The top reported proficiency rate is 17% in English language arts. The lowest is 10% in Science.
Original Research by School Decision on Hope Community Academy Middle
HOPE Community Academy Middle is a charter school in Saint Paul serving grades six through eight. Its student body is overwhelmingly Asian, making up the vast majority of enrollment, with very small numbers of Black, white, and Hispanic students. A substantial share of students qualify for free or reduced-price lunch. The school is part of the HOPE Community Academy district, which has a stated strategic vision extending through June 2026 that includes growing enrollment and placing increasing emphasis on Karen language and culture programs alongside the existing Hmong language and culture focus, according to publicly reported district documents. The same publicly reported sources show that per-pupil revenue and spending in the district have declined over recent years and sit well below state medians, a sustained funding gap that families may want to investigate further with the school regarding how it affects classroom resources and programming.
On state assessments for the most recent testing year, proficiency rates across all grades and subjects were low. In math, the share of students scoring proficient ranged from a very small share in sixth grade to roughly a quarter in eighth grade. In English language arts, proficiency was similarly low in sixth and seventh grades, rising to about a quarter of students in eighth grade. In science, only a small fraction of eighth graders were proficient. Compared to other districts in Ramsey County, the school's overall proficiency index falls in the bottom quartile. The data covers only a single year, so there is no trend line to show whether performance is improving or declining.
Saint Paul, where the school is located, is the state capital and the second-largest city in Minnesota, forming the eastern half of the Twin Cities metro area. It is a mix of government, commercial, and dense residential neighborhoods, with the state capitol complex and numerous state departments headquartered downtown. The city's population is notably diverse, with a large Hmong community that is reflected in the school's own demographics. The park system is highly ranked nationally, and cultural institutions such as the Science Museum of Minnesota and the Minnesota History Center are downtown. The city's population has been relatively stable in recent years, with a slight decline from the previous census count. Major employers include state and county government, and the city has professional sports venues embedded near downtown that contribute to event-driven street life.
HOPE Community Academy Middle is a small school by enrollment for a middle school grade band. It is a charter school, so families choose it rather than being assigned by residence. No data was available on chronic absenteeism, staffing ratios, discipline rates, or the share of students with disabilities or English learner status. A parent looking at this school will want to understand how the district's funding constraints and the school's proficiency results align with their child's needs, particularly if they are considering it for strong academic preparation for high school. The school's stated emphasis on Hmong and Karen language and culture programs offers a specific cultural and curricular focus that may be a primary draw for families who value that orientation.
See more original research from School Decision →