Nova Classical Academy

Nova Classical Academy is a free, public charter school in Saint Paul, Minnesota, offering grades Kindergarten through 12 under a classical education model focused on academic rigor, virtue development, and character formation. Founded in 2003, it emphasizes a Trivium approach—grammar, logic, and rhetoric—that underpins curriculum design in literature, Latin, math, science, and humanities. Class sizes in grades 1–5 are about 27 students, with smaller classes in upper levels; Kindergarten classrooms have about 20 scholars. Nova Classical values strong teacher-student relationships, virtue education, and student leadership. Extracurriculars include arts, athletics, debate, and community service. Tuition-free and open to all students, Nova serves approximately 1,000 scholars across its Lower School (K-5) and Upper School (6-12), aiming to graduate compassionate, articulate, and lifelong learners who are well prepared for college and civic engagement.

Nova Classical Academy’s 2025-2026 school calendars were released, including the daily schedule for both Lower School (K-5) and Upper School (6-12), confirming class times and office hours.

The “Back to School” page for 2025-26 is live, providing updated information on school supplies, traffic/transportation, student-family handbook, and school day times for the upcoming year.

Q1: What is Nova Classical Academy’s educational philosophy and academic model?

A: Nova uses a classical model, structured by the Trivium (grammar, logic, rhetoric), to teach rigorous content across English/literature, Latin, mathematics, science, and humanities. Character education and virtue development are integrated into daily life.

Q2: What are class sizes and student-teacher ratios?

A: In Kindergarten classes, there are about 20 scholars; grades 1-5 have approximately 27 students per class. Upper grades vary but typically have smaller class sizes, especially in electives and advanced courses.

Q3: How is Nova Classical rated in academic proficiency?

A: Nova students perform strongly on state tests: about 79% proficiency in reading and 76% in math, according to Niche. The school is rated “A” overall on Niche, and GreatSchools rates the Lower School very highly among K-5 schools in Minnesota.

Q4: What are demographics and enrollment numbers?

A: The school district enrolls about 1,018 students in grades K-12. Around 21.8% of students are eligible for free or reduced lunch. The student-teacher ratio is about 13.4:1 district-wide.

Q5: What support exists for before/after-school care and transportation?

A: Nova offers “ScholarZone,” a fee-based before-and-after-school care program for K-5 scholars in the building. For transportation, free bus service is provided for St. Paul students living more than two miles from school, and fee-based service is available for others including those outside the two-mile zone via existing bus stops.