MERC Alternative High School
Minneapolis School Finder Rating
About
About Us
MERC Alternative School is a contract alternative school within the Minneapolis Public Schools (MPS) district. Their mission is to serve those students who’ve not found success in the traditional school model. MERC is a structured school with an emphasis on respect, accountability, & responsibility. MERC works closely with parents to help students change past behaviors which may have resulted in their student getting behind on credits or having repeated behavioral incidents. MERC is a small, safe environment with small class sizes, a committed staff, & a determination to help students make plans & set goals for their future.
Languages spoken by school staff
English
Extra programming
No response from school.
Uniforms
Students who attend MERC Alternative High School are not required to wear uniforms.
How to enroll
If interested in enrolling, contact Student Placement Services at (612) 668-1840 or sps.department@mpls.k12.mn.us.
Students at this school
Average student to teacher ratio
Academics
Average
Academic programming
No response from school.
Academic Programs Offered:
Credit Recovery
Special education programming
Consistent with federal & Minnesota law, special education instruction & related services are provided to all children with disabilities (age birth through 21 years) who need & meet the eligibility criteria for special education instruction & related services.
Read the full MPS Special Education Policy at: www.bit.ly/3Mul9kr.
Curricula
No response from school.
English language learner programming
MPS supports district programming & curriculum that promotes the accelerated academic achievement of English learners & recognizes the important role multilingualism plays in achieving academic success & in the future careers of MPS students.
Read the full MPS Bilingual Student Education Policy at: www.bit.ly/42VAq2U.
College Continuation
Graduation
Climate
School values
MPS’s values are:
1) Equity, representation, & anti-racism;
2) Physical & emotional safety & wellbeing;
3) Relationships, trust, & communication;
4) Shared decision-making & voice;
5) Transparency & accountability; &
6) Evidence-based strategies.
Learn more at: www.mpschools.org/strategic-plan.
Recess
No response from school.
Discipline Policy
MPS recognizes that appropriate school behavior is critical to academic success & to sustaining a rich & effective learning community. Their Discipline & Student Behavior Policy states that student instruction time lost due to removal from classes in response to misbehavior must be minimized. MPS looks to parents & families to partner in teaching & supporting appropriate school behavior to maximize the academic success of their students.
Read the full MPS Discipline & Student Behavior Policy at: www.bit.ly/42ZvEkZ.
Teacher retention
Attendance
Discipline
Equity
Equity vision
MPS’s vision is that all students–no matter their background, ZIP code, & personal needs–will receive an anti-racist, holistic education that builds key knowledge to prepare students for future success. To achieve their vision, MPS will intentionally focus on & prioritize resources & actions to significantly improve the experiences & outcomes of Black students, Indigenous students, students of color, & their families. MPS is in the process of implementing their Climate Framework (www.mpschools.org/about-mps/climate-framework), in which all schools must write School Improvement Plans that address & incorporate equity.
Learn more at www.mpschools.org/strategic-plan.
