Nova Classical Academy Upper School

Summary:

Nova Classical Academy Upper School is a high-performing public charter school serving grades 6-12 in Saint Paul, Minnesota, with a student population of 547. The school consistently ranks among the top 1-2% of high schools in Minnesota, with exceptional academic performance, high graduation rates, and a diverse student population.

Nova Classical Academy Upper School's students demonstrate exceptionally high proficiency rates on the Minnesota Comprehensive Assessments (MCA-III), significantly outperforming the state averages. For example, in the 2023-2024 school year, 70.74% of Nova Classical Academy Upper School students were proficient or better in math, compared to the state average of 45.47%. The school also maintains a consistently high four-year graduation rate, ranging from 87.9% to 95.5% over the past five years, and a low dropout rate, ranging from 0.0% to 3.4% during the same period. Notably, the student population at Nova Classical Academy Upper School is more racially diverse than the surrounding schools, with a mix of White (60.51%), African American (9.32%), Hispanic (8.41%), Asian (12.61%), and students of two or more races (8.96%). Additionally, the school has a relatively low percentage of students eligible for free or reduced-price lunch, ranging from 5.13% to 18.46% over the past three years, significantly lower than the nearby Saint Paul Public Schools district.

When compared to the nearby schools, such as Alternative Learning Center Gateway to College, Two Rivers High School, and the schools within the Saint Paul Public Schools district, Nova Classical Academy Upper School stands out for its exceptional academic performance, higher graduation rates, lower dropout rates, and more favorable student-teacher ratio, which may contribute to the school's overall success.


Detail:

Public, Charter 6-12

 1455 Victoria Way
       Saint Paul, MN  55102-8888


(651) 209-6320

District: Nova Classical Academy

SchoolDigger Rank:
2nd of 480 Minnesota High Schools

Per Pupil Expenditures:  $11,334 Help


Student/teacher ratio:  16.1 Help
Number of students:  547

Racial breakdown:

White:
60.5%
Asian:
12.6%
African American:
9.3%
more

Free/discounted lunch recipients:  18.5% Help


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Performance Trends
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Compare Details Nova Classical Academy Upper School ranks better than 98.3% of middle schools in Minnesota. (See more...)
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Compare Details In 2024 the calculated Average Standard Score was 97.2. (See more...)
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Compare Details Nova Classical Academy Upper School ranks better than 99.6% of high schools in Minnesota. (See more...)
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Compare Details In 2024 the calculated Average Standard Score was 97.95. (See more...)
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The Adjusted Cohort Graduation Rate (ACGR) measures the percentage of Nova Classical Academy Upper School freshmen who graduate within four years, adjusting for students who transfer in or out.
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The high school dropout rate measures the percentage of students who do not complete their high school education.
Student Body
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Compare Details Racial makeup is: White (60.5%), Asian (12.6%), African American (9.3%). (See more...)
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Compare Details 18.5% of students are receiving a free or discounted lunch. (See more...)
Teachers
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Compare Details The student/teacher ratio at Nova Classical Academy Upper School is 16.1. (See more...)
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Compare Nova Classical Academy Upper School employs 33.9 full-time teachers.
Finance
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Compare Details The average total spent per student at Nova Classical Academy Upper School is $11,334.
Schooldigger 2024 Rankings:

Nova Classical Academy Upper School:

SchoolDigger ranks Nova Classical Academy Upper School 9th of 545 Minnesota public middle schools. (See Nova Classical Academy Upper School in the ranking list.)

Middle School Test Score Ratings by Student Subgroup:


Multi-racial students:
Low Socio Economic Status students:
Female students:
Male students:
Asian students:
White students:

SchoolDigger ranks Nova Classical Academy Upper School 2nd of 480 Minnesota public high schools. (See Nova Classical Academy Upper School in the ranking list.)

High School Test Score Ratings by Student Subgroup:


Low Socio Economic Status students:
Female students:
Male students:
Asian students:
White students:


Nova Classical Academy:

SchoolDigger ranks Nova Classical Academy 7th of 463 Minnesota school districts. (See district ranking list.)


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Your rating for Nova Classical Academy Upper School?

