St. Paul School of Northern Lights

Demographics

Percentage of students*

Why St. Paul School of Northern Lights was nominated

St. Paul School of Northern Lights is a Reggio-Emilia inspired school that is intentionally designed around the following guiding principles: progressive learning, diversity and equity, relationship-based education, advocacy, and urban ecosystem exploration. Here, learning is active and student-centered. Learners lead project-based learning activities and engage in rigorous work that integrates multiple subjects (e.g., science, math, history, language arts). The student, the teacher, and the environment are seen as the three teachers in every classroom. Flexible classroom space allows learners to explore topics individually or with others. Outdoor spaces as well as the community itself are seen as "campus" where learning takes place. , What stands out most about St. Paul School of Northern Lights is how seamlessly its special rights inclusive model and Reggio Emilia approach work together to create a truly child-centered learning environment. Students with special rights are full members of the classroom community, with teachers co-teaching and collaboratively supporting all students in the general education classroom. At the same time, the school’s Reggio Emilia framework places students’ curiosity, interests, and relationships at the center of learning. Children are encouraged to explore their environment, investigate real questions, and shape their own learning journeys. Together, these approaches reimagine what school can be: a place where every child is valued, where learning grows from exploration and collaboration, and where differences enrich the community. It’s an environment that is engaging, inclusive, and genuinely empowering for all students.

Student experience design

At St. Paul School of Northern Lights, we believe children are fully competent and naturally curious learners. Children and adults alike are uniquely valuable members of our community who are entitled to environments that nurture, center, and celebrate all of their identities, creating long-term impacts on the lives of our students, their families, and their communities.

Core Practices

Core Practices	Length of Use
All Courses Designed For Inclusion	5+ years
Multi-age Classrooms	5+ years
Restorative Practices	5+ years
SEL Integration School-wide	3-4 years
Universal Design For Learning	5+ years

All Practices

Anti-racist Practices

Family And Community Support Services

Competency/mastery-based Education

Culturally Responsive Practices

Grading Policies Focus On Mastery

Individual Learning Paths

Mental Health Services

Multi-tiered System Of Support (MTSS) In Academics

Project-based Learning

Performance Based Assessment

SEL Curriculum

Student-led Conferences

Students Develop Projects

Trauma-informed Practices

key reasons for innovating