Our History | Our Future | About Charter Schools

Our History
Nova Classical Academy is a parent-initiated school. We began as a small group who felt that public school students should have access to the same quality of education as many private school students. We wanted a school that was academically rigorous, that valued scholarship and individual excellence as well as self-discipline and virtue, that taught students to think and reason from a solid foundation of knowledge and skills, that allowed all students to study at an appropriate pace, and where parents, staff and students all shared a unity of purpose.

We looked into a number of different curriculum models. When we discovered the classical model of education, it struck a deep chord, and we knew without a doubt that it was not only what we wanted for our children, but it was also the education we wish that we had received.

Our Future
Nova Classical Academy has a K-12 charter. We opened in St. Paul in the fall of 2003 with grades K-6 and we have added grades yearly toward our goal of providing a complete K-12 education, beginning with our first ninth grade class in the autumn of 2009. We believe strongly that an effective K-12 education must be systematic and comprehensive and must have continuity from year to year. The resounding success of classical charter schools in other states shows that many parents agree with us. We provide many volunteer opportunities for parents to contribute to the success of the school. Parents of Nova students are expected to participate actively and support the school in its mission.

About Charter Schools
Charter schools are independent public schools started and operated by teachers, parents or community members. They are part of the state system of public education, but operate independently of the school district in which they are located. Charter schools are funded by general education revenues. They are open to all students and do not charge tuition.

Charter schools must agree to be held accountable for specific academic and non-academic outcomes. They must have a sponsor to oversee the school’s accountability efforts. Nova Classical Academy’s sponsor is Friends of Ascension.

For more information on charter schools, visit the Minnesota Department of Education Web site at: http://education.state.mn.us or the US Charter Schools web site at: http://www.uscharterschools.org