Rank History for Nova Classical Academy Upper School

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Compare

Rank History for all middle school students at Nova Classical Academy Upper School

Year Avg Standard Score Statewide Rank Total # Ranked Middle Schools MN State Percentile SchoolDigger Rating
2011 94.38 2nd 478 99.6%
2012 89.64 7th 469 98.5%
2013 81.24 61st 488 87.5%
2014 85.83 33rd 490 93.3%
2015 83.90 42nd 516 91.9%
2016 96.94 2nd 508 99.6%
2017 96.21 2nd 523 99.6%
2018 96.96 2nd 518 99.6%
2019 96.77 2nd 533 99.6%
2021 97.24 5th 521 99.0%
2022 97.92 6th 520 98.8%
2023 96.55 8th 529 98.5%
2024 97.20 9th 545 98.3%
See the entire list of Minnesota High School Rankings!

Rank History for middle school Multi-racial students at Nova Classical Academy Upper School

Year Avg Standard Score Statewide Rank Total # Ranked Middle Schools MN State Percentile SchoolDigger Rating
2024 63.23 36th 116 69.0%
See the entire list of Best Minnesota High Schools for Multi-racial Students!

Rank History for middle school Low Socio Economic Status students at Nova Classical Academy Upper School

Year Avg Standard Score Statewide Rank Total # Ranked Middle Schools MN State Percentile SchoolDigger Rating
2019 98.07 3rd 415 99.3%
2023 92.65 9th 459 98.0%
2024 94.30 10th 473 97.9%
See the entire list of Best Minnesota High Schools for Low Socio Economic Status Students!

Rank History for middle school Female students at Nova Classical Academy Upper School

Year Avg Standard Score Statewide Rank Total # Ranked Middle Schools MN State Percentile SchoolDigger Rating
2018 96.75 1st 436 99.8%
2019 94.03 4th 439 99.1%
2021 92.81 9th 443 98.0%
2022 97.01 5th 467 98.9%
2023 95.56 7th 455 98.5%
2024 95.91 7th 474 98.5%
See the entire list of Best Minnesota High Schools for Female Students!

Rank History for middle school Male students at Nova Classical Academy Upper School

Year Avg Standard Score Statewide Rank Total # Ranked Middle Schools MN State Percentile SchoolDigger Rating
2018 96.15 3rd 438 99.3%
2019 96.84 2nd 454 99.6%
2021 98.08 2nd 437 99.5%
2022 97.51 5th 476 98.9%
2023 94.69 11th 464 97.6%
2024 95.39 11th 479 97.7%
See the entire list of Best Minnesota High Schools for Male Students!

Rank History for middle school Asian students at Nova Classical Academy Upper School

Year Avg Standard Score Statewide Rank Total # Ranked Middle Schools MN State Percentile SchoolDigger Rating
2018 93.39 3rd 108 97.2%
2022 80.98 24th 110 78.2%
2023 76.10 29th 116 75.0%
2024 81.84 21st 111 81.1%
See the entire list of Best Minnesota High Schools for Asian Students!

Rank History for middle school White students at Nova Classical Academy Upper School

Year Avg Standard Score Statewide Rank Total # Ranked Middle Schools MN State Percentile SchoolDigger Rating
2018 97.44 2nd 428 99.5%
2019 95.97 3rd 428 99.3%
2021 98.10 1st 422 99.8%
2022 97.87 2nd 438 99.5%
2023 97.84 1st 436 99.8%
2024 98.15 2nd 440 99.5%
See the entire list of Best Minnesota High Schools for White Students!

Data source: test scores: Minnesota Department of Education, rankings: SchoolDigger.com

Rank History for Nova Classical Academy Upper School

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Compare

Rank History for all high school students at Nova Classical Academy Upper School

Year Avg Standard Score Statewide Rank Total # Ranked High Schools MN State Percentile SchoolDigger Rating
2011 80.72 54th 545 90.1%
2012 90.30 3rd 539 99.4%
2013 93.64 3rd 534 99.4%
2014 93.55 9th 483 98.1%
2015 98.12 2nd 504 99.6%
2016 94.80 5th 489 99.0%
2017 97.75 2nd 489 99.6%
2018 96.46 3rd 494 99.4%
2019 97.27 3rd 492 99.4%
2021 99.50 1st 428 99.8%
2022 98.39 1st 472 99.8%
2023 99.40 1st 476 99.8%
2024 97.95 2nd 480 99.6%
See the entire list of Minnesota High School Rankings!

