Foundation Overview

Every day, over 38,000 Saint Paul students arrive at one of the district’s 60+ public schools with an array of educational experiences and skills. Some are reading and doing math before they enter kindergarten, while others have never held a pencil, played number games or read books at home. Regardless of a student’s preparation for school, we must maintain high expectations and provide an education which allows and encourages all students to meet or exceed those expectations. The Saint Paul Public Schools Foundation supports academic achievement by focusing on four key areas:

• Championing support for public education
• Facilitating partnerships with the community
• Funding innovative projects
• Celebrating excellence and the success of students, schools and the school district.

Saint Paul Public School District Profile

One of the country’s most diverse and successful urban districts, Saint Paul Public Schools serves over 38,000 students – 30% are African-American, 30% Asian-American, 25% European-American, 13 % Hispanic-American and 2% Native American. Saint Paul Public School students speak over 70 languages and dialects; 36% are English language learners; 73% are from low-income families; and 18% receive special education services.

Saint Paul Public School Successes and Opportunities

Across the district, state standardized tests show the challenges we face and the promise of future gains.  MCA-II math test scores have increased for all subgroups from 2006 to 2009; however, only Caucasian students scored above 50% proficient.  Graduation rates increased from 72% in 2003 to 82% in 2008. In addition to a higher graduation rate, the number of graduates enrolled in higher education has increased from 58% in 2006 to 61% in 2008.

While student achievement has been rising, we must embrace the tremendous opportunities for continued improvement. Despite recent gains, too many students are still not meeting state standards. Test scores and graduation rates for low-income students and students of color lag behind those of their peers. American-Indian, Asian-American, Latino and African-American students in Saint Paul have on average less than 50% proficiency in reading and math. The federal No Child Left Behind law and new state standards require all students to demonstrate a higher level of proficiency. Furthermore, reading and math proficiency are needed for students to compete in a rapidly evolving economy. These skills are also required for the continued functioning of a dynamic and complex democracy. It is a moral and social imperative to eliminate the achievement gap in Saint Paul and help all students reach their full potential. Click to learn more about this moral and social problem.

Saint Paul Public Schools Foundation's Initiatives

• Tutoring Partnership for Academic Excellence: The Foundation coordinates a district-wide tutoring partnership that strives to increase the quality and quantity of tutors and tutoring programs. This school year, over 4,000 students are being tutored by 24 community-based and 13 school-based tutoring programs. Tutoring works -tests results show increased achievement for students served by partner organizations. Click to see how tutoring works.
• Community Schools: The Foundation supports community schools such as North End Elementary where rigor and extended-day learning are combined with holistic services for students and their families. Community School services include health care, family services and academic learning supports such as tutoring and mentoring.
• Grants to Support Student Success: The Foundation provides funding to support teachers, schools, district initiatives and community partners. In late 2010, the Foundation will launch the Inspired Educator Grant Program to support and honor great teachers.