About Our School

Welcome to Nathan Twining Elementary and Middle School. My name is Chad Kurtyka, and I am honored to serve as the principal of this dynamic and diverse learning community. Our school is located on Grand Forks Air Force Base (GFAFB), approximately 16 miles west of Grand Forks, N.D. We are home to the children of military members who live or work on the base.

Nathan Twining School is unique within the Grand Forks Public Schools system, as we are the only school with a K-8 grade configuration, housing both an elementary unit (K-5th grade) and a middle school unit (6th-8th grade) under one roof. After completing 8th grade at Nathan Twining, students transition to Grand Forks Central High School in the city of Grand Forks.

Nathan Twining Elementary and Middle School is part of Grand Forks Public Schools. Although the Air Force Base has its own school board, it contracts with Grand Forks Public Schools to provide education for all its students. This partnership ensures that military children and their families have access to the same educational opportunities as those residing in the city of Grand Forks. All resources, including special services, professional development, and curriculum, are provided through the Grand Forks School District.

We are proud to offer two DoWEA-specific grants: Project F.I.T. to Learn (Fitness Integration at Twining) and Project B.I.T. (Behavior Intervention at Twining). Project F.I.T. to Learn promotes fitness, wellness, and healthy learning through innovative opportunities that help students develop positive habits and strategies for lifelong health. Project B.I.T. strengthens our Multi-Tiered System of Supports (MTSS) by implementing universally designed, evidence-based systems that support academic achievement, positive behavior, and social-emotional growth. Through school-wide approaches, students develop critical skills in self-awareness, self-management, social awareness, relationship building, and responsible decision-making, while ongoing academic and behavioral data help us provide equitable and inclusive supports that meet the needs of every student.

As a staff, we are proud to serve the families of the military members who help keep the freedoms we enjoy every day. Should you need additional information not found on this site, please call our school office at 701-787-5100.

Again, welcome to Grand Forks Air Force Base and Nathan Twining Elementary and Middle School. We are glad you’re here!

Mr. Chad Kurtyka
Principal, Nathan Twining Elementary and Middle School