Rank History for high school Low Socio Economic Status students at Nova Classical Academy Upper School

Year Avg Standard Score Statewide Rank Total # Ranked High Schools MN State Percentile SchoolDigger Rating
2018 95.57 5th 374 98.7%
2019 86.12 25th 370 93.2%
2023 98.75 2nd 393 99.5%
2024 95.23 7th 389 98.2%
See the entire list of Best Minnesota High Schools for Low Socio Economic Status Students!

Rank History for high school Female students at Nova Classical Academy Upper School

Year Avg Standard Score Statewide Rank Total # Ranked High Schools MN State Percentile SchoolDigger Rating
2018 92.50 7th 395 98.2%
2019 93.26 8th 401 98.0%
2021 98.61 2nd 339 99.4%
2022 97.97 1st 388 99.7%
2023 99.18 1st 396 99.7%
2024 96.17 5th 403 98.8%
See the entire list of Best Minnesota High Schools for Female Students!

Rank History for high school Male students at Nova Classical Academy Upper School

Year Avg Standard Score Statewide Rank Total # Ranked High Schools MN State Percentile SchoolDigger Rating
2018 97.20 4th 398 99.0%
2019 98.74 1st 411 99.8%
2021 99.71 1st 351 99.7%
2022 96.72 5th 403 98.8%
2023 98.78 2nd 398 99.5%
2024 96.49 6th 405 98.5%
See the entire list of Best Minnesota High Schools for Male Students!

Rank History for high school Asian students at Nova Classical Academy Upper School

Year Avg Standard Score Statewide Rank Total # Ranked High Schools MN State Percentile SchoolDigger Rating
2023 93.52 9th 71 87.3%
2024 90.48 8th 78 89.7%
See the entire list of Best Minnesota High Schools for Asian Students!

Rank History for high school White students at Nova Classical Academy Upper School

Year Avg Standard Score Statewide Rank Total # Ranked High Schools MN State Percentile SchoolDigger Rating
2018 97.21 3rd 414 99.3%
2019 98.17 2nd 412 99.5%
2021 99.37 1st 364 99.7%
2022 99.54 1st 401 99.8%
2023 99.53 1st 398 99.7%
2024 98.64 4th 402 99.0%
See the entire list of Best Minnesota High Schools for White Students!

Data source: test scores: Minnesota Department of Education, rankings: SchoolDigger.com

As you review the school rankings data, please be aware that some of the information from certain demographics is missing. The reason for this omission is that the data has been redacted from the source data itself due to low population samples in these specific demographic groups.

Redacting data from low population samples is a necessary step to ensure the reliability and accuracy of the results, as small sample sizes may not be representative of the broader population. Additionally, this measure helps protect the privacy of individuals belonging to these demographic groups.

Nova Classical Academy Upper School Test Scores
Tests: 
  
Grades: 
  
Years: 
  
Group by: 
District Scores:
State Scores:    
  
Subgroup: 









Data source: Minnesota Department of Education

Review counts

All ratings (Avg rating: 3)
33%

0%

33%

0%

33%

  

by a parent
Thursday, August 5, 2021

Open Quote We spent 10 years there. Best school for the right child. Close Quote


by a parent
Friday, September 2, 2016

Open Quote We've been at Nova several years. The test scores are great because: 1.) Getting good test scores drives decisions about curriculum and teaching, and 2.) Kids who aren't good test takers tend Close Quote


by a parent
Tuesday, April 19, 2016

Open Quote After seven years we removing our children from NOVA.  The school's new administration and school board have abandoned the school's original charter as a classical school.  Before sending your children to NOVA please ask for a tour and ask the administration and faculty questions.  Lots of questions.  Ask why in this year alone (2016) why 111 students or 12.4% of the students decided to leave NOVA as compared to 21 or 2.5% students who left NOVA in 2013. As of Feb 17th, 2016, there are another 18 requests for transcripts indicating parents preparing to move their children for next year.  Ask why the parents of 28 students entering NOVA's middle school this year (after sending their children to NOVA for seven years (K-6)) decided to leave NOVA.  Ask why 40% of NOVA's students entering NOVA's high school this year left for another high school.  Ask why there are 165 fewer applications this year when the number of applicants has always increased year-after-year from the inception of the school.  Ask if the school has or will adopt the Saint Paul School District's gender inclusion program allowing boys to share bathrooms with girls.  Ask if teachers will read the book My Princess Boy, Jacob's New Dress or any other book about boys wanting to be girls to children in Kindergarten through fifth grade.
Ask if the school will notify parents if teachers will be presenting gender confusing books to students and if the lower school principal will again send an email providing less than one business day before presenting the materials.  Ask if they will again not provide opt-out instructions to parents and if they will include language in their notification indicating NOVA is required by law when the law does not require children in K-5 to be presented with gender confusing materials. Close Quote



