Arlington Hills, Phalen Lake, and Maplewood Recreation Centers
The Academy continues to contract with Arlington Hills Recreation Center to use their indoor and outdoor facilities. These facilities are instrumental in the promotion of fitness and teamwork and are utilized three to four times a week throughout the school year. Other local Recreation Centers (such Phalen Lake and Maplewood) are utilized to take advantage of their unique offerings such as swimming facilities.
St. Paul College and the Power of YOU
The Power of YOU program makes the first two years of college available tuition-free, for students that meet the eligibility requirements of the program. It covers the cost of tuition and fees at Saint Paul College or Minneapolis Community and Technical College (MCTC) through state and federal grants and private scholarships. In many cases, this program is the best (and sometimes only) way for Academy students to access and afford post-secondary education.
Center for School Change (CSC)
CSC works with educators, parents, business people, students, policy-makers and other concerned people throughout the United States to increase student achievement, raise high school and post-secondary graduation rates, and improve student attitudes toward learning, their schools, and being positive, active, contributing members of their community. Starting in the Fall of 2016, the Academy partnered with CSC to provide “College in the Classroom” on the school’s campus.
Ramsey County Probation and Truancy
The Academy works closely with several Ramsey County Probation Officers to help students improve attendance, complete community service, reduce drug use, and foster appropriate community behaviors. Many P.O.s serve as a strong referral source for the school. They believe the Academy provides the right blend of academics, life skills training, structure, nurturing, and accountability that their clients need in order to fulfill the conditions of their probation. At any given point, around 30% of the students enrolled in the Academy are working with the county for truancy or probation. Over 50% of the school population has worked with the county for truancy or probation at one time during their school career.
This program provides mentoring services to youth identified as needing extra support. Often, these youth are in need of a school like the Academy that provides a small, community-based environment. Many students in the 180 Degrees program have experienced success at the Academy.
Saint Paul Public Health Nurses
These individuals help ensure young mothers are provided with the necessary resources to raise their children in a healthy environment. The Academy assists the nurses in providing services and also helps students fulfill the school attendance component necessary to remain eligible in their program. Around 25% of the school population is either pregnant or parenting.
Kinney Family Foundation
The Kinney Family Foundation provides funds for the Academy to build outstanding curriculum, foster professional development, increase technology in the classroom, and support community, parent, and student special events. This relationship was first established during the 2004-2005 school year.
The American Indian Family Center provides support service and resources to the Academy’s Native American students. In addition, this organization has provided culturally specific workshops and presentations to members of the school community.
Vocational Rehabilitation Services
Vocational Rehabilitation is extremely valuable to students’ who have IEP’s and medical conditions affecting employment. The services help students with the transition from high school to employment or continuing education. A Rehabilitation Counselor comes to the school to meet with students. They present an orientation to the services, and assesses students’ needs, abilities and skills by administrating the Minnesota Ability Test Battery, Minnesota Importance Questionnaire, Strong Interest Inventory and several other vocational assessments. Students also receive help filling out job applications, building a resume, and role playing interviews.