About Trailside
Trailside Elementary offers a variety of co-curricular opportunities that encourage students to explore their interests, develop leadership skills, and build connections with their peers. Students can participate in before- and after-school activities such as intramurals, Running Club and Magic Mallets. Our Student Council, led by fourth- and fifth-grade students, provides opportunities for student leadership and gives students a meaningful voice in shaping our school community.
Trailside is fortunate to have a highly active and supportive Parent Teacher Organization (PTO). The PTO sponsors numerous events and enrichment opportunities throughout the year, including fundraisers, Trunk or Treat, family movie nights, and many other activities that strengthen our school community.
We are also proud of our strong partnership with Mount Mercy University. University students regularly volunteer in our classrooms, providing valuable support to our students while gaining authentic classroom experience. In return, Mount Mercy welcomes our students to campus for experiences such as Good Sportsmanship Day with student-athletes, helping inspire future educational opportunities. In addition, Trailside partners with Big Brothers Big Sisters to provide lunch buddy mentors who build positive relationships and support our students' social and emotional growth.
Trailside Elementary is named after the CeMar Trail, which runs directly behind our school and reflects our connection to the surrounding community. Since opening its doors in the fall of 2024, Trailside has focused on building a welcoming, collaborative school community while honoring the traditions of the Arthur and Garfield Elementary communities.
A message from our principal
Trailside Elementary is one of the newest elementary schools in the Cedar Rapids Community School District, opening for the 2024–2025 school year. The school brought together the Arthur and Garfield Elementary communities to create a strong, unified learning environment for students and families. Trailside serves students in kindergarten through fifth grade and is proud to provide high-quality educational opportunities for our neighborhood community.
Our students receive a well-rounded educational experience that includes specialists in art, library, music, physical education, and PACT (Program for Academic and Creative Talent). As a Title I school, we provide additional literacy and mathematics support to help ensure every student has the opportunity to succeed. Trailside also offers specialized programming for students receiving special education services, including academic and behavioral supports, as well as an English Language Learner (ELL) program to meet the needs of students developing English proficiency.
Our highly qualified and dedicated staff partners with students and families to prepare every learner for future success. We place a strong emphasis on reading, writing, mathematics, science, social studies, and social-emotional learning while fostering a culture of belonging, collaboration, and high expectations. Together, we strive to create a safe and engaging learning environment that encourages positive relationships, problem-solving, respect, and lifelong learning.
We are honored to serve the Trailside community and are committed to building upon the proud traditions and strong foundations established by the Arthur and Garfield school communities.
We want Every Learner to be Future Ready!
In your service,
Jennifer Nurre
Principal