Welcome to Purdy Elementary School!

My name is Mary Kilar, and I am honored to serve as the Principal of Purdy Elementary School. It is a privilege to lead this extraordinary learning community, where we are deeply committed to the growth, success, and well-being of every child.

Purdy Elementary is home to approximately 275 students, ranging from Early Childhood through Fifth Grade, including a 4K Head Start classroom. Our school is supported by a dedicated team of more than 70 talented professionals—educators, secretaries, custodians, lunch coordinators, paraprofessionals—and countless volunteers, all of whom work together to create a safe, nurturing, and academically rich environment.

At Purdy, we proudly uphold the mission and vision of 1FORT Schools:
To achieve distinction in all we do and create an inclusive, high-performing culture of growth and community.

From the moment you walk through our doors, you can feel that mission come to life. There is a strong sense of pride, purpose, and partnership in everything we do. Our staff is passionate, our families are engaged, and our students are at the heart of it all. We are truly “all in” for every student, every day.

Highlights of Purdy Elementary School:

• Innovative Curriculum: We use Illustrative Math to promote deep mathematical thinking and problem-solving skills, a Comprehensive Literacy Model that delves deep to prepare our readers, Mystery Science, and InquirED (Social Studies).

• Rich Arts and Physical Education: Students engage in hands-on art classes using disciplinary literacy, explore music from appreciation to composition, and enjoy an adventure-based physical education program that encourages movement, challenge, and teamwork.

• Active PTO: Our vibrant Parent-Teacher Organization (PTO) enhances the student experience by supporting field trips, artist residencies, family events like Monster Mash and Breakfast with Santa, and playground improvements.

• Student Leadership & Character Education: We cultivate leadership skills and promote values such as gratitude, respect, responsibility, and safety to support social and emotional development.

• After-School Opportunities: Students can participate in the BASE Program, offering enriching after-school programming (transportation included to the facility).

• Focus on Environmental Education: Our Green Team engages students in hands-on environmental initiatives, including learning about our school’s solar photovoltaic and geothermal systems.

Awards & Recognition:

• Significantly Exceeds Expectations- Wisconsin State Report Card

• Wisconsin Exemplary Reading Program (2013) – Recognized by the Wisconsin State Reading Association and the International Reading Association.

• National Green Ribbon School (2012) – One of only 72 schools in the country to receive this honor from the U.S. Department of Education.

• Kohl Fellowship Recipients – Four Purdy educators have been recognized for excellence in education with this prestigious award.

Purdy Elementary is a place where students thrive, families feel connected, and educators inspire. If you'd like to learn more about our school or the School District of Fort Atkinson, I encourage you to explore our website, call me at 920.563.7822, or email me at kilarm@fortschools.org.

Warm regards,
Mary Kilar

Principal