HOPE Community Academy is an experienced and successful public charter school located on the East Side of St. Paul, serving about 450 students in PreK through 8th grade. HOPE is sponsored by the University of St. Thomas, a highly-regarded private university in the Twin Cities.
HOPE opened for grades K-3 in the fall of 2000 and has added grade levels annually until it reached its current configuration of serving grades PreK through 8th grade.
The full day Pre-K Program which is now called the HOPE-Start was added in 2003.
In 2004, the HCA Building Company purchased the property and in 2006-2007, an addition was completed. As part of the new addition there is a new gymnasium, cafeteria and kitchen, media center (library), science lab, a playground, and 5 additional classrooms.
HOPE's school year starts in August and ends in June.
The school day runs from 8:00 AM - 2:50 PM.

Guiding School Principles:

• Prepares students to transition successfully to other schools when they graduate from HOPE.
• Success in Learning and Life through academic rigor, respect, and computer technology.
• To make every student feel safe, cared for and happy at HOPE Community Academy, a solid foundation on which they can base lifelong learning.

FAQ’s: Frequently Asked Questions Click here to download

Q.        I understand HOPE Community Academy is a charter school.  What does that mean?

A.         In Minnesota charter schools are tuition free independent public schools that are open to, and welcome all students no matter ability or need, and are governed and operated jointly by licensed teachers, parents and community members.

Charter school are public K-12 schools started by parents, teachers, and/or community members who apply for a “charter”, which defines the school’s specific mission ad goals, and how these goals will be measured.  Charter schools must be authorized by a sponsor, who then files an affidavit of intent to sponsor a charter school with the state for approval.  Sponsors of charter schools may be nonprofit organizations, foundations, local school districts, intermediate school districts, or post-secondary institutions.  HOPE’s sponsor is the University of St. Thomas, a highly-regarded private university in the Twin Cities.

Q.        Who are charter schools accountable to?

A.         Charter schools are accountable to their sponsors, parents and families, the state, and the public for achieving measurable results in student achievement and for implementing fiscally sound management.  Since charter schools are public schools, they are open to anyone, free of charge.

Q.        How does HOPE’s performance on the tests compare to other schools?

A.         HOPE performs better than some schools and not as well as other schools.  Because the student populations vary from school to school, it’s sometimes difficult to compare one school to another.  However, comparisons are available.  Visit the website of the Minnesota Association for Charter Schools to compare how HOPE’s performance compares to other charter schools. 

Q.        How are charter school funded?

A.         Charter schools are funded by the State of Minnesota on a per-pupil basis.  In addition, charter schools receive state support for their facilities expenses because they cannot issue bonds or raise taxes through levies like other traditional school districts.  Charter schools currently receive up to three years of federal charter school start-up funding.  Charter schools can qualify for federal title funding, English Language Learning, and special education funds.

Q.        Do charter schools have admissions policies?

A.         Charter schools are public schools and are, therefore, bound by public law that defines public school admission policies as nonsectarian, nondiscriminatory, and tuition free.  Charter schools are open to all students free of charge.

Q.        Why do HOPE students have to wear uniforms?  This creates an expense for families.

A.         Uniforms are important for a number of reasons.  For example, in many schools, students wear expensive trendy clothes.  This creates problems for other students who feel badly.  The most important reason we require uniforms in student safety.  HOPE works hard to create a safe, secure and nurturing learning environment for our students-which include keeping gangs away from the school.  Uniforms prevent gang activity from coming near the school.

Q.        What does HOPE offer its students related to computer technology?

A.         Teaching students to successfully use and excel in computer technology is a focus at HOPE Community Academy.  All students enjoy the use of a computer lab with numerous computers.  Each classroom has at least four computers for student use; streaming video and electronic projectors, which allow teachers to supplement learning with high-quality educational videos.  Teachers and students also enjoy 21 interactive white boards which are used in classrooms, an audio-enhancement system, a technologist specialist who is available to assist students, and video production capabilities, which middle school students enjoy.