Alternative Learning Programs
Alternative Learning Programs are available for students who need or desire a learning environment that is different from a traditional school.

Community Education Programs and Services
To serve Saint Paul residents of all ages, the school district offers a variety of programs for adults who want to improve their skills or learn new things.

Discovery Club
Discovery Club is a fee-based program that provides extended-day programming before and after school at several Saint Paul elementary schools. For more information, call (651) 793-5426.

MULTILINGUAL LEARNING -- Embracing the Diversity of Our Students 

SPPS students speak more than 100 languages and dialects. Some of our students are bi-, tri- and even quatrilingual! The SPPS Department of Multilingual Learning oversees manages a variety of language programs. For questions, call 651-767-8320.

English Learners (EL)
The K-12 language program provides additional English language development and instruction for students whose home language is other than English (approximately 40% of SPPS students). Instruction focuses on increasing students’ English language skills so they can meet state and district academic standards. Learning is achieved through collaborative teaching in the mainstream classroom, accelerated language programs, and teaching core subjects in beginning English. Most commonly, General Education (GE) and EL teachers deliver instruction collaboratively in an inclusive setting where students have daily interaction with native English-speaking peers.  

Language Academy
Newcomers with higher English language needs receive direct language instruction and additional time and support through the Language Academy program. Students with beginning English skills are then able to learn the mainstream curriculum.

Dual Language Programs
The goal of Dual Language Programs is for students to become bilingual, biliterate and bicultural. In one-way immersion programs, English-dominant students become proficient in the target language and academic instruction is given in the target language. One-way programs are offered in French, Mandarin or Spanish. 

In two-way immersion programs, English-dominant and speakers of the partner language learn together in the same classroom through both languages. Academic instruction is taught in both languages across grade levels and subject matter. Two-way programs are offered in Hmong and Spanish. 

World Languages
In world language instruction, students learn to communicate with people in other cultures in a variety of settings; widen their world views; and develop insight into their own language and culture. Research indicates that studying another language gives students an academic boost in other subject areas and enables them to perform at higher levels.

Saint Paul Public Schools offers a variety of world language programs at many schools and grade levels. Offerings include American Sign Language, Chinese, French, German, Hmong, Japanese, Lakota/Dakota, Latin, Ojibwe, Russian, and Spanish.

Talent Development and Acceleration Services
Talent Development and Accelerated Services (TDAS): For elementary students, multiple criteria (including the Cognitive Abilities Test/CogAt 7) are used to identify students for advanced programs, including enrollment at Capitol Hill Gifted and Talented Magnet. Many elementary schools have a Gifted Services Specialist on staff. For middle school, Capitol Hill is available to students in grades 7-8 without prerequisite testing.

Health Conditions
Families are encouraged to provide health information, medication and special procedure information to the school nurse. This information will allow the school to provide your child a safe learning environment. For more information, contact your child’s school nurse or the Student Wellness Department at 651-767-8385.

Special Education Needs
The Special Education services available at Saint Paul Public Schools are some of the highest quality, most effective in the region. We recognize and support the importance of designing the educational experience to meet the unique needs of each student from birth to age 21.  For more information, call the Special Education Lead Resource Office 651-293-8923 or District  Special Education Administration 651-767-8321.

Title 1
Title 1 services are provided for public and non-public school students and their families in eligible schools. These services vary from school to school and include academic assistance, parent education and counseling. Title I also provides services for homeless students and students residing in institutions serving neglected or delinquent children. For more information, call (651) 632-3790.