Bridge View School

Avalon School in St. Paul has built its charter-school program around projects since 2001. Students choose questions they care about, plan the work, and share what they make or learn. One student project followed the steps toward a pilot’s license; another used a Minecraft world to design an online prom, while a Shakespeare project connected plays with visual art. These examples show how students can meet academic goals through sustained work that has a clear result and an audience. Avalon pairs project-based learning with community engagement and asks students to take responsibility for their education. Families can review program options, enrollment information, school policies, and the calendar before visiting. The school also publishes project materials and showcases so students and parents can see the process from an initial idea to a finished presentation. Contact the school to ask about a visit or an application.

The Career and Life Transition Program (CLT) is Mounds View Public Schools' community-based program for young adults with disabilities ages 18 to 21 who are still working toward IEP goals in independent living, postsecondary education and training, and employment. Our courses teach and assess skills through hands-on, real-world activities matched to each student's goals. All CLT students take part in work-based learning, which can include paid work experience, volunteer service, job shadowing, worksite visits, and career planning. Through Business Education Partnerships, our staff provide on-site training at local businesses and can accompany students to work when needed. Students also learn to travel the Twin Cities on Metro Transit buses and light rail. Our team includes teachers, paraeducators, work coordinators, social workers, a dean, and a coordinator. District special education services also include occupational and physical therapy, speech-language services, school psychologists, and licensed school nurses as written into each student's IEP.

Journeys Secondary School is a small Saint Paul Public Schools high school for students in grades 9 to 12 with emotional or behavioral disabilities. We give students a structured place to learn skills and build confidence, and goal-setting, decision-making and conflict resolution are part of daily work. Mornings are for core academics. Afternoons are for enrichment electives, career exploration and job training, so students practice job-related skills before they leave high school and often find an interest that carries into adulthood. Our staff includes social workers, counselors and therapists who meet with students individually and in small groups. Our Community Based Transition Program gives students two paths to graduation. We build the school around four values: independence, generosity, belonging and mastery. We are also a Title I school.