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SCHOOL PROFILE 2020-2021

St. Paul Academy and Summit School is a K-12 independent day school with two campuses located in the heart of Saint Paul, Minnesota. Our 928 students reflect the broader diversity The Randolph Campus features a renovated of the Twin Cities, with 34 percent identifying as students of color and 25 percent drawing Wing (2019), from a pool of nearly $3.6 million of financial aid. The Class of 2021 has 112 students. the Hugh K. Schilling Math and Science Center (2018) As members of an intellectual community, SPA students thrive in what we call the and the Huss Center for the accountable classroom: a place where students from a broad range of backgrounds Performing Arts (2015). understand that they have a responsibility to challenge themselves while engaging and contributing to the collective learning experience. Our small classes (average size is 14) emphasize thoughtful participation and clear expression of ideas. In their own words, see what Students are comfortable consulting teachers with questions and building rapport our recent graduates value with faculty. In college they readily seek out professors to foster strong intellectual and about their SPA education: community connections. “SPA instilled a systemic Students learn discipline-specific modes of thinking and writing. After building a curiosity which sets me apart thorough foundation in Grades 9 and 10, students in upper-level courses learn and practice from my peers.” the types of investigation and analysis distinct to each academic discipline. “I value that SPA didn’t teach Accountability extends to student engagement in a wide range of athletic, artistic, to a test. I think SPA definitely and community activities. Among more than 400 Upper School students, nearly 80% gave me the tools to answer compete in athletics, 60% perform in music ensembles, and more than 20% participate in di!cult/unanswerable/ our nationally- ranked debate program. interesting questions and to use resources to figure out SPA graduates arrive at college accustomed to working independently and eager to an answer.” enlist the support and mentorship of their college professors. They bring skills, habits, and attitudes that enable them to thrive from the start, excelling and leading throughout college. “SPA gave me the comfort to speak up in classes. It trained COVID-19 AND DISTANCE LEARNING me well to maneuver in Since March 2020, SPA’s Distance Learning goal has been to deliver the learning objectives discussions: listening, building and standards essential to our and necessary for each student to succeed in on the ideas put forth by the next level of coursework. A modified schedule balanced synchronous class time with others, and injecting new asynchronous learning requirements. We continued to assign letters grades based on the ideas into the discussion.” essential skills and concepts of each course. Capstone assessments and projects replaced “My ability to write clearly final exams to evaluate quarter 4 or semester 2 material (the latter was more common for and think critically has been year-long and sequential classes). In September 2020 we opened in Distance Learning mode, and will shift to a hybrid modality with Upper School students on campus 3 days extremely valuable to me in per week when local metrics permit. As a 1:1 laptop school, every student has a device college and in my life beyond equipped to support Distance Learning. Classes are held via Google Meet and incorporate college as well.” innovative tools such as Parlay Ideas, FlipGrid and Kami to sustain the interactive approach to instruction and learning for which SPA is known.

Shaping the minds and the hearts of the people who will change the world

Mary F. Hill Karna Ivory Evan Hancock Carey Otto School Code Director of Assistant Director Assistant Director College Counseling 242315 College Counseling and of College Counseling of College Counseling Assistant Academic Planning 651-696-1312 651-696-1347 651-696-1417 651-696-1419 [email protected] [email protected] [email protected] [email protected]

1712 Randolph Avenue | St. Paul, Minnesota 55105-2194 | Phone: 651·698·2451 | Fax: 651-696-1375 | www.spa.edu UPPER SCHOOL CURRICULUM AND REQUIREMENTS*

