Existing and Proposed Programs and Services

• Pre K-8^th Grade College Preparatory Program serving 450 students
• After School Enrichment Program, Summer Literacy Camp, and Saturday Academy
• Community Council (Parents/Staff) and Family Empowerment Center
• African-centered Cultural Studies and World Language (Spanish K-8^th Grade)
• Music, physical education, visual arts, West African Drum and Dance
• Basketball team, arts programming, choir, West African Drum and Dance Corps
• Wellness Initiatives (fitness, cooking, nutrition, and physical, social and mental health
• Student Intervention Team, Student Support Team, and Special Education services
• Student leadership programs, including Nguzo Saba Student Council, K/1 Tutors, Village Helpers, Snack Crew, Boys to Men, and SISTERS, Young Lions and Black Madonnas, Safety Patrol, New Student Buddies, and Office Helpers
• School-wide acceleration programs (tutoring) and Responsibility Scale
• Service learning programs
• Y Scholars, Y Buddies, Y Tutors, YMCA Camping, and YMCA Sports and Arts Academy
• Trent Tucker University Scholars Program

New Facility

• The new facility is located on the North Side of Minneapolis, near I-94 and bus lines.
• At 127,000 square feet, the building is more than double the size of the current WISE site and provides ample space for school expansion. 
• The facility has space to accommodate the program design, including middle school segregation, middle school labs, auditorium, three gymnasiums, library/media center, dance and art studios, band room, Family Empowerment Center, YMCA Sports and Arts Academy, swimming pool, and outdoor sports/recreation space. 
• Additional building features include a student counseling area, administrative offices, and improved meeting and work space for teachers and professional staff. The building is Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) compliant.

WISE Charter School Partners

The YMCA of Metropolitan Minneapolis, University of Minnesota, The Greater Twin Cities United Way Hennepin County, NorthPoint Health and Wellness Center, AmeriCorps, Cargill Foundation, Minnesota Humanities Center, LarsonAllen LLP, The Medtronic Foundation, HealthPartners, and Minneapolis Urban League.

Primary Population

• WISE Charter School serves students and families from 16 communities in the Twin Cities metro area.
• The student population is 99% African American.
• 90% of students qualify for free/reduced price lunch.
• 35% have experienced housing transition within the past year.
• Most students reside on the North Side of Minneapolis (45%). Approximately 30% of our students do not currently live in Minneapolis.

Proposed Renovations

• Technology
• Bathroom facilities located within Kindergarten suites
• Security system
• Electricity and Lighting
• Windows
• Indoor and outdoor cosmetic enhancements

The renovation schedule has been designed to allow occupancy for the Fall 2009 school year.