Enrollment information for Nova Classical Academy Upper School

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Compare
Year White African American Asian Hispanic American Indian Pacific Islander Two or More Races Not Specified Total
2010 1 0 0 0 0 n/a n/a 0 1
2011 175 10 22 6 0 0 5 0 218
2012 202 7 15 14 0 0 15 0 253
2013 294 15 22 15 0 0 28 0 374
2014 331 17 21 17 2 0 27 0 415
2015 350 25 24 19 0 0 20 0 438
2016 364 25 29 20 2 0 22 0 462
2017 360 29 44 24 2 0 22 0 481
2018 367 41 48 30 2 0 26 0 514
2019 353 41 51 39 2 0 33 0 519
2020 359 44 49 42 2 0 42 0 538
2021 341 47 49 47 2 0 40 0 526
2022 316 47 54 40 2 0 49 0 508
2023 331 51 69 46 1 0 49 0 547

Data source: National Center for Education Statistics, U.S. Dept of Education.

About Enrollment/Ethnicity

For more information about how the Department of Education defines ethnicity, see Defining Race and Ethnicity Data, National Center for Education Statistics

Students eligible for free or discounted lunch at Nova Classical Academy Upper School

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Compare
Year # Students Full-time Teachers Student/Teacher ratio % Free/Discounted Lunch
2010 1 11.0 0.0 0
2011 218 14.9 14.5 11.9
2012 253 22.3 11.2 13.4
2013 374 28.9 12.9 12.6
2014 415 32.0 12.9 12.3
2015 438 36.0 12.1 14.2
2016 462 31.0 14.9 11
2017 481 31.7 15.1 10.8
2018 514 34.9 14.7 12.3
2019 519 35.5 14.5 12.3
2020 538 33.8 15.9 10.8
2021 526 31.3 16.7 5.1
2022 508 32.7 15.4 8.5
2023 547 33.9 16.1 18.5

Data source: National Center for Education Statistics, U.S. Dept of Education.

About Students eligible for discounted/free lunch:

The National School Lunch Program (NSLP) provides low-cost or free meals to students in U.S. public and nonprofit private schools based on household income. Those with incomes below 130% of the poverty line receive free lunch, while those between 130% and 185% qualify for reduced-price lunch. The percentage of students receiving free or reduced-price lunch serves as a marker for poverty, as it reflects the socioeconomic status of families in a given school or district. A higher FRPL rate typically indicates a higher concentration of low-income families, suggesting that the school or district may face additional challenges in providing adequate resources and support for student success.

Student/Teacher Ratio Nova Classical Academy Upper School

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Compare
Year # Students Full-time Teachers Student/Teacher ratio % Free/Discounted Lunch
2010 1 11.0 0.0 0
2011 218 14.9 14.5 11.9
2012 253 22.3 11.2 13.4
2013 374 28.9 12.9 12.6
2014 415 32.0 12.9 12.3
2015 438 36.0 12.1 14.2
2016 462 31.0 14.9 11
2017 481 31.7 15.1 10.8
2018 514 34.9 14.7 12.3
2019 519 35.5 14.5 12.3
2020 538 33.8 15.9 10.8
2021 526 31.3 16.7 5.1
2022 508 32.7 15.4 8.5
2023 547 33.9 16.1 18.5

Data source: National Center for Education Statistics, U.S. Dept of Education.

About Student-Teacher Ratio

Student/teacher ratio is calculated by dividing the total number of students by the total number of full-time equivalent teachers. Please note that a smaller student/teacher ratio does not necessarily translate to smaller class size. In some instances, schools hire teachers part time, and some teachers are hired for specialized instruction with very small class sizes. These and other factors contribute to the student/teacher ratio. Note: For private schools, Student/teacher ratio may not include Pre-Kindergarten.
Finances

Per Pupil Expenditures for Nova Classical Academy Upper School

Help

YearTotal Expenditures Per Pupil
2019 $11,334

Data source: Minnesota Department of Education
Pre and Post Pandemic Data

Impact of COVID-19 on Nova Classical Academy Upper School

The coronavirus has had a profound impact on education in America. Learning shifted online overnight, attendance numbers dwindled, and enrollment decreased. SchoolDigger.com is making it easier for you to better assess how COVID-19 has impacted your school. Through the collection of pre-pandemic (2019) and current data, SchoolDigger.com is sharing test scores, enrollment numbers and school demographics from schools across the country – and we make it easy to see how impacted schools compare locally and statewide.

