Capitol Hill Magnet/Rondo

Capitol Hill Magnet / Rondo (also called Capitol Hill Gifted & Talented Magnet) is a public magnet school in St. Paul, Minnesota, serving grades 1-8. Located at 560 Rondo Avenue, the school offers accelerated, gifted & talented programming with a curriculum that includes Project Lead The Way and strong emphasis in STEM, language arts, and the arts. With over 1,000 students, it is racially and socioeconomically diverse: about 40–45% White, 20-25% African American, ~15-20% Asian, and others. Nearly half of students qualify for free or reduced lunch. The student-teacher ratio is approximately 20:1. Capitol Hill Magnet / Rondo is highly rated academically, outperforms many district schools in test proficiency, and places in the top quartile of elementary/middle schools in Minnesota. Family involvement, enrichment clubs, and extended learning contribute to its community strength.

In spring 2025, Capitol Hill Magnet students showcased projects at the annual STEM & Innovation Fair, highlighting robotics, coding, and community science research.

The school has expanded its Extended Day for Learning (EDL) program in 2025, adding new after-school clubs in debate, visual arts, and environmental studies.

Q1: What makes Capitol Hill Magnet different from other St. Paul public schools?

A: Capitol Hill is a Gifted & Talented magnet, meaning it offers accelerated coursework, deeper inquiry projects, and enrichment opportunities specifically designed for high-achieving and motivated students in grades 1–8.

Q2: What extracurricular opportunities are available to students?

A: The school runs an Extended Day for Learning (EDL) program with clubs in robotics, debate, theater, music ensembles, science fairs, and visual arts. Students also participate in athletics and community service projects.

Q3: How does the school support diverse learners?

A: While known for gifted education, Capitol Hill provides individualized support such as English Learner services, special education, counseling, and culturally responsive teaching to ensure inclusion for all students.

Q4: What role do families play in the Capitol Hill community?

A: Families are encouraged to join the Capitol Hill PTA, volunteer in classrooms or events, and attend regular community forums. Parent input is a key factor in enrichment offerings and school improvement planning.

Q5: Has the school received recognition for academic performance?

A: Yes. Capitol Hill Magnet consistently ranks among the top public schools in Minnesota on SchoolDigger and Niche, earning high marks for math and reading proficiency and for preparing students for advanced high school coursework.