What is Seven Hills Classical Academy?
Seven Hills Classical Academy, Bloomington’s first charter school, opened in the fall of 2006 to grades K-5 and includes a morning kindergarten as well as offering a fee based afternoon kindergarten enrichment program. It features a content-rich, college-prep Core Knowledge curriculum stressing higher expectations and academic standards.
Core Knowledge is based on the premise that a grade-by-grade core of common learning ensures a sound elementary education. It is adapted to fully challenge each child to their maximum ability. Visit Core Knowledge Web Site.
As a Classical Academy, Seven Hills motivates and develops the full potential of all of its students. The Academy’s name represents the seven hills of Rome and the seven liberal arts.
Seven Hills sets a higher standard for academic excellence. It features a smaller school and class size within a disciplined learning environment geared for students willing to be inspired and challenged. The Academy also focuses on character education, stressing mutual respect.
Seven Hills offers Latin, which research shows improves students’ English skills and vocabulary, problem-solving abilities, the learning of other modern languages, and college entrance exam scores. In addition, the Academy offers Spanish (which is derived from Latin).
Seven Hills devotes a larger share of its public funds to the classroom, permitting greater flexibility and innovation. Viewing families as partners, its small size and structure invite far greater parental participation.
Who is Seven Hills' Director?
Director. Margaret R. O’Brien has been the successful leader of a large K-8 charter school in Chicago that utilizes the Core Knowledge curriculum.
Who may attend?
Seven Hills is tuition-free to students in all school districts—regardless of if they previously attended a public, private or home school. Transportation is available from many areas. Admission is not selective and is open to all children, regardless of ability, but applicants are strongly encouraged to apply soon to secure a space.
What is a Charter school?
With over 125 publicly funded charter schools now in Minnesota, charters are now springing up throughout the Twin Cities suburbs.
Since Minnesota became the first state in the union to pass charter school legislation in 1991, the movement has expanded to include over 3,000 schools across the nation.
Seven Hills is supported by tax dollars but governed by its own board of directors, and is independent of the Bloomington School District. Thus we have the autonomy to choose our own programs, schedule, staff, and policies, but are subject to mandatory testing requirements. All teachers are licensed.
Seven Hills is sponsored by the Friends of Ascension Foundation, formed to help academically rigorous charter schools. Friends of Ascension provides ongoing support and oversight to the Academy.
Who started Seven Hills Classical Academy?
The Academy’s founders include a distinguished group of educators, scholars, parents and service professionals, including several professors of classics. They share a common commitment to classical education and a belief that the implementation of Core Knowledge is the best way to prepare for college and for life.
Who is our sponsor?
Seven Hills Classical Academy is authorized by:
Friends of Education
EX0-01-A
200 East Lake Street
Wayzata, MN 55391
What does Seven Hills Classical Academy look like?
Seven Hills has:
- A challenging core academic curriculum, encouraging its students to be critical thinkers while building their skills in reading, writing, mathematics, and the arts.
- A required uniform dress code.
- Small classes and total enrollment, with a teacher-student ratio of approximately 20 - 1.
- A full-day kindergarten program
- A proven phonics-based reading program combined with classical literature.
- Enthusiastic and responsive teachers dedicated to the success of every child.
What is our snack and food policy?
Seven Hills Classical Academy is a NUT-FREE school. There are several children in multiple grades attending Seven Hills who have life-threatening allergies to nuts of all kinds. In an effort to keep all of our children safe the school does not allow nuts, products made with nuts or in kitchens where nuts have been used. For a copy of our approved nut-free snack list please click here.
Seven Hills students eat lunch at school each day. Students may bring a cold lunch from home that contains NUT-FREE foods or purchase a hot lunch supplied by Lancer Catering. Lancer's menu items are prepared from scratch and are nut-free and free of pork products. The menus are planned to include a variety of entrees and an abundance of fruits and vegetables throughout the school year. The school menus are posted on this website under the Communication section.
What about our school dress code?
It is our belief that good dress and work habits reflect a proper school attitude. Students are required to be in proper dress code during school hours and on field trips unless otherwise notified. For a copy of Seven Hills Classical Academy Uniform Dress Code please click here.
What about transportation?
Seven Hills Classical Academy provides transportation from many areas. We provide transportation for all of Bloomington. Our Richfield boundaries are Cedar Ave. to the east, Highway 62 (Crosstown) to the north and France Ave. to the west. We also provide a mega-stop route in Burnsville along Highway 13 for our students who live south of the river.
Bus Routes for 2009-10 will be posted soon.
For a copy of the Student Ride Agreement and Application for 2009-2010 click here.