Rankings

Rank
Pre-pandemic (2018-2019)
Rank
Post pandemic (2022-2023)
Change (%)
Ranks 2nd of 533 Middle schoolsRanks 8th of 529 Middle schools
 1.1%
Ranks 3rd of 492 High schoolsRanks 1st of 476 High schools
 0.4%

Test Scores

% proficient
Pre-pandemic (2018-2019)
% proficient
Post pandemic (2022-2023)
Change (%)
6th Grade Math (Nova Classical Academy Upper School)76.969.4
 7.5%
   6th Grade Math (Nova Classical Academy)76.969.4
 7.5%
   6th Grade Math (Minnesota)50.539.7
 10.8%
6th Grade Reading (Nova Classical Academy Upper School)80.572.9
 7.6%
   6th Grade Reading (Nova Classical Academy)80.572.9
 7.6%
   6th Grade Reading (Minnesota)62.853.4
 9.4%
7th Grade Math (Nova Classical Academy Upper School)93.770.4
 23.3%
   7th Grade Math (Nova Classical Academy)93.770.4
 23.3%
   7th Grade Math (Minnesota)52.139.7
 12.4%
7th Grade Reading (Nova Classical Academy Upper School)92.465.4
 27%
   7th Grade Reading (Nova Classical Academy)92.465.4
 27%
   7th Grade Reading (Minnesota)57.545.2
 12.3%
8th Grade Math (Nova Classical Academy Upper School)91.380
 11.3%
   8th Grade Math (Nova Classical Academy)91.380
 11.3%
   8th Grade Math (Minnesota)55.240.3
 14.9%
8th Grade Reading (Nova Classical Academy Upper School)86.376.3
 10%
   8th Grade Reading (Nova Classical Academy)86.376.3
 10%
   8th Grade Reading (Minnesota)57.744.8
 12.9%
8th Grade Science (Nova Classical Academy Upper School)77.565
 12.5%
   8th Grade Science (Nova Classical Academy)77.565
 12.5%
   8th Grade Science (Minnesota)4327.6
 15.4%
10th Grade Reading (Nova Classical Academy Upper School)90.784.2
 6.5%
   10th Grade Reading (Nova Classical Academy)90.784.2
 6.5%
   10th Grade Reading (Minnesota)60.451.7
 8.7%
11th Grade Math (Nova Classical Academy Upper School)85.376.6
 8.7%
   11th Grade Math (Nova Classical Academy)85.376.6
 8.7%
   11th Grade Math (Minnesota)4536
 9%
End of Course Science (Nova Classical Academy Upper School)82.982.8
 0.1%
   End of Course Science (Nova Classical Academy)82.982.8
 0.1%
   End of Course Science (Minnesota)54.441.8
 12.5%

Student Body

Number of students
Pre-pandemic (2018-2019)
Number of students
Post pandemic (2022-2023)
Change (%)
Total Students519547
 5.4%
African American4151
 24.4%
American Indian21
 50%
Asian5169
 35.3%
Hispanic3946
 17.9%
Pacific Islander00
White353331
 6.2%
Two or More Races3349
 48.5%
% Free/Discounted Lunch Recipients12.3%18.5%
 6.1%


Schools Near Nova Classical Academy Upper School









Frequently Asked Questions about Nova Classical Academy Upper School

Students at Nova Classical Academy Upper School are 61% White, 13% Asian, 9% African American, 9% Two or more races, 8% Hispanic.

Yes! Nova Classical Academy Upper School is one of the best high schools in the state. It ranks 2nd of 480 Minnesota high schools.

In the 2022-23 school year, 547 students attended Nova Classical Academy Upper School.


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SchoolDigger data sources: National Center for Education Statistics, U.S. Department of Education, the U.S. Census Bureau and the Minnesota Department of Education.

IMPORTANT DISCLAIMERS: Not all boundaries are included. We make every effort to ensure that boundaries are up-to-date. But it's important to note that these are approximations and are for general informational purposes only. To verify legal descriptions of boundaries or school locations, contact your local tax assessor's office and/or school district.





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