Published the week of 9/19/04

Paul Simone's small, public junior-senior high school has an attractive working fireplace in its lunchroom, and on average, the state's highest performing 10th graders in reading and math. His school has some intriguing lessons for schools and communities all over the state.

First, the Woodbury Math and Science Academy is a reminder about the value of small schools. Simone, MSA's director, thinks size is critical. Unlike many suburban and some rural secondary schools enrolling 1000-2500 students, MSA enrolls only 265 students, grades 6-12. Simone grew up on a farm in southern Washington County, about 10 miles from the school. For him, and a growing number of educators, "small makes all the difference."

While some view bigger as better, the faculty, students and families at MSA offered a vigorous dissent. Their school is one more reminder of the value of small schools. Two recent national studies found that youngsters attending smaller secondary schools are much less likely to be the victims of crime, or to abuse drugs, than students in similar communities attending large schools Nadia, 12, praises the school for its small size and flexible schedule, including math (short term) classes that allow students to get physical education credit while biking throughout the county. Mark, 16 says the school's size means, "Everyone knows everyone else. People don't get lost here."

One often cited advantage of large schools is that they offer more courses. MSA educators strongly embrace and encourage students to take college courses via Minnesota's Post-Secondary Enrollment Options program. About 1/2 of MSA's juniors and seniors are taking free college courses, via PSEO. This gives them access to more courses than ANY high school can offer. Educators at some traditional high schools discourage PSEO participation. But student needs come first at this school.

MSA shares space with a nearby YMCA, giving students access to a much better physical education facility than many schools can afford. MSA rent helps the Y keep costs down for the broader community. MSA students are expected to take math through calculus before graduating. I asked thirty students about this, expecting some resistance. But no one questioned the requirement.

This charter public school is not a great place for every youngster. (For more info, call 651-353-2317) Some young people can do well in the world without mastering calculus. So MSA illustrates the importance of offering families choices among different schools.

Given its calculus requirement, the Math Science Academy's strong showing in math isn't a huge surprise. But having Minnesota's highest average 10th grade reading scores, shows that MSA does not focus only on math and technology. MSA has very strong music program. Almost 3/4 of the students are in either one of the school's band or choral groups. Jerry Shelton, a musician with almost 30 years teaching experience believes "this is a great school for educators who want to be treated like professionals. We get respect, encouragement and support."

And, given student achievement, those educators get results.