Onward SPPS

Onward SPPS is an initiative of SPPS Achieves, the district’s strategic plan, that continues the work established under Envision SPPS, which focused on providing more students with a well-rounded education. Envision SPPS culminated with the Board of Education voting on December 1, 2021, to relocate, consolidate or close under-enrolled programs to create the stronger, well-rounded programs that students deserve.

After Envision SPPS was completed, the district established Onward SPPS in January 2024 to attract and retain students by partnering with parents and community members to create innovative programs that are in high demand. This page highlights the initiatives that are part of Onward SPPS.

New & Redesigned Magnet Programs

group of students smiling with staff at Freedom School assembly

Afrocentric Program

The African American Program Workgroup is tasked with determining how SPPS can provide a well-rounded elementary program focused on the African American experience, history and culture while partnering with families to support the educational outcomes and long-term success of African American students. The goal is to open an Afrocentric elementary program in the district in fall 2026.

young child playing with learning toys on a school desk

Barack & Michelle Obama Montessori and Middle School

Under Envision SPPS, the Board of Education voted to merge the J.J. Hill and Obama Elementary programs, with Obama students having the choice to attend J.J. Hill. The school that is currently J.J. Hill Montessori will move to the former Obama Elementary building, which is being renovated and will also house the new Barack & Michelle Obama Middle School starting in fall 2025.

Bruce Vento Elementary

Bruce Vento Elementary is becoming a PreK-5 environmental magnet school that leverages a brand new building and expansive landscaping that embeds outdoor learning throughout the curriculum. Students will explore, investigate, learn and foster play while developing a connection to nature. The new building and environmental program opens in fall 2025.

Crossroads Elementary Science + Montessori

After a review of academic outcomes and other data, the Flexible Calendar Year Workgroup determined that the year-round program at Crossroads Elementary Science + Montessori was not providing the academic benefits that the state recommends for a year-round program. On July 16, 2024, the Board of Education approved to transition Crossroads to a traditional school calendar, which will go into effect in fall 2025.

Three students in school library holding giraffe mascot toys

East African Magnet School

East African Magnet School, which opened in fall 2023 as a new PreK-5 school in the former Jackson Elementary building, added sixth grade in fall 2024. The school will add seventh grade in fall 2025, with plans to expand into a full PreK-8 school in fall 2026.

students sitting on colorful rug while teacher reads a picture book

Karen Language and Culture Program at Wellstone Elementary

The Karen Language and Culture Program opened with kindergarten at Wellstone Elementary in fall 2024; grades 1-5 will be added in subsequent years. This elementary program complements the Karen language offerings at several SPPS middle schools (Humboldt, Washington Technology) and high schools (Como Park, Harding, Humboldt, Washington Technology and virtual courses).

Students in yellow shirts in a school assemby

Txuj Ci HMong Language & Culture

The Txuj Ci Facilities Committee is tasked with finding a long-term, feasible facilities solution for accommodating Txuj Ci’s PreK-8 enrollment growth, and vision for a school that supports Txuj Ci's academics, identity and community. At multiple points, this committee will give input toward the vision and character of a long-term home for the Txuj Ci Hmong language and culture program.

Enrollment Campaign

In an effort to increase enrollment at select schools via targeted social media and digital marketing campaigns and community-focused engagement, the Enrollment Committee convened in fall 2022 and included Board members, district staff, parents/community members and members of the Saint Paul Federation of Educators. This effort is now in its third year.

School year 2022-23 (to increase enrollment for SY23-24): Districtwide marketing campaign including billboards, digital and social media advertising, public relations outreach, influencer marketing, print collateral and multicultural media buys
- Result: Districtwide enrollment stabilized in SY23-24 compared to the previous year (loss of 48 PreK-12 students year over year districtwide)
School year 2023-24 (to increase enrollment for SY24-25): School-specific marketing campaigns for Cherokee Heights Elementary, Dayton’s Bluff Elementary, Hamline Elementary, Highwood Hills Elementary, Riverview Spanish/English Dual Immersion Elementary, Txuj Ci HMong Language and Culture Upper Campus
- Result (as of January 2025): Preliminary district enrollment increased by 407 PreK-12 students in SY24-25 compared to the previous year. In addition, five of the schools that participated in the marketing campaigns increased their enrollment.
School year 2024-25 (to increase enrollment for SY25-26): School-specificc marketing campaigns for Chelsea Heights Elementary, Cherokee Heights Elementary, Crossroads Elementary Science + Montessori, Dayton’s Bluff Elementary, Highwood Hills Elementary, Riverview Spanish/English Dual Immersion Elementary

Pre-Kindergarten Expansion

As part of the district's strategic plan, SPPS strives to provide quality Pre-K programming to more families with the long-term goal of retaining 75% of Pre-K students into kindergarten. This effort included in the addition of 80 additional Pre-K seats through a Head Start partnership at three district elementary schools: Eastern Heights, Highwood Hills and EXPO. In addition, a new fee-based Nature Discovery Pre-K program was established at St. Anthony Park Elementary in 2023.