mission at Pattengill—home of 225—is to inspire every student to think, to learn, to achieve and to care.

Click here to see highlights of the school’s recent Black History Museum.

In 2020, the school chose a book for an all-school read that was—surprise!—written by a Pattengill alum, who visited via Skype, giving tips for budding young writers.