Frequently Asked Questions
What is Reggio?
What grades are offered?
We are a K-and 8 school!
What are your start and end times?
Our school day begins at 8:45 am and ends at 3:35pm.
On Fridays, we have early releases, with our school day officially ending at 2:00pm.
Our teachers use this time to be in collaboration with one another and deepen their own learning.
How long is Recess?
Students have a 30 minute recess following lunch, in addition to their hour long, outdoor environmental education class. Plus 20-30 minutes of gym time everyday!
How will teachers communicate with parents?
Teachers also send out weekly emails that include details and documentation from the past week. Our teachers are eager to communicate with families. Some teachers also send out monthly slide shows that document learning.
Two conferences per year are scheduled, with additional formal or informal conferences as needed. Teachers choose their preferred mode of communication, whether it be phone call, email, or in-person meetings and will work with each family to ensure connections.
We also have fun, school wide events where teachers are present to make connections with families.
Do you provide busing?
Yes! We are pleased to share our bus route with Nova Classical Academy, which allows us to provide bus service to more areas of St. Paul then we could on our own. We bus within the boundaries of St. Paul. Families who live outside of St. Paul are welcome to use the bus from a stop within St. Paul.
Is there before and after school care?
Before care begins at 7:30 am and after care runs from 3:35-5:30pm. The cost is $7/hour or is free for our families who receive free/reduced lunches.
Do you provide meals?
Our lunches are provided by Cafe Racer. Breakfast and lunch are free for all students.
For children who are a part of our after school program, a free snack is provided.
Do you require student immunizations?
State law (MS 121A.15) requires that each student in a Minnesota school be protected from childhood diseases by receiving immunizations. Families may obtain a legal exemption for medical reasons or conscientious beliefs. All students new St. Paul School of Northern Lights must bring their immunization record or exemption record to school.
Make sure your child's immunizations are up to date: Minnesota Deparment of Health (MDH) Are Your Kids Ready? (click on "who needs vaccines, when" to view document)
Downloadable Form:
Immunization Record (includes child care & medical and non-medical objection to immunizations)
How do you serve students with special rights?
We believe that all students benefit when students with special rights are included and valued as part of the learning community because in moving teachers to improve their practice for students with special rights they inevitably improve techniques and strategies that benefit everyone.
Special Rights Education students in Finland are included in mainstream classes, where all teachers are expected to lend a hand, whether it be changing their teaching strategies or providing additional support. When mainstreaming is not enough, Finnish educators provide special education students with small teaching groups. St. Paul School of Northern Lights will use the full inclusion model to ensure students remain in the classroom as much as possible. Within this model, Special Rights Education will be “pushed in,” maintaining the child’s sense of community.
The methods by which students display, present and communicate their learning will vary based on student interest, motivation and abilities. High expectations will be held for all students, including those with special rights. The cooperative relationship between students and teachers will allow for differentiation and individual goal setting. With these goals in mind, teachers will guide students to discover their potential and embrace their desire for knowledge.
What does an outdoor emphasis look like in an urban environment?
We value outdoor learning and embrace the motto “There's no such thing as bad weather, only unsuitable clothing.” Students have a chance to experience the seasons by playing and learning in their outdoor environment.
Our new campus is ripe for exploration. It has lots of trees, many flower gardens and 4 raised bed vegetable gardens. We also have a large soccer field for running and games, a basketball court and two playgrounds.
Our teachers eagerly take full advantage of Highland Park, just a few blocks away, which includes several wooded areas, a playground, Frisbee golf and 120 acres of green space to explore. Highland Golf Course is across the street from the school and will be used for winter recreation, sledding, snow shoeing and other winter expeditions on foot. There is also a new bike/pedestrian path on Hamline Ave S across from the school.
To further explore how we think about urban nature, check out the TED talk with Emma Marris: Nature is Everywhere - We Just Need To Learn To See it.
How do you help new incoming students build relationships?
Our teachers spend the first 6 weeks of school emphasizing and fostering relationship. This includes teachers building relationships with their students and also facilitating peer to peer relationships. Circle games, group games, team building games and one on one interactions are all important. When children feel secure and valued, they are more likely to explore, express themselves, and engage in meaningful interactions. This sense of safety encourages curiosity and risk-taking, allowing for deeper learning and creativity.
Students also have “Inquiry” or choice time everyday to explore and learn with their friends. Students often collaborate with one another during this time which develops social and emotional skills.
Even after the first six weeks, an emphasis on building relationships continues throughout the year.