Harvest Best Academy
Minneapolis School Finder Rating
About
About Us
Harvest Best Academy is among the highest performing schools for African American students in Minnesota, despite serving a student body that’s primarily low-income. They emphasize a culture of high expectations & celebrate academic achievement, seeking to plant the notion “I will go to college” in each of their students early & often.
Harvest Best Academy addresses five critical in-school factors to close the achievement gap: preparation, time, belief, teaching, & leadership. Their primary objective is to address each of these factors through rigorous academic programming accompanied by culturally relevant messages that encourage structure, discipline, & an expectation of college education.
Languages spoken by school staff
English, Arabic, Oromo, Somali
Extra programming
Harvest Best Academy’s extracurricular programming includes: Tutoring, Boys Basketball, Girls Basketball, Boys Wrestling, Girls Wrestling, Math Club, Dance Team, & Girl Scouts.
Uniforms
Students who attend Harvest Best Academy are required to wear uniforms.
How to enroll
To enroll, contact Jason Burns at (612) 876-4105 or jburns@thebestacademy.org.
Average student to teacher ratio
Academics
Average
Academic programming
Harvest Best Academy’s academic programming is built around a nationally recognized curriculum. This curriculum is carefully delivered by a team of teachers who focus on building an engaging & challenging learning environment. The school works hard to ensure that all students do well. The school’s commitment to high standards, effective teaching, & a supportive learning environment makes sure that every student is set up to succeed both in school & in life.
Academic Programs Offered:
College Prep, Online Learning, Personalized Learning
Special education programming
Harvest Best Academy’s special education program provides services set up to meet the needs of students with disabilities. Their Special Education Department’s goal is that every student on an Individualized Education Plan (IEP) receives the educational programming that best meets their individual needs & supports each student in achieving their future goals.
Curricula
No response from school.
English language learner programming
Harvest Best Academy has EL instructors on campus who work directly with students, teachers, & families to make sure that students have full access to their curriculum. Additional support is offered in a push-in or pull-out model depending on the student’s needs & supports. The school designs special curriculums to support each student.
Proficiency
2 out of 10 students are performing math at grade level
3 out of 10 students read at grade level
Climate
Average
School values
Harvest Best Academy realized that “it takes a village to raise a child,” & they fully expect everyone will contribute to the harmony & holistic well-being of the school community by honoring the following Nguzo Saba principles of: Umoka (unity), Kujichagulia (self determination), Ujima (collective work & responsibility), Ujamaa (cooperative economics), Nia (purpose), Kuumba (creativity), & Imani (faith).
Recess
No response from school.
Discipline Policy
Harvest Best Academy’s approach to discipline is based on the belief that the learning environment is sacred. At the school, the school does whatever it takes to make sure that every child is safe–physically, emotionally, mentally, & intellectually. They make sure that every child has the chance to learn without needless disruptions. Harvest Best Academy has very high expectations for each student, & they work hard to build & keep a focused learning environment.
Teacher retention
Attendance
Discipline
Equity
Below Average
Equity vision
For over 40 years, Harvest Best Academy has been dedicated to serving primarily African & African American students in North Minneapolis. The school builds a sense of pride, belonging, & achievement in its students. Their equity vision is centered on the belief that every student, no matter their background, deserves an opportunity to do well academically & socially. The school is committed to providing its students with a strong academic foundation, while also building their self-belief & resilience. Harvest Best Academy’s goal is to give students the skills & mindset to compete with students not only across Minnesota but also around the world. At Harvest Best Academy, equity is not just a goal; it is a guiding idea that shapes the school’s commitment to preparing future leaders who will make a positive impact on their communities & beyond.
