Smaller, Safer, Saner Successful Schools. - National Clearinghouse ...

SUMMARY OF RESEARCH ON SMALL SCHOOLS AND SHARED FACILITIESCity AcademySt. Paul, MinnesotaLocated in what was, and remains,a community recreationcenter, City Academy hasachieved national recognition. CityAcademy is a classic example of thevalue of a school sharing space withanother organization—in this case arecreation center with excellent facilities.City Academy has achieved anenviable record of serving studentswith challenging backgrounds. It alsois the nation's first charter publicschool. Both U.S. Secretary ofEducation Richard Riley andPresident Bill Clinton came to CityAcademy to praise its program, students,and educators.Key educational features. Theprogram is based on competencies—all students must demonstrate certainskills and knowledge in order tograduate. It is heavily individualizedand allows students to move at theirown pace. It also offers rewards andconnections. Students who work hardhave the opportunity to obtain internshipsand apprenticeships withvarious construction trades. Thus, studentslearn important career skills asthey improve their basic academicskills in math and reading.37a37