Playworks Blue Shirt Schools
Playworks Blue Shirt Schools
Prioritize Play, Transform School Climate, Energize Learning
Playworks Blue Shirt Schools are our most accomplished, committed partners. Blue Shirt schools understand that play is foundational to the health, wellness, and culture of their schools’ learning environments. These exceptional schools are committed to prioritizing play at school everyday.
The playground and school day look different in Blue Shirt Schools. Students are energized and empowered by a safe, engaging recess led by student leaders and active adults. Classrooms hum with the positive energy and sense of community cultivated through play.
The Commitment
Blue Shirt Schools activate one or more pillars of the Playworks framework:
- Youth Leadership: Students in 4th through 8th grade step into leadership roles as Junior Coaches, driving a recess culture that changes the feel of the school day.
- Recess Systems: Schools implement routines and adult supervision strategies that turn recess into a safe, consistent, and joyful experience.
- Foundational Play: Educators utilize play-based practices in classrooms to foster a sense of belonging, enhance focus, and create environments where students feel self-assured and prepared to learn
In partnership with Playworks, Blue Shirt Schools take part in annual professional development and keep a school-wide plan active so play remains a daily priority. This continued learning strengthens staff skills and team practice year after year and is offered in flexible, affordable ways that fit each school’s budget and goals.
Why Schools Pursue Blue Shirt Recognition
By empowering their school staff with our best practices and through their commitment to play, Blue Shirt Schools are transforming the educational experience for their students.
When schools prioritize play, activate student leaders on the playground, and get intentional about their recess experience, they see:
- Higher attendance
- Improved classroom focus
- Fewer disruptions during and after recess
- Deeper peer relationships
- Safer, more engaging learning environments
Blue Shirt Schools are cultivating safer and healthier communities.
Student Leadership in Action
Many Blue Shirt Schools elevate student voice through the Playworks Junior Coach Leadership Program.
Here, 4th-8th grade students serve as role models by leading games, solving problems,
welcoming others, and creating the kind of recess every student deserves. Each spring, these young leaders gather for the Playworks Junior Coach Leadership Day — a high-energy statewide event where they are seen, celebrated and connected to something bigger than themselves.
Junior Coaches are change-makers in their schools.
The Path to Recognition
Blue Shirt Schools reach this milestone through a multi-year partnership that builds capacity across teams and classrooms.
To earn this designation, schools:
- Engage in one or more Playworks Pillars
- Participate in ongoing staff development
- Use the Great Recess Framework to monitor fidelity and growth
- Maintain an annual connection to Playworks through training, resources, or student participation in statewide events
The Blue Shirt School Recognition uplifts schools who have put in the time and energy to ensure play is always a priority.
2025–2026 Blue Shirt Recognition
Blue Shirt Districts
Districts that have achieved Blue Shirt recognition across all elementary schools—embedding sustainable systems, youth leadership, and a shared culture of play.
Playworks Minnesota Blue Shirt Schools – New for 2025/2026
- EXPO Elementary – St. Paul, MN
- Little Canada Elementary – Little Canada, MN
- St. Peter Claver Catholic School – St. Paul, MN
Playworks Minnesota Blue Shirt Schools
- Ascension Catholic School – Minneapolis, MN (Since 2023/2024)
- Carver Elementary School – Maplewood, MN (Since 2023/2024)
- Castle Elementary School – Oakdale, MN (Since 2023/2024)
- Cherokee Heights Elementary School – St. Paul, MN (Since 2023/2024)
- Cowern Elementary School – St. Paul, MN (Since 2023/2024)
- Community of Peace Academy – St. Paul, MN (Since 2023/2024)
- Crossroads Montessori & Science – St. Paul, MN (New – 2024/2025)
- Eagle Point Elementary School – Oakdale, MN (Since 2023/2024)
- Justice Alan Page Elementary School – Maplewood, MN (Since 2023/2024)
- Karner Blue Education Center – Blaine, MN (Since 2023/2024)
- Lucy Craft Laney at Cleveland Park Community School – Minneapolis, MN (Since 2023/2024)
- Marcy Arts Magnet Elementary School – Minneapolis, MN (Since 2023/2024)
- Nova Classical Academy – St. Paul, MN (Since 2023/2024)
- Pankalo Education Center – Lake Elmo, MN (Since 2023/2024)
- Prodeo Academy (Columbia Heights Campus) – Columbia Heights, MN (Since 2024/2025)
- Richardson Elementary School – North St. Paul, MN (Since 2023/2024)
- Weaver Elementary School – Maplewood, MN (Since 2023/2024)
- Watertown-Mayer Elementary School – Watertown, MN (New – 2024/2025)
Get in touch with Playworks to learn more about the Blue Shirt School Program, find opportunities to get involved with Playworks, or to bring Playworks to your school.