Sojourner Truth Academy
School performance rating
About
Languages spoken by school staff
English, Spanish
Extra programming
Sojourner Truth Academy believes that participation in extracurricular activities increases a scholar’s sense of attachment to their school. Thereby, increasing academic achievement, & reducing truancy. They offer a variety of extracurricular activities for students, such as boys & girls basketball, choir, Queer & Allied Scholars Club, cheerleading, debate, soccer, & middle school Girls Science Club, SciGirls.
Extracurriculars Offered:
Debate/Speech Clubs, Identity Supporting Clubs, Music, STEM/STEAM Clubs, Sports
Uniforms
Students who attend Sojourner Truth Academy are required to wear uniforms.
How to enroll
To enroll, contact Ana Gonzalez at agonzalez@sojournertruthacademy.org or (612) 588-3599.
Students at this school
Teachers at this school
Average student to teacher ratio
Academics
1%
Academic programming
Sojourner Truth Academy strives to provide high-quality, differentiated instruction to all scholars based on the Minnesota State Standards & by utilizing rigorous & engaging curricula.
Reading: They will implement Wonders 2023 for K-5 reading instruction. There are two curriculums for Grades 6-8 reading instruction: Reading with Relevance & My Perspectives.
Math: Eureka Math is used in all grades for math instruction.
Science/Social Studies: They are adopting TCI for Grades 5-8 Science & Social Studies instruction through 2024-2025 after piloting in 2022-2023.
Social-Emotional/Anti-bias: AmazeWorks curriculum is used in Pre-K through 8th grade. Pre-K through Grade 5 uses rich texts for read-alouds & corresponding instructional materials, while Grades 6-8 uses digital resources & is more discussion-based.
Academic Programs Offered:
Values Supported Rigorous Academics
Special education programming
Sojourner Truth Academy provides a full range of educational service alternatives. All students with disabilities are provided with special instruction & services which are appropriate to their needs.
Identified scholars are provided appropriate program alternatives to meet the special education needs, goals, & objectives of a pupil are determined on an individual basis. Choice of specific program alternatives are based on the scholar’s current levels of performance, pupil special education needs, goals, and objectives, & must be written in the IEP. Program alternatives are comprised of the type of services provided, the setting in which services occur, and the amount of time & frequency in which special education services occur.
English language learner programming
Sojourner Truth Academy welcomes all students, including those who speak languages other than English. There has been a shift in terms being used across educational organizations to refer to scholars who speak multiple languages. They now recognize students who are learning English at STA as Multilingual Learner Services (MLL). Previously these services were referred to as English Language Learner services, or ELL. Multilingual Learner (MLL) services are designed to ensure that:
-Students enhance their English skills in listening, speaking, reading, & writing
-Students have access to quality school curriculum
-Students are supported to reach high academic standards in English & content areas
-Scholars learn in a setting supportive of their native language & culture
-Families can fully participate in the education of their children
MLL classes help scholars reach state standards in English language proficiency.
Intermediate & advanced English learners participate in grade-level content classes with licensed teachers & receive support from MLL teachers & support staff based on scholar needs.
Proficiency
1 out of 10 students are performing math at grade level
1 out of 10 students read at grade level
Progress
2 out of 10 students are progressing to graduate on grade-level in math
2 out of 10 students are progressing to graduate on grade-level in reading
Climate
45%
School values
RESPECT
means I am polite, courteous, and understanding of other people.
RESPONSIBILITY
means when someone can trust me to get get things done, on time and to the best of my ability
INTEGRITY
means I am honest and do what I know is right.
COMPASSION
means I show kindness toward others and go out of my way to help someone.
DILIGENCE
means I put in effort and work hard to achieve my goals.
PERSEVERANCE
means trying my best and never giving up, no matter how challenging something is.
Discipline Policy
Sojourner Truth Academy prioritizes learning & preparing all scholars for the academic rigor of high school & beyond. Every scholar is part of the learning community & each scholar’s behavior helps determine what the learning environment will be like for all scholars in the classroom. It is the assumption of Sojourner Truth Academy that scholar success is the responsibility of all scholars, staff, & parents.
If behavioral issues arise, Sojourner Truth Academy implements a school-wide approach that integrates classroom management with social emotional learning to work with scholars to:
-Set & achieve goals together despite obstacles
-Manage emotions instead of acting out
-Set personal boundaries to encourage mutual respect
-Resolve conflict in a way that creates closer relationships
The classroom teacher will generally make contact with the parents/guardians of the scholar. In cases of severe or repeated behavior problems, school administrators may be involved.
Teacher retention
Attendance
Discipline
Equity
39%
Equity vision
The purpose of the STA Equity Team is to create a school culture that honors, respects, & values scholars, staff, & families. The Equity Team is committed to nurturing an environment that inspires curiosity & discovery, promotes global responsibility, & fosters opportunity & learning through culturally relevant curriculum for all.
We are different sizes, colors, shapes. We have different laughs. We have our own stories. We value each other. We learn from one another. We support each other. We are global citizens. We are proud of our own culture. We have opportunities. Our eyes are open. We search for the truth. This is our environment. We are willing to learn. We are students and teachers. We have strengths and weaknesses. We are successful. We do have stories. We will not forget where we came from.
The Equity Team’s work includes building an internal Equity Glossary to ensure that staff, scholars & families have a common language & understanding around equity at STA. The team also developed & implemented a yearlong school initiative on Growth Mindset. The equity team assisted to ensure equitable titles for every 300 book classroom library. They also developed a school-wide Equitable & Caring Environments Profile.