Safe, Inclusive Middle School in St. Paul
Every scholar deserves to come to school ready to learn, knowing they will be respected, supported and cared for.
At Laura Jeffrey Academy, we work to create a school environment where scholars can feel safe being themselves and where families know that student well-being is taken seriously. That includes attention to physical safety, strong relationships, clear expectations and a school culture grounded in dignity and belonging.
LJA welcomes scholars and families of all races, religions, national origins, immigration statuses, abilities, genders, gender identities and sexual orientations.
Safe at School
Safety procedures and security measures support a safe learning environment for scholars and staff.
Known and Respected
We want scholars to experience dignity, belonging and respect as members of the LJA community.
Supported When Needed
Scholars and families are encouraged to reach out when concerns arise so LJA staff can respond and provide appropriate support.
Safety at LJA
Keeping scholars safe is part of the everyday work of running our school.
LJA has school safety procedures and security measures in place to support a safe learning environment. Staff follow established procedures for responding to safety concerns and emergencies, and we continually consider how our school environment, practices and relationships can support scholar well-being.
Safety also means scholars know there are adults they can turn to when something does not feel right. We encourage scholars and families to share concerns so staff can respond and provide appropriate support.
Belonging Is Part of Safety
For middle schoolers, feeling safe also means feeling known and respected.
LJA's commitment to equity and inclusion shapes how we teach, build relationships and respond when harm occurs. Scholars encounter multiple perspectives in their learning and are encouraged to understand their own identities while respecting the experiences of others.
Our staff work to create an environment where differences are valued and discrimination, harassment and bullying are taken seriously.
We Build Community Through Restorative Practices
Restorative practices help LJA build relationships, respond to conflict and address harm.
Rather than focusing only on what rule was broken, restorative practices create opportunities for scholars to understand what happened, consider how others were affected, take responsibility and help make things right.
When Scholars Need Support
Middle school comes with academic challenges, changing friendships, growing independence and plenty of big feelings. Scholars do not have to navigate all of that alone.
LJA staff work to connect scholars and families with appropriate support when concerns arise. Families are also welcome to contact the school when they have questions about their scholar's well-being, school experience or available resources.
Resources for Scholars and Families
The organizations below provide additional information, support and resources for scholars and families.
Immediate and Crisis Support
988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline
Call or text 988 for free, confidential crisis support 24 hours a day.
Visit the 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline
The Trevor Project
Crisis support for LGBTQ+ young people by phone, text or chat. Call 866-488-7386.
Visit The Trevor Project
Trans Lifeline
Peer support for trans and questioning people. Call 877-565-8860 in the U.S.
Visit Trans Lifeline
National Domestic Violence Hotline
Support and resources for people affected by relationship abuse.
Visit the National Domestic Violence Hotline
RAINN National Sexual Assault Hotline
Confidential support and resources for people affected by sexual violence.
Visit RAINN
Rights and Family Resources
Immigrant Law Center of Minnesota
Immigration legal information, assistance and Know Your Rights resources for Minnesota families.
Visit Immigrant Law Center of Minnesota
ACLU of Minnesota
Information about civil rights and liberties in Minnesota.
Visit ACLU of Minnesota
PACER Center
Minnesota-based information and advocacy for families of children and young adults with disabilities.
Visit PACER Center
CAIR-MN
Civil rights, advocacy and community resources for Minnesota Muslims.
Visit CAIR-MN
Learning for Justice
Educational resources focused on inclusive schools, equity and addressing bias.
Visit Learning for Justice
Disability and Special Education Resources
PACER Center
Information and support for Minnesota families navigating special education and disability-related services.
Visit PACER Center
U.S. Department of Education: IDEA
Information about the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act and special education rights.
Learn About IDEA
Health and Mental Health Resources
Minnesota Health Care Programs
Information about Medical Assistance and MinnesotaCare.
Learn About Minnesota Health Care Programs
Ramsey County Children's Mental Health Collaborative
Resources and support for children, youth and families in Ramsey County.
Visit RCCMHC