The top reported proficiency rate is 13% in English language arts. The lowest is 6% in Science.
Original Research by School Decision on The Journey School
The Journey School is a charter school serving kindergarten through sixth grade in Saint Paul. It operates as its own district, which is common for Minnesota charters. The school enrolls a small student body, and the composition is notably diverse: a large majority of students are Black, with substantial shares of Hispanic students and students who identify with two or more races, and a very small number of White students. A large share of the student body qualifies for free or reduced-price lunch, indicating a high level of economic need. Data on the share of students receiving special education services or classified as English learners was not available.
The school’s academic context is its single most defining characteristic, and a parent should examine it closely. State assessment results are available for the most recent school year across math, reading, and science. In math, the proficiency rates reported for grades three through six ranged from the low single digits to about a quarter of students, with the highest rate occurring in the smallest tested grade. In reading, proficiency rates were similarly low across the same grades. In science, which is tested in grade five, the proficiency rate was also very low. Overall proficiency across all tested subjects and grades places The Journey School in the bottom quartile among districts in Ramsey County. Because the school does not serve high school grades, there is no graduation rate to report. Only one year of assessment data was available, so no trend is established.
The school environment is shaped by its charter status and its location in a large urban setting. The Journey School is in Saint Paul, Minnesota’s capital and second-largest city, a mix of state government, historic neighborhoods, cultural institutions, and professional sports venues. The city is dense and diverse, with a well-regarded park system and transit connections via light rail between Saint Paul and Minneapolis. The school’s own approach, as described by the district, centers on a blended learning model that integrates technology into classrooms for personalized, individualized instruction. The school is accepting applications for grades K through eight for the upcoming school year, extending beyond its current K-6 range.
Housing in the area carries a typical value for an urban setting, with home prices that are lower than the state average but consistent with national benchmarks. Rents have been rising recently, reflecting broader market trends. The economic context includes a typical national unemployment rate and median household income levels.
For a family considering this school, the academic performance data is the central consideration and warrants direct inquiry with the school about instruction, supports, and outcomes. The school serves a population with high economic need, which often correlates with resource challenges. The charter’s blended learning model is a stated programmatic distinction that may appeal to families seeking a technology-integrated approach. The school is small, which can mean more individualized attention in terms of relationships, but also may mean fewer specialized staff or course offerings than a large district school. The broader Saint Paul setting offers urban amenities, cultural institutions, and transit access, but the school’s specific campus location and its immediate neighborhood context are not detailed in the available data. A parent would want to visit, speak with current families, and understand how the school is working to move its achievement numbers.
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