ENGLISH Electives WORLD LANGUAGE 4-year requirement: Journeys in Literature Probability and Statistics (Fall) 3-level requirement including two years’ study (9), American Literature (10), and semester Topics in Data Science (Spring) in Upper School or, by permission, the second electives (11, 12). Junior/senior electives may Adv. Probability and Statistics I, II level of two languages. After completing Level support preparation for AP exams. Di!erential and Integral Calculus 4 of Chinese, French or German, or Level 5 for Honors Di!erential and Integral Calculus 2019-20 Junior/Senior English Spanish, an Advanced Language course may H Topics: Linear Algebra (Fall 2020) Fall semester be taken for a full year, then for two additional H Topics: Combinatorics (Spring 2021) Classics in Society semesters. H Topics: Discrete Dynamical Systems (Fall Creative Writing: Playwriting Electives 2021) Literature of Migration Adv. Chinese: Classic Literature; Modern H Topics: Multivariable Calculus (Spring 2022) Poetry: Connection and Community Literature Speculative Fiction COMPUTER SCIENCE AND ENGINEERING Adv. French: French Identity; Identity in the Arts Writing Seminar: Critical Contexts Adv. German: introduced in 2021-22 No requirement. Programming and Problem Adv. Spanish: Mexico and Identity; Andean Spring semester Solving and CS Principles are first-level cours- Creative Writing: Poetry and Poetics Identity es. Students taking CS Principles or Advanced Gender in Literature Programming may take the corresponding Literature of Love and Marriage HISTORY AND SOCIAL STUDIES AP Exams. Literature of the Asian Diaspora 3-year requirement: World History I and II Topics in Literary Analysis Computer Science (9-10), U.S. History (11). World and U.S. History Writing Seminar: Public Discourse Programming and Problem Solving (Fall) courses may support preparation for AP exams. Computer Science Principles I, II (Full year) Seniors may take semester electives.

2020-21 Junior/Senior English Applied Programming (Spring) Electives Fall semester Physical Computing (Spring) Creative Nonfiction Fall semester Robotics (Fall/Spring) Fiction and Consciousness Gender in the Americas Adv. Programming I, II (Full year) Literture of Comedy and Satire Government and Citizenship Transnational Literature Engineering History of Refugee Communities Writing Seminar: Contemporary Culture Principles of Engineering (Fall/Spring) History of Thought Adv. Topics in Engineering: Aerospace (Spring) Spring semester Honors U.S. History Seminar I Fiction Seminar: Story Mechanics Adv. Projects: CSCI and Engineering (Fall/ U.S. Foreign Policy Since World War II Literature and the Environment Spring) Spring semester Economics Literature of Monstrosity SCIENCE Literature of Resistance Global Issues Time and Memory in Literature 3-year lab science requirement: Physics 9, History of Race Honors placement (in Writing Seminar: The Art of the Review Biology, Chemistry. Honors U.S. History Seminar II Biology and Chemistry only) by faculty The History of Law Debate, Journalism and Yearbook: recommendation. All semester electives are U.S. Foreign Policy Since World War II Academic, credit-bearing elective courses lab-based, second-level college-prep courses. World Religions with competition or production component Pertinent courses may support preparation for beyond class time. Courses do not fulfill AP exams. FINE ARTS English requirement. Required: .75 credit, typically three semesters Beginning Debate (Fall) Electives (listed by field) of art, music or theater. Most fine arts courses Adv. Debate (Fall) Fall semester Environmental Science earn .25 credit/semester. Honors Seminars earn Writing for Publication (Fall/Spring) Genetics .5/semester. Journalism (Print or Multimedia) Neuroscience Editorial Leadership (Print or Multimedia) Semester Electives Organic Chemistry Yearbook (Fall/Spring) Music ensembles: Academy Chorale, Summit Space Science Editorial Leadership: Yearbook Singers (treble voices), Academy Symphony, Adv. Mechanics Honors Sinfonia, US Jazz Band MATHEMATICS Adv. Mechanics with Calculus Studio Art: Ceramics, Drawing, Painting, 3-course sequence required through Advanced Adv. Scientific Research Photography, Printmaking, Video Arts. Algebra and Trigonometry or Precalculus. Spring semester 2020-21: Ceramic Fabrication, Alternative Honors placement by faculty recommendation. Human Physiology Process Photography. Both Calculus courses and Advanced Probability/ Honors Biology II 2021-22: Extended Image, Video Storytelling Statistics may support preparation for AP exams. Forensic Science Theater: Theatrical Arts; Advanced Theater: Honors Chemistry II Sequence I: Algebra II Fundamentals, Geometry 2020-21: Production and Performance, Design. Electricity and Magnetism with Calculus Fundamentals, Adv. Algebra and Trigonometry 2021-22: Acting, Directing Relativity and Quantum Physics Sequence II: Algebra II, Geometry, Precalculus Honors Seminars: Art I, II and Music I, II Waves, Optics, and Acoustics Sequence III: H Algebra II, H Geometry, Adv. Scientific Research WELLNESS/PHYSICAL EDUCATION H Precalculus Required: Fitness for Life (9), Wellness (10)

