Minneapolis College Preparatory School

Programs: Minneapolis college preparatory school (mcp) is a tuition-free public charter college preparatory high school in minneapolis, minnesota. The school model is based on that of the highly successful noble network of charter schools in chicago, illinois. Mcps curriculum is aligned to the minnesota state standards as well as the college readiness standards, as indicated by the act. Mcp is founded on the belief that all students are capable of high achievement and self-discipline, and that it is important to instill in students a commitment to educational excellence, civic responsibility and respect for the community, environment and people from all walks of life. Mcp leadership also believe that community service, a strong work ethic, personal discipline, good manners, physical wellbeing and awareness are important values that contribute to life-long success and responsible citizenship. The curriculum includes rigorous english, math, science, social studies, language, and health/pe courses, and as the school grows, the curriculum will include art and music. Minneapolis college preparatory school (mcp) is proud of its students achievement. Despite having 97% of students eligible for free or reduced lunch, in its first year of operation, 83% of mcps 9th graders tested proficient in writing on the mca-iiis, above minneapolis public schools 71% and close to the statewide proficiency of 87%. In the second year of operation, mcp was listed among the minneapolis star tribunes list of top ten schools that are beating the odds in reading --schools which have the highest percentage of students scoring at grade level or better despite having a high number of children living in poverty. Students growth between beginning-of-year and end-of-year scores on the act explore english test has been remarkable. Although freshmen started the 2013-14 year 2. 2 points behind the college readiness benchmark, they grew 2. 9 years in only one year and ended the year . 7 points over the college readiness benchmark. In addition, between the beginning and end of the 2013-14 school year on the act explore test mcp 9th graders grew over 2 years in each area tested: 2. 9 years in english, 2. 3 years in reading, 2. 0 years in math, and 2. 1 year in science. On the more difficult plan test, mcp 10th graders grew 1. 7 years in english, 1. 4 years in english, . 4 years in math and 1. 4 years in science. Traditional growth trends for students in poverty are generally . 7 points growth or less, so mcp exceeded that trend in all but math. Mcp offers both an academic college prep and a leadership development pathway focused on preparing students for college culture. The academic pathway focuses on math (six years), language arts (six years), science (four years), and social science courses at the secondary and post-secondary level. The leadership pathway focuses on attitudes and skills needed for college success and includes same-sex advisory each year, reinforcing the values and study habits that support success in high school, college, and life. Mcp offers after-school extra-curricular sports including soccer, volleyball, basketball, weightlifting and strength training, and boxing; extra-curricular fine arts activities including art, choir, keyboard/piano; and after-school clubs including book club, spanish club, theater club, community service club, and student council. Mcps friday afternoon off schedule allows students the opportunity to develop leadership skills by volunteering, networking or interning, and credits are applied to community service.