Minnesota Excellence in Learning Academy: An Overview
Minnesota Excellence in Learning Academy (MELA) is a charter school located in Maple Grove, Minnesota, a large suburb. This article provides a comprehensive overview of the school, covering aspects such as student demographics, academic performance, faculty, and key initiatives.
Quick Stats and General Information
The school serves students in pre-kindergarten through sixth grade (PK-6). The student population of Minnesota Excellence in Learning Academy is 209. The student-teacher ratio is 13:1, which aligns with the district average.
- Location: Maple Grove, MN (large suburb setting)
- Grades Served: PK-6
- School Type: Charter School
- Student Population: 209
- Student/Teacher Ratio: 13:1
Student Demographics
The student body at Minnesota Excellence in Learning Academy comprises 55% female and 45% male students. A significant portion of the student population, 82%, is identified as economically disadvantaged. In terms of racial and ethnic diversity, the school's demographics are as follows:
- Female: 55%
- Male: 45%
- White: 9.6%
- Black or African American: 74.2%
- Hispanic/Latino: 10.5%
- Two or more races: 4.8%
- Asian or Asian/Pacific Islander: 0.5%
- American Indian or Alaska Native: 0.5%
Academic Performance
Based on available data, Minnesota Excellence in Learning Academy's performance in standardized tests is as follows:
- Math Proficiency: 12% of students scored at or above the proficient level.
- Reading Proficiency: 22% of students scored at or above the proficient level.
When compared to the state averages, Minnesota Excellence in Learning Academy's students performed lower in both math and reading. Across Minnesota, 41% of students tested at or above the proficient level for math, and 46% tested at or above that level for reading.
Read also: University of Minnesota Data
- Math Performance: Well Below Expectations
- Reading Performance: Somewhat Below Expectations
- Math Proficiency Rank Statewide: #815 (tie) out of 863 schools
- Reading Proficiency Rank Statewide: #787 (tie) out of 863 schools
Faculty and Staff
Minnesota Excellence in Learning Academy has 16 full-time teachers. 100% of the full-time teachers are certified. The student-teacher ratio is 13:1. Information regarding the number of full-time school counselors is not available (N/A).
Mission and Vision
Minnesota Excellence in Learning Academy is committed to social justice and the elevation of access and achievement in underserved communities. The school's mission is to support each child in becoming an engaged and curious learner, a confident self-advocate, and a creative problem-solver. This is achieved by setting high expectations and nurturing a positive culture that honors diversity, collaboration, and optimism. MELA aims to empower students to become active participants in their learning journey.
Key Initiatives and Needs
Minnesota Excellence in Learning Academy is actively seeking to enhance its resources and facilities to better serve its students. Two notable initiatives include:
Playground Project
Recognizing the importance of play in children's development, MELA aims to build a playground for its students. The school emphasizes that play is disappearing at home, at school, and in communities, particularly for the 14 million children living in poverty. Currently, the school does not have a playground. To address this need, MELA is collaborating with the organization KaBOOM! to raise $150,000 for the construction of a playground.
Literacy Enhancement Project
MELA is also focused on enhancing its literacy resources. The school aims to raise funds to purchase a variety of books that will support the entire student population, as well as bookshelves to organize a fiction and non-fiction collection. This initiative seeks to provide students with access to a wide range of reading materials and create an engaging and organized library environment.
Read also: Guide to UMN Merit Scholarships
Read also: UMN Cost of Attendance
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