Princeton Career Academies connect students to real-world outside experiences and provide a rigorous program with meaning and relevance. Career Academies ensure students graduate both college and workforce ready.
Superintendent
Welcome to Princeton Public Schools! Our mission is to be an innovative leader in instruction, developing in EVERY learner the ability to succeed in an ever-changing world. We are the TIGERS and we are in this together! Ongoing two-way communication is important to our partnership and teamwork in supporting students and learning.
All students can learn; all students want to learn. This guiding principle has shaped my career from the beginning. I started as a high school health and physical education teacher in the Twin Cities, where I also coached wrestling, football, and track. Those early days on the field and in the classroom taught me a powerful truth: success is not a mantle worn by one individual—it’s carried by the whole team.
Today, as Superintendent, I approach my role much like I approached coaching. It’s never about me—it’s about the team we build and the collaborative effort that helps each person rise to their full potential. Over the past 13 years as a Superintendent, including the last seven years here at Princeton Public Schools, I’ve witnessed the power of teamwork and collaboration in driving meaningful change and success.
I am incredibly proud of the work we’ve done together in Princeton. Through teamwork, we’ve worked hard to build a healthy and inclusive school climate, successfully navigated the challenges of a global pandemic, and provided students with personalized support and instruction. Our culture is one that champions excellence while being free from bias, prejudice, and discrimination. We know the work is never done, so we believe in a foundation of continuous improvement. Today is great. Tomorrow, we can be a little bit better.
At the heart of everything we do is a commitment to our students. Public education is a profound responsibility and an incredible privilege. I’m humbled every day by the opportunity to learn, grow, and serve alongside an amazing team and community. Together, we strive to ensure that every learner has the support they need to succeed in an ever-changing world.
I passionately believe in the power and promise of public education. It’s an honor to serve in a district and community that values excellence and opportunity for every student.
Ben Barton
Superintendent, Princeton Public Schools
For more on Ben Barton’s perspective on educational leadership, read his article, 'Saying Yes: Backing Educator Success,' featured on the American Association of School Administrators website.
News Articles
Princeton Online MN is a virtual public school designed for Minnesota students in grades 9–12 seeking a personalized learning experience. Our full-time and supplemental program options include more than 100 advanced and specialized online classes to choose from that will prepare students for higher education and career opportunities.
Hand in Hand Preschool programs offer children a variety of fun and educational activities designed to stimulate their intellectual development as they move along the road to kindergarten. We have licensed classroom teachers, use a state-recognized assessment tool and curriculum, and are a 4-star Parent Aware Rated Preschool.
Families may choose to enroll their students into the Princeton Spanish Immersion Program in kindergarten or first grade, and the program continues through Secondary School.