*Courses are year long unless otherwise noted.

Please note: The transcript lists all courses attempted. If a course must be retaken, both enrollments are listed but only the second will earn credit and count in GPA. When colleges ask about a student’s disciplinary record, SPA will comply with the request by reporting infractions resulting in suspension during grades 9-12.

RIGOROUS STANDARDS FOR ALL STUDENTS STATE AND NATIONAL RECOGNITION SPA prepares all of its students for demanding college- Regeneron Science Talent Search Semifinalist and level academics. The main course of study is taught at an Top 300 Scholar 2020; 5 national qualifiers in two years; advanced level; all students take very challenging college- third place international award winner, 2019. 10 MN State preparatory courses. In math and science, limited sections Science Fair qualifiers 2020. of honors coursework provide an even higher level of challenge; placement is determined by faculty. Junior Science and Humanities Symposium: 1 national winner, 2 state qualifiers 2020. SPA chooses not to teach the AP curriculum. Instead, faculty Public Forum Debate: top team placed top 5% at nationals design SPA classes to go well beyond the prescribed AP curriculum in depth and complexity. 2019; 3 teams qualified 2017, 2018. 2 teams qualified for All students enter college with multiple years’ experience in Tournament of Champions; one placed top 10%. Overall the following: state title 4 of past 7 years; qualified for state 23 of past 24 years. Highest per capita NSDA individual awards in state. discussion-based seminar classes independent research papers in history National recognition for The Rubicon: NSPA Pacemaker use of sophisticated lab equipment and practice in Award (5th in a row); CSPA Gold Crown Award (3rd in a scientific writing row); Distinguished Site by School Newspapers Online (5th focus on logic, critical thinking, and clear communication in a row). in math Minnesota Varsity Classical Music competition: 4 finalists oral proficiency and cultural competence in world language 2019, 2020. creative expression in music, theater, visual art, and design Minnesota Scholastic Art Competition 2020: 20 students COURSE REQUIREMENTS had art/writing/portfolios honored at state level in 25 categories. Most students take five core academic courses plus at least one elective; maximum load is seven classes. Academic Minnesota Supreme Court Historical Society Essay Contest, courses earn .5 credit/semester. Minimum 4.5 credits per year, 3 winners 2018, 2019, and 2 of 3 top finishers 2020. 18 total required. Highest grade awarded is an “A.” Grading Iris Art & Literature Magazine NSPA All-American, CSPA and GPA are unweighted. We do not report class rank. Gold Award; NCTE Realm Award 2020. CLASS OF 2021 THROUGH JUNIOR YEAR Ibid Yearbook NSPA First Class Award 2019, 2020. Jostens National Program of Excellence 2020. Mean Middle 50% Quiz Bowl national qualifier 2020 (fifth time in seven years). Cumulative GPA (unweighted) 3.68 3.55-3.92 ACT Composite (77% of class took ACT) 30 28-33 Math Team tied for 2nd in state in second year competing SAT Total (54% of class took SAT) 1375 1280-1470 among largest schools in the state. First in state among SAT EBRW 690 630-740 small schools 2017 (30+ year state qualifier). SAT Math 685 640-750 Minnesota Bilingual Certificate of Proficiency earned by 120 National Merit recognition for Class of 2021 (112 students): students based on world language STAMP test 2019. 12 Semi-Finalists, 15 Commended students, 24% of class recognized. Science Olympiad Team first in state among small schools 2017, 2018; qualifier 2019, 2020.

