St. Paul School of Northern Lights is a free, public K-6 (K-8 by 2021) charter school in St. Paul, Minnesota.

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Now accepting applications for K-7

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426 Osceola Avenue, St. Paul, MN

At St. Paul School of Northern Lights,
We Believe:

That ALL CHILDREN are naturally curious and capable, competent learners.

That time in NATURE is an essential ingredient of whole-child education.

That EMPATHY and COMMUNITY engagement can and should be central to the learning process.

That ALL CHILDREN are naturally curious and capable, competent learners.

That time in NATURE is an essential ingredient of whole-child education.

That EMPATHY and COMMUNITY engagement can and should be central to the learning process.

Every day, our students are learning:

To Find Joy in Academic Growth

Children learn to love academics through student-led, inquiry-based projects that inspire curiosity, creativity and critical thinking while integrating multiple subjects like math, science, language arts, history, fine arts, and more. While we don’t assign homework, children often bring their learning home anyway.

“I could not get my child to stop talking about the battle of Stalingrad…he was excited, engaged, and knew more than I thought possible for a 3rd grader. My other child just said, “I’ve never been so excited about learning.” I can’t wait to see their thoroughly researched World War II comic book when it’s completed.”

To Love and Care for the Environment

Every day, children go outside for Environmental Ed where they participate in joyful, student-led learning with an emphasis on environmental stewardship and community engagement.

We were recently awarded a grant to provide outdoor gear for all students to ensure every child has equal access to this program.

“My kid, who previously wouldn't play outside unless it was 70 degrees and sunny, has begun to go out in less-than-perfect weather. He is also noticing and caring for the environment and it’s critters (toads, worms, spiders, etc…) in ways he never did before. It makes me so happy to see him developing a positive relationship with nature.”

To Build Community and Resolve Conflict

Children learn relationship and community-building skills along-side academics in an environment that nurtures social-emotional growth and respects and celebrates difference because these skills are foundational to success in school and life.

“My kindergartener wants to make agreements anytime there is a “conflict,” (which consists of veggies at dinner or cleaning up the toy room). He also learned all of the kids names in his class in two weeks, and his attention span has increased beyond measure.”

That Active Bodies are Valued

Classrooms are designed to allow children freedom of movement. With flexible seating options and wide open spaces, learning can happen naturally in whatever way is most comfortable for each child.

“When my children play school at home, they gather lots of floor pillows for flexible seating options, set up multiple work stations and circle time is back! Their play features dialogue, community building and creativity, and their family school makes frequent trips outdoors for learning and play…What I can see in my children, since starting at Northern Lights, is renewed joy in learning.“