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Very Good

#399 of 1,986 schools in MN

Top 20% in state

Nova Classical Academy Lower School

Elementary School · Nova Classical Academy

1455 VICTORIA WAY, Saint Paul, MN 55102

Charter

Enrollment

483

Student-Teacher

14.2:1

Score

7.5

Grades

Kindergarten – 5th

Updated 2022-23

How this school compares

In Saint Paul

#22 of 125

public schools

Minnesota elementary schools

#325 of 962

In district

#1 of 2

Nova Classical Academy

Academic performance

9.8 / 10

Exceptional

About Nova Classical Academy Lower School

Nova Classical Academy Lower School serves 483 students in kindergarten through fifth grade in Saint Paul, Minnesota. This charter elementary school has earned exceptional recognition, ranking 20th out of 2,027 schools statewide and placing in the 99th percentile with a strong MySchoolScout rating of 8.3 out of 10. The school demonstrates impressive academic performance, with 75% of students achieving proficiency or above in English Language Arts and an even stronger 78% reaching proficiency in mathematics.

With 34 full-time equivalent teachers, Nova Classical maintains a favorable student-teacher ratio of 14.2 to 1, allowing for more individualized attention in the classroom. The school draws families from a well-educated community, where 55% of residents hold bachelor's degrees or higher. The surrounding neighborhood in ZIP code 55102 has a median household income of $72,216 and a median home value of $267,900, with a poverty rate of 12.5%.

This economically stable environment of nearly 20,000 residents supports the school's academic mission. As a charter school, Nova Classical Academy offers families an alternative to traditional district schools while maintaining public school accessibility. The school is situated in Saint Paul's urban landscape, providing students with the advantages of city resources while delivering exceptional elementary education focused on academic excellence.

What Parents Should Know

Nova Classical Academy Lower School is a charter school — a publicly funded school that operates with more autonomy than traditional district schools. Charter schools often have distinct educational models or specialties. Parents should understand the school's specific mission, enrollment process, and how its approach differs from nearby district options.

Score Breakdown

Full Profile · 3/3 metrics
Student Progress7.2Very Good50%
Year-over-year improvement in student test scores.
View breakdown
Years of Data3
Annual Change-2.22 pts/yr
Data Period2019–2022
TrendDeclining
Academics9.8Exceptional30%
Student proficiency on state tests, adjusted for community poverty levels.
View breakdown
Math Proficiency78%
Reading/ELA Proficiency75%
Overall Proficiency77%
Expected (poverty-adj.)55%
vs. Expected+21.3 pts
Adjusted Percentile97th
College ReadinessNot Available

Data not available for this school

Resources & Environment4.6Below Average20%
Student-teacher ratio, per-pupil spending, and attendance.
View breakdown
Student-Teacher Ratio14.2:1
Per-Pupil Spending$9,962

Nova Classical Academy Lower School — Students at Nova Classical Academy Lower School score 76% proficient, which is above what's typical for similar communities (expected: 55%).

How we calculate scores →

Equity & Diversity

Shown separately, not included in overall score

Free/Reduced Lunch

26.3%

Students qualifying for federal meal assistance

Test Scores MN EDFACTS (2021-22)

Math Proficiency 76.0%
School
State
N/A
ELA Proficiency 76.0%
School
State
N/A

Based on 6 test records from MN state assessments. About our data

Proficiency Trend

↓ Declining

Average proficiency (% at or above grade level) across Math & ELA over time.

2019
Math
83%
ELA
81%
2021*
Math
67%
ELA
72%
2022
Math
78%
ELA
75%

* COVID-affected year — test participation was uneven nationwide. This data is weighted at 50% in the Growth score calculation.

Source: EdFacts (NCES) and state assessment data. Growth score: 7.2/10.

How Nova Classical Academy Lower School Compares

See how Nova Classical Academy Lower School performs across key quality dimensions compared to state benchmarks.

Overall Score
7.5/10
80th percentile in MN
Academic
9.8/10
9.8/10
Growth
7.2/10
Above average
Environment
4.6/10
Below average

Funding & Resources

Free/Reduced Lunch
Students eligible for subsidized meals
26%
Teaching Staff
14:1 student-teacher ratio
34 teachers

Location

1455 VICTORIA WAY, Saint Paul, MN 55102

Nearby Alternatives

Families considering Nova Classical Academy Lower School may also want to explore other elementary schools in the area. RANDOLPH HEIGHTS ELEMENTARY (rated 8.1/10, 1.3 miles away), which scores slightly higher. Another option is ADAMS MAGNET ELEMENTARY (rated 7.9/10, 0.5 miles away), which scores slightly higher. Additionally, ST THOMAS MORE SCHOOL (rated 7.8/10, 1.7 miles away), with a very similar rating. For more schools in Saint Paul, see our Saint Paul schools guide .

