Laura Jeffrey Academy serves scholars in grades 5–8. Our school is designed specifically for the middle school years, with learning experiences and relationships that support young people as they become more independent.

Yes. LJA is a tuition-free public charter school in St. Paul. Families do not pay tuition to attend.

A public charter school is a public school that families choose to attend. Charter schools have their own governing boards and can organize their educational programs around a particular approach or focus.

At LJA, that means an inclusive, STEM-focused education designed for middle school scholars.

Ref: "A Primer on Minnesota Charter Schools."

LJA welcomes scholars of all genders and backgrounds in grades 5–8. Families from St. Paul and surrounding communities are welcome to apply.

We do not discriminate or deny admission based on intellectual ability, measures of achievement or aptitude, athletic ability, disability, race, creed, national origin, religion, gender, LGBTQIA+, or any other grounds that would be unlawful.

Our school does not require admission tests. Enrollment depends on available space and the school’s enrollment process. Contact us if you have questions about your child’s grade or circumstances.

LJA is a small middle school where scholars’ ideas help shape their experience. Our STEM focus encourages hands-on exploration, and interdisciplinary learning helps scholars connect ideas across subjects.

Relationships are central to school life. Educators get to know scholars as individuals, and restorative practices help our community build understanding and work through conflict.

We often hear that LJA is a safe space for students in middle school who are looking for a welcoming, inclusive environment paired with high-quality learning experiences. We’re proud of this, and are committed to living out our mission daily.

Middle school starting in fifth grade at Laura Jeffrey Academy was not a mistake. Research shows us that students do well when they can build relationships and become comfortable in their middle school community before facing the rigor and increased responsibility of later middle school years.

At LJA, fifth graders are part of a school designed for grades 5–8. They can begin practicing greater independence with educators who understand this stage of growing up. Whether that transition feels right for your child is a good conversation to have during a visit.

“Scholar” reflects how we see young people: as thinkers with ideas worth exploring and voices worth hearing. It recognizes the active role they take in their learning.

You’ll hear us use the word throughout school life, whether scholars are asking a question in class or sharing an idea for a new club.

Laura Jeffrey was a longtime Minnesota resident whose life reflected a love of learning and service to her community. Her personal strength and commitment to her beliefs helped inspire the school’s name.

LJA carries that spirit forward by encouraging scholars to think for themselves and take an active role in their community.

Laura Jeffrey Academy’s Educational Framework is based on a holistic approach to education, addressing teaching and learning, students' resiliency, school climate and organizational effectiveness. We provide a stimulating learning environment with clear expectations and opportunities to celebrate student learning. LJA’s Interdisciplinary Power Standards and assessment process ensure that personal, school, state and federal standards are achieved.

If you’re looking for a small middle school where your child can be known as an individual, LJA is worth a visit. Our tuition-free school serves grades 5–8, combining STEM-focused learning with a community that welcomes scholars of all genders and backgrounds.

The best way to explore the fit is to meet us. Tell us what your child enjoys, what has been difficult at school, and what you hope will be different. We’re happy to answer your questions and help you picture your child’s experience here.

STEM stands for science, technology, engineering, and mathematics. At LJA, scholars use these subjects to investigate questions and solve problems through hands-on learning.

Our interdisciplinary approach also helps scholars make connections across subjects. STEM is part of a broader education that includes language arts, social studies, and opportunities for creative expression.

Scholars arrive with different strengths, interests, and support needs. LJA provides special education and English language learning services for eligible scholars.

If your child has an IEP, receives language support, needs additional academic help, or is looking for greater challenge, please contact us. We can discuss your child’s needs and explain the services and learning supports available.

We want scholars to feel known and respected at school. LJA welcomes families of all backgrounds, and our approach emphasizes relationships and respect for different experiences.

Restorative practices help scholars build community, understand how their actions affect others, and work through conflict. Families are encouraged to contact staff whenever they have a concern.

During middle school, scholars practice taking responsibility for their learning, asking for help, and expressing their ideas. These skills support the transition to high school alongside their academic preparation.

LJA also helps eighth-grade families explore high school options and navigate the application process so they can make an informed choice about what comes next.

Laura Jeffrey Academy is at 1550 Summit Avenue, St. Paul, MN 55105.

Our main entrance is on the south alley side of the building. If you’re coming for a visit, contact us with any questions about finding the entrance or arriving at school.

The school day runs from 8:30 a.m. to 2:50 p.m.

Please contact the school for current arrival and dismissal procedures or questions about care outside the school day.

Yes. LJA provides transportation through St. Paul Public Schools for eligible scholars. Availability depends on your location and the school’s transportation guidelines. Transportation is available to scholars who meet the following parameters:

1. Students living within Saint Paul proper and residing one or more miles from the school.

2. Students coming from or going to a licensed daycare facility, a relative, or the residence of a person chosen by the pupil's parent or guardian, if that facility or residence is within the transportation area of the school.

Yes. LJA offers breakfast and lunch.

Please contact the school for current menus, meal program details, or questions about food allergies and dietary needs.

No. LJA does not require a school uniform.

Scholars follow a dress code that supports a respectful learning environment and an active school day. Contact the school for the current policy if you have questions.

Visit our Clubs & J-Term page for the lineup, and contact the school for schedules and information about joining.

J-Term is January Term, when scholars explore special learning experiences during the school day. Staff and scholars vote on the activities, so the offerings change each year.

Past experiences have included outdoor winter survival, woodworking, theater exploration, and needle arts. J-Term is separate from clubs.

Explore Clubs & J-Term.

Can my child enroll during the school year?

For the next school year, open enrollment begins in January. Applications received by 4 p.m. on the first Friday in March are considered together for the upcoming school year.

If there are enough spaces in a grade, all eligible applicants can be offered enrollment. If applications exceed available spaces, LJA holds a lottery to draw names for an open spot.

Missed the deadline? You can still apply. Applications received afterward are considered on a rolling basis, with placement depending on available space and waiting lists.

Complete the interest form on our Enrollment page. Our team will follow up with the official Scholar Application Form and help you through the next steps. Completing the interest form is your first step; it does not reserve a spot.

We offer information sessions and school tours.

You don’t need to have everything figured out before reaching out. Whether you’re comparing schools or have a question about your scholar’s day, we’re happy to talk.

Email: info@laurajeffreyacademy.org
Phone: 651-414-6000