Minnesota
Math and Science Academy

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About the Math and Science Academy

Briefly:

The Math and Science Academy (MSA) is a Charter School that is located in the City Center neighborhood of Woodbury, Minnesota. MSA is a tuition free public school open to any student in the state of Minnesota. MSA offers a challenging curriculum presented by licensed educators that includes intense math and science experiences, balanced with strong humanities and arts programs.

To meet this challenge, MSA students are expected to value and seek out their education. Students must be willing to diligently apply themselves to their studies, and be well organized and disciplined in their educational pursuits. Students are given opportunities to excel in math, science, humanities, music, art, and foreign language. These opportunities allow students to develop skills and competencies in many aspects of their lives; they provide a strong educational foundation which students can build upon after graduation.

Students are held to high standards in their academic work and their behavior, and they are expected to self-advocate to achieve these expectations. The students are expected to act responsibly towards their classmates, their teachers, the school staff, MSA family members, and themselves.

Because MSA is a charter school and is run by parents and teachers, families need to be aware of the opportunities and responsibilities they have in ensuring the success of MSA students. MSA families are expected to support the policies of the school and the students in their studies.

MSA Course Requirements

All students are required to take the equivalent of six course per semester.

Grades 6-8

English English - 6th English - 7th English - 8th	Science Life Science - 6th Earth Science - 7th Physical Science - 8th
Fine Arts One (1) semester Band or "World of Music" - 6th	Keyboarding/Study Skills One (1) semester - 6th
Math Math - 6th Algebra I Algebra II	Social Studies Minnesota Studies - 6th Geography - 7th Civics and World History - 8th
Spanish Spanish - 6th Spanish - 7th Spanish I - 8th	Physical Education Physical Education - 6-8th One (1) semester Health - 7th

Grades 9-12

Subject	State Graduation Requirement	MSA Graduation Requirement
Language Arts	4 years	English - 9th American Literature - 10th British Literature - 11th or 12th World Literature - 11th or 12th Expository Writing - 10th, 11th, or 12th (May Term)
Math	3 years, encompassing algebra, geometry, and statistics and probability	Algebra II Geometry Pre-Calculus Calculus
Arts	1 year	2 semesters of Fine Arts
Science	3 years, including one in biology	Biology Chemistry Physics
Social Studies	3.5 years, encompassing U.S. history, geography, world history, economics, and government/citizenship	World History I - 9th World History II - 10th American History - 11th or 12th Political Science - 11th or 12th Economics - 11th or 12th (May Term)
Health/Phy. Ed.	No state requirement	Health - 10th Physical Education - 9th, 10th, and 11th
World Language	No state requirement	Spanish II - 9th Spanish III - 10th Spanish IV - 11th

The MSA FAQ

• What is a Charter School?
• What is the Legal standing of a Charter School in Minnesota?
• Why can't the Math & Science Academy program exist within an existing public school district?
• What is the Size of the Math & Science Academy?
• What grades are at MSA?
• What is the average class size at MSA?
• How is MSA governed?
• When can students register?
• Is there a waiting list?
• What transportation is available?
• How does a Minnesota Charter School get its Funding?
• Who are the teachers?
• Are Math and Science the only courses taught?
• What kind of electives are offered at MSA?
• Why does MSA require six years of Spanish?
• Where can I find out about other Charter schools?

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What Is a Charter School?

A Charter School is a Public School in which educators have designed and created an innovative program in order to meet one of the following purposes: (a) improve pupil learning; (b) increase learning opportunities for pupils; (c) use different and innovative teaching methods; (d) measure learning outcomes using different and innovative forms of measurement; (e) establish new forms of accountability for schools; or (f) create new professional opportunities for educators, including the opportunity to be responsible for the learning program at the school site.

What is the Legal standing of a Charter School in Minnesota?

Legislation governing the establishment of charter schools in Minnesota is (Minn. Stat. 124D.10) This legislation allows administrators, teachers, parents and community members with innovative ideas for improving learning to form and operate an independent public charter school. In order to promote innovation, the legislation allows these new models of education to be formed unrestrained by many statutes and rules governing local school districts.

Why can't the Math & Science Academy program exist within an existing public school district?

Several Reasons: (a) MSA's Mission can only be accomplished if it is free of the bureaucratic tangles of a large centralized school district; and (b) the autonomy of a charter school allows it to make effective decisions fast and therefore be responsive to the immediate demands of a liberal arts program that focuses on math, science and technology.

What is the Size of the Math & Science Academy?

MSA has approximately 270 students in grades 6 - 12.

What grades are at MSA?

MSA serves students in grades 6 through 12.

What is the average class size at MSA?

Class sizes are smaller than the average public school district. On average, we have 20 - 21 students in each class.

How is MSA governed?

Minn. Stat. 124D.10 requires Minnesota charter schools to have an elected Board of Directors. The Board is elected by the parents and teachers, and by law the majority of the board must be occupied by teachers working at MSA. The board consists of 5 teachers and 4 parents. In addition, one student and the Director serve as non-voting members.

When can students register?

Students may enroll in the winter of their fifth grade year. Registration usually opens in January and ends in February. A lotter is typicall held with all registered students to determine who is accepted for the upcoming academic year.

Is there a waiting list?

Yes, MSA has a waiting list. All students who are not accepted for entry are automatically placed on a waiting list in the order of their draw in the lottery. Students remain on this waiting list until accepted for enrollment or until parents have their names removed. As the years pass, parents are required to confirm their desire to remain on the waiting list.

What transportation is available?

MSA is located within the boundaries of South Washington County School District 833. All students who live within District 833 boundaries are entitled to bussing as determined by that district. Students who reside outside District 833 boundaries must find their own way to school.

How does a Minnesota Charter School get its Funding?

General Funding comes from the State of Minnesota and the Federal Government, based on pupil units.

Who are the teachers?

The teachers are licensed, energetic, dedicated and well trained. Unlike many other public schools, MSA teachers are able to implement a program that they can control and for which they are accountable. Any qualified teacher can apply. If you wish to learn more about individual teachers, please visit the teacher's pages section of this website.

Are Math and Science the only course taught?

MSA has a liberal arts program with an emphasis on math and science. Students must pass complete programs in science and math including biology, chemistry, physics, algebra, geometry, trigonometry, and calculus. This coursework is coupled with a strong humanities program that encompasses and/or exceeds all state requirements for English, social studies, foreign language and physical education. Graduates meet or exceed the MN Graduation Standards in all areas. Art and Music are also important components of the curriculum.

What kind of electives are offered at MSA?

Art, band (including concert, jazz, improv, and ensembles), theatre, speech, computer science, sociology, psychology, Geographic Information System, forensic science, microbiology, anatomy, electronics, rocketry, The Tangent (the school newspaper), lego robotics, golf, internships, community service, dance, etc.

Why does MSA require six years of Spanish?

Our small staff limits our ability to teach multiple languages. Because Spanish is the second most prevalent language used in the United States, we have chosen to emphasize its study. We want our students to become proficient in the use of this language.

Where can I find out about other Charter schools?

A full listing of these schools, with hot-links, can be found at: http://www.mncharterschools.org/aboutmacs_memberschools.htm