Hello!

My name is Tom Cappelen and I am a Special Education Teacher at OHA.  This is my 16th year teaching in the Mahtomedi School District.  I work with students on Individual Education Plans (IEPs) in our functional academics and life skills program.  I previously taught Special Education at Mounds View High School from 2000-2006. 

I am originally from Hoffman Estates, IL but love living in Maplewood and working in Mahtomedi.  I am married to my amazing wife Julie and have two children (Maggie and Ty), two step-daughters (Maddie and Abbey) and two dogs (Otis and Oscar).  I coach high school football at Tartan High School.

I hold my Master's degree in the area of K-12 Special Education as well as licenses in  Emotional/Behavioral Disorders, and Developmental Cognitive Delay.

I look forward to a great year at OHA!  Please feel free to contact me with any questions at any time.
My school phone number is 651-407-2426.

Contact: Tom Cappelen
Our Mission

The mission of O.H. Anderson Elementary, the joyful Zephyr family of curious, hard-working learners committed to empowering everyone to be better together, is to ensure all students discover their authentic selves and build bold learner agency to collaboratively and mindfully contribute in our world through a vital system distinguished by:

  • An inclusive and fun environment that honors the worth of the individual and connections with others
  • A culture that celebrates learning, passion, and personal excellence 
  • Teaching and learning that values the process of discovery and bold experimentation 
  • A culture that empowers authentic student voice, choice, and action for the greater good
O.H. Anderson Elementary School ISD #832
666 South Warner Avenue, Mahtomedi, MN 55115
Phone: 651-407-2300
Attendance Line: 651-407-2308
Our School
We believe in creating a safe and challenging learning community with the goal of bringing together social and academic learning throughout the day to foster and support engaged, caring, and responsible learners. Our dedicated teachers work with students to develop a growth mindset by providing learning opportunities that spark effort, curiosity, and engagement to fuel growth and achievement. Our school-wide Zephyr Time Celebrations, Morning Announcements, all-school River of Rocks art project, Fun Run, and Nature Trail Day are ways in which we build a strong sense of community. Whether it is programming robots, book clubs, math talks, cross-country skiing, or composing music, we are committed to providing an engaging and challenging education for all students.