ADVANCED PLACEMENT EXAM RESULTS Robotics Team state qualifier 2017, 2018, 2019, 2020. SPA chooses not to teach AP classes. Students in most upper- Poetry Out Loud Competition: Spoken word state finalist level courses may choose to take a corresponding AP exam. 2019, two Top 10 finishers 2020. In 2020, 91 students took 158 exams in 18 subjects. 87% of exam scores were 3 or above, and 63% of exams were 4 or 5. National Junior Olympic fencing: 2 qualifiers 2020. State level athletic achievements: TEST SCORES THROUGH SENIOR YEAR Titles: Boys fencing team (7th year in a row) and ACT 2020 2019 2018 individual 2020; Football team 2018 (#2 in 2019); Boys Percent of class taking ACT 84% 89% 97% tennis doubles 2019; Boys Nordic individual 2019. ACT Composite 33 31 31 Team qualifiers: Girls cross-country team 2020; Girls Mid-50% Composite 28-33 28-34 27-34 fencing 3rd in state 2019; Girls hockey 4 of past 5 years; Boys tennis 2nd in state 2019, 3rd in 2017, 2018. SAT 2020 2019 2018 Individual qualifiers: Boys cross country 2020, Girls and Percent of class taking SAT 75% 71% 79% Boys Alpine 2020, Girls Nordic 2020, Boys tennis 2019, SAT Total 1374 1379 1404 Boys track 2019. Mid-50% SAT 1265-1495 1295-1500 1290-1495 NCAA Division I athletes: 15 from 2015-20. 2016–2020 COLLEGE ADMISSIONS AND MATRICULATION

SPA students were admitted to the following colleges, and enrolled in colleges marked in bold. Numbers indicate more than one student enrolled.

In 2020, the average number of applications filed was 6.5. 89 graduates enrolled at 59 di!erent colleges. 33% applied via Early Decision; 22% enrolled through ED. 10 will take a gap year to pursue cultural study, work, sports, service.

