secondary School Academics

The school culture emphasizes relationships, community building, leadership and character growth. Learning takes place both in the classroom and in the community through hands-on activities that challenge students to think deeply about connections to the greater world while exceeding Minnesota State Standards. Our low student to staff ratio means that students receive more one-on-one attention from teachers than at most other local high schools.

Secondary Math curriculum

Maneuvering the Middle Math Curriculum

Our middle school math program uses Maneuvering the Middle to provide clear, engaging, and Minnesota standards-aligned instruction that helps students build strong foundational math skills. Lessons are organized, easy to follow, and designed to support both conceptual understanding and procedural fluency.

The curriculum includes scaffolded supports, visual learning opportunities, and interactive activities that help meet the needs of diverse learners, including multilingual students. Teachers are provided with ready-to-use materials that support consistency and high-quality instruction across classrooms.

Open Up Resources High School Math

Our high school math program uses Open Up Resources Integrated Math I, II, and III to provide rigorous, Minnesota standards-aligned instruction that builds deep understanding in algebra, geometry, statistics, and functions. Students engage in problem solving, collaboration, and mathematical discussions that strengthen critical thinking and real-world application skills.

The curriculum includes strong supports for multilingual learners through visual models, structured academic language supports, and collaborative learning opportunities. Lessons are designed to be culturally relevant, engaging, and accessible while maintaining high expectations for all students.

Secondary English language arts curriculum

EL Education Open Up ELA Middle School

Our middle school English Language Arts program uses EL Education/Open Up Resources to provide rigorous, standards-aligned literacy instruction focused on reading, writing, discussion, and critical thinking. Students engage with meaningful texts and topics that build both literacy skills and knowledge of the world around them.

The curriculum emphasizes culturally responsive instruction, collaboration, and student voice while providing supports for multilingual learners and diverse learning needs. Students regularly participate in discussions, evidence-based writing, and inquiry projects that promote deep learning and engagement.

Odell Education High School Literacy Program

Our high school literacy program uses Odell Education to provide rigorous, Minnesota standards-aligned instruction in reading, writing, speaking, and critical thinking. Students analyze complex texts, engage in collaborative discussions, and complete evidence-based writing tasks that prepare them for college and career readiness.

The curriculum incorporates culturally relevant materials and multiple perspectives while supporting multilingual learners through scaffolded instruction and collaborative learning experiences. Students are encouraged to think critically, communicate effectively, and connect learning to real-world issues.

AVID

High School students participate in AVID (Advancement Via Individual Determination) programming throughout high school. Beginning with a required AVID course during first quarter of Freshman year, and optionally beyond that, students build learning through this nationally acclaimed program. “AVID fosters a safe, open culture, high expectations for teachers and students, and collaboration in all classrooms”—learn more at AVID.org.

PSEO

Postsecondary Enrollment Options (PSEO) is a program that allows 10th-, 11th- and 12th-grade students to earn both high school and college credit while still in high school, through enrollment in and successful completion of college nonsectarian courses at eligible participating postsecondary institutions. SPCS facilitates students taking PSEO courses on the campus of the postsecondary institution; some courses are offered online. Each participating college or university sets its own admissions requirements for enrollment into the PSEO courses. Eleventh and 12th-grade students may take PSEO courses on a full- or part-time basis; 10th graders are eligible to enroll in PSEO on a more limited basis (see note below). Students must meet the PSEO residency and eligibility requirements and abide by participation limits specified in Minnesota Statutes, section 124D.09. If a school district determines a pupil is not on track to graduate, she/he may continue to participate in PSEO on a term-by-term basis.

By March 1 of each year, or three weeks prior to the date a student registers for courses for the following school year (whichever is earlier), schools must provide PSEO information to all students in grades 8-11 and their families. To assist the district in planning, a student must inform the district by May 30 of each year of their intent to enroll in postsecondary courses during the following school year.

There is no charge to PSEO students for tuition, books or fees for items that are required to participate in a course; however, students may incur fees for equipment that becomes their property when the course or program is completed, textbooks that are not returned to the postsecondary institution according to their policies, or for tuition costs if they do not notify the district by May 30 and the district does not waive this date requirement.

Funds are available to help pay transportation expenses for qualifying students to participate in PSEO courses on college campuses. For more information on these funds, access the PSEO Mileage Reimbursement Program Instructions.

Enrolling in a PSEO course does not prohibit a student from participating in activities sponsored by the high school.

School districts must allow a PSEO student reasonable access to the high school building, computers and/or other technology resources during regular school hours to participate in PSEO courses, whether on-line or on campus.

Each year, districts must publish their grade-weighting policy on their website, including a list of courses for which students can earn weighted grades.

All courses taken through the PSEO program must meet graduation requirements. Districts must transcript credits earned in PSEO by a ratio prescribed in statute. Districts have the authority to decide which subject area and standards the PSEO course meets. If there is a dispute between the district and the student regarding the number of credits granted for a particular course, the student may appeal the board's decision to the commissioner. The commissioner's decision regarding the number of credits will be final.

Postsecondary institutions are required to allow PSEO students to enroll in online courses consistent with the institution’s policy regarding postsecondary student enrollment in online courses.

Tenth-grade students may initially enroll in one Career and Technical Education (CTE) PSEO course if they receive a reading proficiency score of “meets” or “exceeds” on the 8th grade MCA. If 10th graders taking a CTE PSEO course earn at least a grade C in that class, they may take additional postsecondary courses. If the student did not take the MCA in 8th-grade, another reading assessment accepted by the enrolling postsecondary institution can be substituted. For students with disabilities, there is an alternative option to demonstrate reading proficiency.

For current information about the PSEO program, visit the Minnesota Department of Education’s Postsecondary Enrollment Options (PSEO) webpage.