The school day is from 8:30 a.m. to 2:20 p.m.

Four core subject areas are covered:

1. English Language Arts
2. Math
3. Science
4. Social Studies

In addition, students receive classes in Career – Technology Education, Health, Stress Management, Physical Education, College and Technical Ed. Critical Ethnic Studies and Social Emotional Learning.

Courses are taught by licensed Saint Paul Public School teachers.

We are able to provide in-person, virtual, and online learning. To supplement our instruction, we use Edgenuity – an online curriculum that provides us with access to a wide variety of subjects and coursework. Special Ed services are provided for qualifying students.

30 hours of classroom instruction, or approximately 10 weeks of study, equals 1 full credit. Your child’s home school can determine how credits earned at the Downtown School can apply towards fulfilling graduation requirements.

DTS receives supplemental Federal funds from Title 1.

Time at the detention center is temporary.

During the first days of placement, members of the transition team will meet with you and your child to get background information on school history, learning strengths, future career/school goals, immediate/long-term learning needs and community support.

Working with you and your child, the team develops an action plan of prioritized goals to support learning during and after placement at JDC.

We want to make sure that your child is provided with a/an:

• updated transcript
• clear understanding of next steps towards a high school diploma
• list of current and potential community mentors and support services. [We are able to arrange professional virtual visits with home school counselors, social workers, teachers, administrators and community mentors].

After release, Timothy Dopson, our transition coordinator, continues to support and ensure successful re-enrollment in the home school.

Our goal is to ensure that all students are confident and prepared to make better decisions and graduate.

Contact Nate Flanders, School Counselor, with any questions related to credits from the Downtown School 

• Phone: (651) 744-4914

For Transition support, contact Timothy Dopson

• Phone: (651) 744-1036

If your child was at JDC for less than 15days, they are able to return to their home school. They should plan on returning to school the following day after being released.

If they were at JDC for more than 15-days, we can help with re-enrollment.

If you need assistance re-enrolling your child into a St. Paul Public School, please contact Student Placement at: 651-632-3700 or work with our school counselor, Mr. Flanders at: 651-744-4914.

Reasons for completing your high school diploma

• Increase self-esteem and confidence
• Develop Organization and Life Skills
• Become more competitive in the job market
• Increase Career Opportunities
• Increase ability for College/Technical Training Opportunities

Who can I contact about my student's credits or transcript history?
Nate Flanders, School Counselor: (651) 744-4914

Who can I contact if I have questions about community-based or school social services?
Timothy Dopson, Transition Coordinator: (651) 744- 1036

Other school-related questions?
Dan Wolff, Principal: (651) 744-1900