Abertay University Ohio State University University of Edinburgh Alabama State University Edinburgh Napier University Oklahoma State University University of Guelph American University Elon University - 5 of Engineering University of Illinois at Chicago American University of Paris Oregon State University University of Illinois at Urbana, Champaign Emory University Pace University University of Iowa - 2 Arizona State University - 2 Florida Southern College Pacific Lutheran University University of Jamestown Augsburg University Fordham University - 3 Pennsylvania State University University of Kansas Augustana University Franklin and Marshall College University of Louisville - 2 George Washington University - 8 - 3 University of Manitoba Georgetown University - 2 Pratt Institute University of Maryland, College Park - 4 Georgia Institute of Technology Princeton University - 2 University of , Amherst Barrett Honors College (AZ State) Providence College University of Miami - 3 - 3 Purdue University - 3 University of Michigan, Ann Arbor Belmont University Grand Canyon University Queen’s University University of Milano, Bicocca - 2 - 7 Quinnipiac University University of Minnesota, Duluth - 3 Bemidji State University Gustavus Adolphus College - 7 University of Minnesota, Morris Regis University University of Minnesota, Rochester Hamline University Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute University of Minnesota, Twin Cities - 39 Bethel University University of Missouri Bloomsburg University Harvard College - 3 Rice University - 2 University of Montana - 5 Rochester Institute of Technology University of - 2 - 2 - 3 Roger Williams University University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill - 4 Hawaii Pacific University Rose Hulman Institute of Technology - 3 University of North Dakota Bradley University Saint Cloud State University University of North Texas - 2 High Point University Saint Edward’s University University of Notre Dame - 4 Brown University - 4 Hillsdale College Saint John’s University (MN) - 4 Bryant University Hobart William Smith Colleges - 2 Saint Louis University University of Oregon - 2 - 2 Hofstra University Saint Mary’s College of California University of Oxford Howard University Saint Michael’s College University of Pennsylvania - 5 Butler University Hult International Business School San Diego State University University of Pittsburgh California Institute of Technology Illinois Institute of Technology Santa Clara University - 3 University of Puget Sound - 4 California Lutheran University Illinois - 5 University of Redlands California Polytechnic State University, Indiana University Savannah College of Art and Design University of Richmond San Luis Obispo Inver Hills Community College - 7 University of Rochester - 10 Iowa State University - 2 Seattle University University of San Diego Carnegie Mellon University - 6 Ithaca College - 3 Sewanee: The University of the South University of San Francisco Carnegie Mellon University in Qatar Jacobs University Simmons University University of Southern California - 6 Case Western Reserve University James Madison University - 5 University of St Andrews Champlain College Johns Hopkins University - 4 University of St. Thomas - 5 Chapman University Southern Methodist University - 3 University of Tampa Christopher Newport University University of Texas at Austin Claremont McKenna College - 4 King’s College London St Catherine University University of Toronto - 2 Clark Atlanta University St University of Utah - 3 St Olaf College - 25 - 5 Coastal Carolina University - 2 Lawrence University - 5 St. John’s College University of Virginia - 2 Lehigh University St. Norbert College University of Washington - 3 - 3 Lewis & Clark College Stanford University University of Winnipeg - 5 Loyola Marymount University Stevens Institute of Technology University of Wisconsin, Eau Claire College of Saint Benedict Loyola University Chicago - 4 - 2 University of Wisconsin, Madison - 15 College of St. Scholastica Loyola University Maryland Syracuse University - 3 University of Wisconsin, Parkside College of the Holy Cross Loyola University New Orleans Tennessee State University University of Wisconsin, Platteville - 2 Texas Christian University - 2 University of Wisconsin, River Falls - 5 - 6 The New School University of Wisconsin, Stevens Point Colorado State University - 2 Marquette University - 2 Trinity College - 2 University of Wisconsin, Stout Columbia College Chicago Massachusetts Institute of Technology Trinity University Valparaiso University Columbia University - 2 McDaniel College - 5 Vanderbilt University Concordia College , Moorhead McGill University Tulane University of Louisiana - 3 - 2 Vermilion Community College Cooper Union for the Advancement Metropolitan State University University College London Villanova University - 2 of Science and Art Miami University (OH) - 4 University of Akron Virginia Tech Michigan Technological University University of Alabama Wagner College Cornell University - 5 - 6 University of Arizona Wake Forest University Creighton University Montana State University - 2 University of British Columbia Wartburg College Daemen College University of California, Berkeley - 6 Washington University in St Louis - 10 Dartmouth College - 2 University of California, Davis Webster University New Jersey Institute of Technology University of California, Irvine New York University - 3 University of California, Los Angeles - 2 Wesleyan University DePaul University North Carolina A & T State University University of California, San Diego Western Washington University North Dakota State University University of California, Santa Barbara Wheaton College Drake University - 2 - 6 University of California, Santa Cruz - 2 - 3 Northland College University of Chicago - 3 Drexel University Northwestern University - 4 University of Cincinnati Duke University Nova Southeastern University University of Colorado Boulder - 2 - 5 Durham University - 3 University of Connecticut Winona State University Oberlin Conservatory of Music University of Dayton Worcester Polytechnic Institute - 3 Eastman School of Music - 3 University of Denver - 4 Xavier University of Louisiana Yale University - 9