Sojourner Truth Academy
Minneapolis School Finder Rating
About
About Us
Sojourner Truth Academy is a Pre-PK-8 public charter elementary school in North Minneapolis with proven academic & fiscal records. Established by parents & community members in 1999, the school continues to offer students a data-driven, balanced curriculum with staff guidance that is supported by the school’s five-year strategic plan.
Community: Monthly parent events, an on-site, full-time social worker, Multilingual Learners (MLL), & special education programs help build real relationships, & give students & families the support they need, when they need it.
Pre-K & free all-day kindergarten: All-day Pre-K & free all-day kindergarten help prepare students more thoroughly for the expectations of the upper grades.
Languages spoken by school staff
English, Spanish
Extra programming
STA believes that participation in extracurricular activities increases a student’s sense of attachment to their school, increasing their academic achievement & reducing truancy. The school offers a variety of extracurricular activities for their students, including boys’ & girls’ basketball, track, volleyball, cheerleading, debate, soccer, & Girls Empowerment Groups.
Extracurriculars Offered:
Cultural Extracurriculars, Debate/Speech Clubs, Sports, Visual Arts Clubs
Uniforms
Students who attend Sojourner Truth Academy are required to wear uniforms.
How to enroll
To enroll, contact Alma Trevino or Ana Gonzalez at (612) 588-3599 or atrevino@sojournertruthacademy.org or agonzalez@sojournertruthacademy.org.
Students at this school
Teachers at this school
Average student to teacher ratio
Academics
Low Performing
Academic programming
By utilizing rigorous & engaging curricula, STA strives to provide high-quality, differentiated instruction to all students based on Minnesota State Standards.
Reading: Beginning in the 2023-2024 school year, STA will implement Wonders 2023 for PK-5 reading instruction. There are two curricula used reading instruction in grades 6-8: Reading with Relevance & myPerspectives.
Math: STA has used Eureka Math for math instruction in Pre-K through 8th grade, since the 2021-2022 school year.
Science/Social Studies: STA is adopting TCI for grades 5-8 science & social studies instruction through the 2024-2025 school year, following a pilot in the 2022-2023 school year.
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 use digital resources & are more discussion-based.
Academic Programs Offered:
A values supported rigorous academic program
Special education programming
STA provides a full range of educational service alternatives. All students with disabilities are provided with special instruction & services that are appropriate to their needs.
Identified scholars are provided appropriate program alternatives to meet the special education needs, goals, & objectives of a pupil, which are determined on an individual basis. The choice of specific program alternatives is based on the scholar’s current levels of performance, pupil special education needs, goals, & objectives, & must be documented in the IEP. Program alternatives are the type of services provided, the setting in which services occur, & the amount of time & frequency with which special education services occur.
Curricula
STA uses Eureka Math for all scholars (Pre-PK-8). STA uses the following English Language Arts curricula: Creative Curriculum (PK), Wonders 2023 (PK-5), Reading with Relevance (grades 6-8), & myPerspectives (grades 6-8).
English language learner programming
STA 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. MLL services are designed to ensure that:
Scholars enhance their English skills in listening, speaking, reading, & writing
Scholars have access to a quality school curriculum
Scholars 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 the scholar’s needs.
Proficiency
1 out of 10 students are performing math at grade level
1 out of 10 students read at grade level
Progress
1 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
Below Average
School values
STA values are as follows:
Respect: Means I am polite, courteous, & understanding of other people.
Responsibility: Means when someone can trust me to get things done, on time, & to the best of my ability
Integrity: Means I am honest & do what I know is right.
Compassion: Means I show kindness toward others & go out of my way to help someone.
Diligence: Means I put in effort & work hard to achieve my goals.
Perseverance: Means trying my best & never giving up, no matter how challenging something is.
Recess
Recess is a safe, welcoming, & essential part of the day for all STA scholars. It is held daily: 30 minutes for Pre-PK-2nd grades, & 20 minutes for 3rd-8th grades. Pre-Kindergarten scholars also enjoy a 30-minute Outdoor Learning Experience later in the afternoon.
To support student wellness & learning, recess or physical education is scheduled before lunch whenever possible. At the start of each school year, scholars & staff are introduced to STA’s Playground & Recess Community Standards. These standards support STA’s Scholar Success Profile with a focus on two of the five pillars: Community & Integrity.
The Positive Behavior Interventions & Supports (PBIS) Team presents the standards in assembly. All staff are provided with a model lesson plan & video featuring STA scholars demonstrating the expected behaviors. Each teacher adapts the lesson to fit their class & presents it within the first two weeks of school, ensuring a consistent, positive recess experience.
Discipline Policy
STA prioritizes preparing all students for the academic rigor of high school & beyond. Every student is part of the learning community, & their behavior helps determine what the learning environment will be like for all students in the classroom. STA believes that student success is the responsibility of all students, staff, & parents.
If behavioral issues arise, STA implements a school-wide approach that integrates classroom management with social emotional learning to work with students to: 1) Set & achieve goals together despite obstacles; 2) Manage emotions instead of acting out; 3) Set personal boundaries to encourage mutual respect; & 4) Resolve conflict in a way that creates closer relationships.
The classroom teacher will generally make contact with the parents/guardians of the student. In cases of severe or persistent behavior problems, school administrators may become involved.
Teacher retention
Attendance
Discipline
Equity
Below Average
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.
The work of the STA Equity Team includes developing an internal equity glossary to ensure that staff, students, & families share a common language & understanding around equity at STA. The team also developed & implemented a year-long school initiative on cultivating a growth mindset. The school’s Equity Team assisted in ensuring equitable titles for every 300-book classroom library, & they developed a schoolwide Equitable & Caring Environments Profile.
