Our Roots

In the spirit of Laura Jeffrey – 1915 - 2003

LJA is named after Laura Jeffrey, a long-time Minnesota resident whose life exemplified the love of learning and service to community that are the goals of our school. Ms. Jeffrey came of age when there were few career choices available to women and African-Americans.

Despite the limitations imposed on her, Ms. Jeffrey was an honors graduate of Macalester College and the only African-American in her class. After earning a master's degree in library science in night school, she became one of the first African-American librarians in the St. Paul library system, rising to branch librarian. Ms. Jeffrey built a life that exemplified personal strength, intelligence and a passion for her beliefs.

In the spirit of Laura Jeffrey, LJA provides a stimulating learning environment that will foster confident young women – women with the skills to be a positive force in their communities.

A spirit of community

Serving a culturally diverse student body, LJA exemplifies that people thrive most when they work with others and take responsibility for their own learning. At LJA, students learn from their successes, failures, and experiences.