Fraser Academy in NE Minneapolis (& other schools in NE) (New Brighton: 2015, house)

[LH0607]

We are looking for a school for our daughter who will be starting kindergarten in 2015 and this one is near us so I decided to do some research. It is a charter school that is sponsored by Fraser (an organization that specializes in working with people that have special needs). The website uses phrases like "inclusive program" and "all abilities." I guess my main concern is that if the main population is kids with special needs, then my daughter, who is on track or ahead academically right now, will get "lost" there. Does that make sense? I love the idea of having a school where kids with special needs are kept in the classroom as much as possible, but I just don't think it's the right place for my kids if all of the energy and resources are going to go towards kids who need more attention. So, does anyone know anything about this school? Or have any suggestions for other schools in the area to look at?

[Duk123]

New City Charter School | a public charter k8 school

Marcy Open School
Both of these schools are very good options in NE.

Avoid Sheridan on University and Broadway.

[LH0607]

Thanks, duk. What do you like about the first two you mentioned? And why should Sheridan be avoided?

[Mason3000]

I looked in the area before buying & couldn't find neighborhood schools I was comfortable with. We were looking at Pope John Paul II (PJ2) Elementary, which is an affordable Catholic School & then on to De La Salle, which is an affordable & highly regarded Catholic School for High School.

We came to understand that the bulk of parents like yourself & us were getting onto a waiting list to send their kids to St Anthony schools, which were ranked #1 in the state at that time (3 years ago). St Anthony is the suburb at the NE corner of NE Mpls. Our issue was that the list was looooong & there were no guarantees.

Best of luck.

[LH0607]

Thanks, Mason. Do you know how the waiting list works for St Anthony? Is there a certain date that you can put your kid onto the waiting list? And the first person that calls is first on the list?

[Mason3000]

Originally Posted by LH0607

Thanks, Mason. Do you know how the waiting list works for St Anthony? Is there a certain date that you can put your kid onto the waiting list? And the first person that calls is first on the list?

It looks like the deadline has just passed for next year, although it's mu understanding (?) that it wouldn't have mattered as the waiting list is longer than a single year. Below is a link to the open enrollment form (i.e. Kids who are not from inside the district) & on that link there are a number of contact phones & emails that I'm sure you can contact to get more specific and accurate info.

Open Enrollment | St. Anthony-New Brighton Independent School District 282

[wamer27]

A guy I know is selling his house in St Anthony if you'd want guaranteed spots in to the school system.

[katmu]

If you are willing to consider Catholic schools, I would also look at St. Charles Borromeo.

You could also then sign her up for the waitlist for open enrollment into St. Anthony. My older son attended St. Anthony under open enrollment but we moved from St. Anthony to Minneapolis so it was different as we were trying to keep him in his existing school. I would recommend St. Anthony overall though.

[MarcyHolmesMaven]

I thought Fraser Academy was exclusively for children on the autism spectrum -- I've never heard of a kid going there who didn't have those kinds of special needs. Although Sheridan is located in NE Mpls., it primarily draws from high-poverty kids in North Minneapolis. Marcy is heavily chosen by artist-type families living in Northeast. It has become very popular and has a waiting list for every grade.

[LH0607]

Thanks everyone for your input. MarcyHolmesMaven - In case you are interested, this is from the Fraser Academy website:

Fraser Academy is a separate entity from the overall Minnesota nonprofit Fraser organization. Fraser Academy was founded by Fraser, a nationally renowned reputation for serving children of all abilities. Fraser has nearly 30 years of experience developing an innovative education model based on inclusion. The model, which places children with special needs and children with typical needs in the same classrooms to learn, work and play together throughout the day, has been successfully implemented at Fraser’s early childhood center, Fraser School. The inclusive setting allows each child to contribute to a motivating, enlightening, and accepting environment, regardless of individual background or ability. Please visit Fraser's website. Fraser has been Fraser Academy's sponsor since June 21, 2006. As a sponsor, Fraser provides ongoing guidance and leadership.