Original Research by School Decision on Upper Mississippi High Academy
Upper Mississippi High Academy was a small charter high school in downtown Saint Paul, serving grades 9 through 12. It was part of Upper Mississippi Academy, a charter district that has since ceased operations. The school sat at 19 East Exchange Street, in the heart of Saint Paul’s commercial and government district, near the state capitol complex and the Mississippi River. For a family considering this school during its active years, it represented a tightly knit, urban option with a diverse student body and a sizable share of students qualifying for free or reduced-price lunch.
The student population was small and racially varied. White students made up the largest group, followed by Hispanic students, students of two or more races, Black students, and a small number of American Indian or Alaska Native students. Asian and Native Hawaiian or Pacific Islander students were not present in the reported enrollment. The school drew from across the city and likely from the broader metro area, as charters in Minnesota are open to any student. The setting was downtown, surrounded by government buildings, cultural institutions, and event venues, giving students access to the city’s civic and cultural life. Saint Paul’s park system, ranked highly nationally, and its light rail connecting to Minneapolis were nearby.
Because the school served only high school grades, state testing data and a four-year graduation rate would normally be available, but the data provided for this school showed no results in either category. The reasons are unclear from the data alone. It is possible the school did not participate in the state accountability system in its final year, or that data was not collected or reported. A parent looking into this school during its operation would have needed to contact the school directly for information on academic performance and college readiness.
The school was a charter, meaning it operated independently of the Saint Paul Public Schools district but was publicly funded. Its authorizer and any specific academic program focus were not described in the data. No information was available on course access, staffing, discipline, or attendance. The school’s website was not provided, and no program offerings were listed.
The most critical fact for any family or resident reading this today is that Upper Mississippi High Academy is no longer active. The district brief, drawn from the Minnesota Department of Education organization directory, reports that Upper Mississippi Academy was tagged “Stopping 2023-2024” and is listed as “not active.” Both the high academy and its middle school counterpart share that status. The district has ceased operations, and the school is not available as an educational option. For families seeking a high school in Saint Paul, the search will need to turn to other charters in the area or to Saint Paul Public Schools, the traditional public district that serves the city.
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