FAQ

What kind of School is Fraser Academy?
Fraser Academy is a public school, established through a charter.  It serves children from Kindergarten to 5th grade.


What kind of students do you serve?
Fraser Academy is an inclusive program which is open to serving any child.


How can Fraser Academy be tuition free?  Who covers the costs?
Fraser Academy is a public charter school, utilizing public school funds. As a charter school, Fraser Academy does not charge tuition to students or their families to attend this program.


How do we apply? 
Fill out an application or stop by the school to pick one up or we can mail one to you.  Once the application is filled out, schedule a tour of the school and meet with our staff. There is no fee required for registration.  Waiting lists can occur, but any resident of Minnesota in grades K-5 is eligible to enroll.  Our staff will be able to advise you of the current enrollment/waiting list situation.  If our pre-determined enrollment capacity is reached in any grade, admission is granted to students chosen by a lottery as required by state and federal law.  Students are enrolled on a waiting list according to their standing in the lottery system.  Because Fraser Academy is a public school, we cannot maintain a waiting list prior to the open enrollment period for the upcoming school year. Interested parents are welcome to submit an initial student application to add their name to an information database to receive information about Fraser Academy related events and the open enrollment events.


What does a typical school day look like?
The typical school day runs from 9:00 a.m. to 3:15 p.m.  When all children have arrived in their classrooms, they assemble for the daily morning meeting. This meeting provides children with the opportunity to practice greetings, conversation, sharing, and problem solving. It is designed to motivate students to meet the academic challenges of the day ahead and to practice and build social skills.  Following this meeting, the teacher directs students to various learning centers to work on academic or sensory learning.  Students work on grade level math, reading, science and social studies, art and physical education through a variety of modes in both small and large group instruction.  At the end of the day, the classroom groups meet again to talk about the day. The teacher guides discussion about learning goals for the day and anything that the children and their families can work on together over the night or weekend.  Teachers and paraprofessionals are given additional time at the end of each day for team meeting, paperwork, and to prepare for the following day.


What is the student to teacher ratio?
Fraser Academy provides smaller classrooms for a more cohesive learning environment.  Each classroom has approximately 12-20 students with multiple educators supporting each classroom teacher.


What does an eleven month academic calendar year look like? 
The Fraser Academy calendar has a similar amount of school days and vacation days as a more traditional school year calendar; however, the days are spread over eleven months instead of nine.  The school year starts in August and ends in late June. Students have about a one month break over the summer in July.  Classes are held four days a week Monday-Thursday. This calendar offers students a chance to grow both academically as well as socially without disruption.  Both parents and teachers who utilize this academic schedule comment on the ease of scheduling and the positive educational effect it has on children. 


What credentials do the teachers have?
Teachers meet licensure criteria provided by the state of Minnesota with a target to meet the standards for “highly qualified teachers.” Teachers are provided extensive training on the curriculum and methods of teaching. It is an extremely active and enthusiastic team of teachers who are excited to be part of this unique learning experience.


Does Fraser Academy participate in the standardized testing that other schools use?  Does Fraser Academy need to comply with the “No Child Left Behind” standards that I’m reading so much about?
As a public school, Fraser Academy complies with the No Child Left Behind Act, as well as participates in the regular comprehensive testing required for all MN Public Schools. Third graders take the MN Comprehensive Assessment (MCA) in reading, language and math.  Fraser Academy’s high standard of curriculum will address state requirements as well as individual interests and needs.  Fraser Academy uses the most effective test strategies for the diversity of its student population.  Fraser Academy also participates in standardized testing in order to assess student progress.


How is student achievement measured?  What type of “grades” are given?
Student Achievement is measured and assessed by both teachers and parents in review of their individual learning plan. Student portfolios will help to document student progress. The student’s progress is measured using a scale that incorporates MN state criteria for learning, Fraser Academy standards, and specific curriculum benchmarks. Each student is offered an individual learning plan (ILP) and a portfolio of skills that will include individual goals and objectives as well as grade and state standards. Families work with the teachers to review and plan the ILP.


Where is the school located?
Fraser Academy is located in Northeast Minneapolis, 1534 6th Street NE, Minneapolis, MN.  Please come see our facility for a tour!


Is transportation provided?
Transportation is available to students residing within the Minneapolis boundaries.  Parents may also transport their children independently.


Is there an accessible playground?
Yes, there is a fantastic and accessible playground. 

 
Do I need to notify the school in my neighborhood that my child is attending a charter school?
If you choose to attend Fraser Academy, you will need to inform your local district.  In order to adequately transfer records and to assist in enrollment planning Fraser Academy asks that you commit to enrollment no later than June 1 of each year.


Will there be additional fees to cover extracurricular activities such as field trips, art supplies, etc.?
Fraser Academy provides students with opportunities to participate in a variety of extracurricular activities and may request support from families as needed.

Do students have music? Art programs? Field trips?
Yes, students have music with a music specialist two times a week.  Fraser Academy supplements curricula with exploration in arts, music, and the community.

Is Fraser Academy programming a part of Fraser?
Fraser Academy is a separate entity from the overall Minnesota nonprofit Fraser organization. Fraser Academy was founded by Fraser, a nationally renowned reputation for serving children of all abilities. Fraser has nearly 30 years of experience developing an innovative education model based on inclusion. The model, which places children with special needs and children with typical needs in the same classrooms to learn, work and play together throughout the day, has been successfully implemented at Fraser’s early childhood center, Fraser School. The inclusive setting allows each child to contribute to a motivating, enlightening, and accepting environment, regardless of individual background or ability. Please visit Fraser's website. Fraser has been Fraser Academy's sponsor since June 21, 2006. As a sponsor, Fraser provides ongoing guidance and leadership. The sponsor is a non-voting member on the Board of Directors.


If my child already attends Fraser School or uses Fraser services, is he/she given admission preference?
Your child’s current or previous connection with Fraser School or as a Fraser client has no impact on your admission status in the Fraser Academy program. Fraser Academy follows an open enrollment process and all families are given the same opportunity to attend.


Are children with disabilities given admission preference?
All children, regardless of ability, are given the same opportunity to attend Fraser Academy through the open enrollment process.


Will Fraser Academy expand to provide education beyond K-5?
Fraser Academy does not have plans to expand into the middle school and high school programs at this time.


What is your policy on discipline?
Fraser Academy follows best practice in relation to children’s behavior and how it relates to her or his educational program. Positive interventions, behavioral Assessments, ILP's, IEP’s, and strategies are in place to address behavior concerns.  Fraser Academy is in compliance with the Pupil Fair Dismissal Act, which governs dismissal of all students from school.


Can a student be admitted mid-year?
Fraser Academy admits students year round based on class size and availability. All students follow the same admissions process.