Facility Expansion Plan
A Note from Our Executive Director
I am excited to share updates on our facility expansion project and introduce a dedicated space to keep you informed throughout the process. We have completed the “grammar” phase, gathering essential data such as land analysis and zoning requirements, and are now entering the “logic” phase. Our architect, incorporating key findings and community feedback, is finalizing the schematic design to outline the project’s scope. This aligns with the 2023-2028 Strategic Plan, focusing on student safety, academic support, and enhanced opportunities for Nova students.
To ensure transparency, we created this page to feature project schematics, timeline overview, and provide a dedicated place for our students, families, staff, and larger community to give feedback or ask questions. Thank you for your continued support as we move forward together.
It’s a Great Day to be a Knight,
Dr. Brett Wedlund, Executive Director
Benefits of a Facility Expansion
The planned facility expansion is a critical step that aligns with Nova Classical’s 2023-2028 Strategic Plan, directly addressing the Facilities and Academic & Student Support focus areas. This project supports the evolving needs of students, families, and the Nova Classical community by integrating dedicated academic support services, expanding learning spaces, and enhancing safety measures. With a focus on ethical financial decisions, this plan ensures the continuation of Nova’s successful Classical Education model while maintaining current student enrollment and enhancing student experiences.
Academic Benefits
By moving administrative and staff offices out of the academic wing, Nova students will gain:
✓ Integrated student support services within the academic building
✓ Dedicated learning spaces for speech, OT, behavioral, and other student support services
✓ New flexible learning spaces including small testing spaces and seminar space
✓ Additional space for physical education classes
Safety Benefits
✓ Reduced hallway congestion during peak passing times and maintaining ADA compliance with the addition of a locker bay for ~150 students
✓ Restructuring the existing main door entry to open into the front office will add an additional layer to the overall building’s security
✓ New bus parking hub will add a measure of safety for students coming into the building from parent drop-off
✓ New gym facility will also serve as a larger storm shelter aligning within state law requirements
Athletic & Activities Benefits
✓ Before-school practices can be offered with the additional gym and locker room facilities
✓ Nova Classical will be able to offer additional middle school and lower school extra-curricular activities that were not available previously based on lack of space
✓ Additional facilities can also support physical education classes and provide indoor recess options on inclement weather days
✓ Sole use of the theater space by the drama department with new green room
Community Benefits
✓ New bus parking and routes will alleviate congestion and local traffic during peak parent drop-off and pickup times
✓ New large-format meeting spaces and flexible rooms will allow teachers to move class sessions as needed and serve as venues for community meetings, small testing locations, and more
Facility Expansion Plan 2023-2026
Facility Expansion Plan Milestones
Grammar Phase
✓ Create facility needs analysis report (2023)
✓ Investigate possible zoning and covenant restrictions
✓ Complete oil boring analysis
✓ Review latest MN safety code outlines
Phase Completed
Logic Phase
✓ Prioritize student needs from Facility Needs Analysis
✓ Create facility expansion plan and blueprints
Phase Completed
Rhetoric Phase
◻ Gain board approval on plan’s scope
◻ Provide updates to the community as the plan develops and project commences
Phase In Progress
Projected Expansion Plan Timeline
- March 2024: Completed Facility Needs Analysis report
- November 2024: Special meeting presenting schematic design & bond projections
- Nov 2024 – Jan 2024: Review possible add-ons to facility expansion plan; staff and student listening sessions
- January 2025: Board of Directors and School Board potential approval meeting
- Spring 2025: Legislative approval process with the city of St. Paul
- Fall 2025: Breaking ground
- Fall 2025 – Spring 2026: Construction of proposed building on separated parcel of land
- Summer 2026: Remodel of current classroom and office spaces while school is not in session
- Fall/Winter 2026: Full campus and proposed building opens for full use
Facility Expansion Plan Committee Members
- Nova Classical Executive Director – Brett Wedlund
- Nova Classical Facility Manager – Jesse Prins
- Friends of Nova President – Brian Lapham
- Friends of Nova Treasurer – Duane Heidemann
- Friends of Nova Member – Cristina Geer
- Nova Classical School Board Member – Todd Sample
- Nova Classical School Board Member – Colleen Hansen
Sample Renderings
We are pleased to share sample renderings of our facility expansion project. These visual representations offer a glimpse into the future of Nova Classical, showcasing how the planned spaces will enhance learning and support our community’s needs. Please note that these renderings are preliminary, and final results may change as the project progresses.
Facility Expansion Plan Documentation
Explore the plan details and supporting documents outlining Nova Classical’s planned facility expansion. These resources provide insight into the design, purpose, and strategic approach behind the project, highlighting how it aligns with our commitment to enhancing student experiences and addressing community needs.
During this Rhetoric Phase of the facility expansion plan, we will share details about changes related to establishing priorities, refining the desired architectural program, and alternate development scenarios within the defined budget.
Facility Expansion FAQs
The facility expansion project represents a significant step in enhancing the Nova Classical learning environment and achieving the goals put forward in the 2023-2028 Strategic Plan. We've designed this Frequent Asked Questions section to answer common questions and provide clarity about the plan’s vision, timeline, and key details. By addressing these inquiries, we aim to maintain transparency and keep our community well-informed.
No, there are no current plans to increase enrollment. The facility expansion will integrate support services with dedicated learning spaces for current Nova students.
In March 2024, Nova Classical conducted a comprehensive facility needs analysis. This report highlighted key areas for improvement and identified the highest-impact upgrades to enhance student experiences.
The schematic design plan will go in front of the school board on November 18, 2024. In January 2025 the board will decide the full scope of the project and how the facility expansion will proceed. Until that time, our committee will continue to review the plan monthly with the school board and Facility Expansion Committee. We will ensure that the final plan best suits the needs of Nova Classical Academy and the 1,043 students. Priorities for this expansion is solely focused on serving and retaining our current students and their families.
Our goal is to open the new facility by fall 2026. Should the projected timeline change, we will update this landing page and keep Nova Classical families and the community informed as new information and time estimates become available.
As we navigate this process, Nova Classical’s Executive Director, Brett Wedlund, will provide regular updates through the monthly e-newsletter, sharing any new information from the Committee. Additionally, this dedicated landing page will document progress and serve as a hub for all community resources related to the project. It will also include a feedback form for any questions or concerns regarding the facility expansion. We are committed to keeping our Nova Classical families and the wider community informed every step of the way.
The current gym will remain Nova Classical’s primary gym where games and conference meets will be held. The second gym facility will include extra locker rooms to add opportunities for morning student practices and also serves as a larger storm shelter. Adding a specialized strength and conditioning space along with an additional gym enables Nova Classical to remain competitive within the Skyline Conference.
As most of the construction is planned on a separate parcel of land, we expect minimal disruption during drop-off/pickup and school hours. If any changes to road flow or traffic patterns become necessary due to construction, we will promptly inform the public.
The remodel of the existing classroom building is planned to begin during the summer months when school is not in session, ensuring minimal disruption to students’ learning environment.
The adjacent sports field project is being led by the city of Saint Paul and is not a part of Nova Classical’s facility expansion project. The City plans to construct a full-size synthetic turf multi-purpose field next to Nova Classical Academy, located near the intersection of Victoria Way and Adrian Street. The City’s plans and information are available on their website.
Charter schools do not have the authority to levy taxes, so this project will not affect local residents’ taxes.
Facility Expansion Plan Feedback Form
We value your insights and feedback on the facility expansion project. Please use this form to share your thoughts, questions, or suggestions to help guide our planning process.