Nearby Schools

20 within 1.6 mi
School Distance Rating
NOVA CLASSICAL ACADEMY UPPER SCHOOL Saint Paul 0.0 mi 5.8
ADAMS MAGNET ELEMENTARY Saint Paul 0.5 mi 7.9
Global Arts Plus Upper Saint Paul 0.7 mi 5.9
EARLY ED GLOBAL Saint Paul 0.7 mi
St. Paul School of Northern Lights Saint Paul 0.8 mi 7.2
St. Paul School of Northern Lights Secondary Saint Paul 0.8 mi
TALMUD TORAH OF ST PAUL Saint Paul 0.9 mi
Global Arts Plus Lower Saint Paul 1.3 mi 7.6
Brittany's Place Saint Paul 1.2 mi
BRIDGE VIEW SPECIAL EDUCATION Saint Paul 1.3 mi 6.8
RANDOLPH HEIGHTS ELEMENTARY Saint Paul 1.3 mi 8.1
FOCUS BEYOND Saint Paul 1.3 mi 7.1
HOLY SPIRIT SCHOOL Saint Paul 1.2 mi 6.1
Rise Academy Saint Paul 1.3 mi 4.3
ST THOMAS MORE SCHOOL Saint Paul 1.7 mi 7.8
EXPO FOR EXCELLENCE ELEMENTARY SCH Saint Paul 1.3 mi 6.6
SOMERSET ELEMENTARY Mendota Heights 1.4 mi 5.8
JJ HILL MONTESSORI Saint Paul 2.0 mi 6.4
JOURNEYS SECONDARY SCHOOL Saint Paul 1.8 mi 7.1
HIGHLAND PARK MIDDLE SCHOOL Saint Paul 1.6 mi 4.8

Neighborhood Census ACS (2019-2023)

Census data for ZIP 55102 (ACS 2019-2023 5-Year Estimates) · Data sources

Median Income

$74,143

Median Home Value

$280,400

Median Rent

$1,295/mo

Population

19,565

College Educated

55.1%

Homeownership

46%

Avg Commute

21.1 min

Poverty Rate

13.7%

Median Age

39.4

Community Profile

The community surrounding Nova Classical Academy Lower School has a median household income of $74,143. It is a well-educated community where 55% of adults hold a bachelor's degree or higher. The median home value in the area is $280,400, with a median rent of $1,295/month. The area has a poverty rate of 13.7%. The average commute for residents is 21 minutes. Source: U.S. Census ACS 2022 5-Year Estimates.

Similar Schools

Schools in the same state with comparable level, size, and ratings

School Rating
Best Academy Minneapolis, MN 7.5
Eastview Education Center Monticello, MN 7.5
FIELDSTONE ELEMENTARY SCHOOL Saint Michael, MN 7.5
FOLEY ELEMENTARY Foley, MN 7.5
GATEWOOD ELEMENTARY Minnetonka, MN 7.5
KENNEDY COMMUNITY SCHOOL Saint Joseph, MN 7.5

Frequently Asked Questions

Common questions about Nova Classical Academy Lower School

What grades does Nova Classical Academy Lower School serve?

Nova Classical Academy Lower School serves students in grades Kindergarten through 5th.

How many students attend Nova Classical Academy Lower School?

Nova Classical Academy Lower School has an enrollment of approximately 483 students.

What is the student-teacher ratio at Nova Classical Academy Lower School?

The student-teacher ratio at Nova Classical Academy Lower School is 14.2:1. A lower ratio generally means more individual attention per student. The national average is approximately 16:1 for public schools.

How does Nova Classical Academy Lower School rank in MN?

Nova Classical Academy Lower School is ranked #399 out of 1,986 schools in MN.

What is Nova Classical Academy Lower School's MySchoolScout rating?

Nova Classical Academy Lower School has a composite rating of 7.5 out of 10 on MySchoolScout. This score combines academic performance, student growth, and school environment into a single score. Equity data is shown separately for context.

What are the test scores at Nova Classical Academy Lower School?

Based on the most recent state assessment data, Nova Classical Academy Lower School has 76.0% math proficiency and 76.0% reading/ELA proficiency.

Is Nova Classical Academy Lower School a charter school?

Yes, Nova Classical Academy Lower School is a charter school. Charter schools are publicly funded but independently operated, often with more flexibility in curriculum and teaching methods.

Is Nova Classical Academy Lower School a Title I school?

No, Nova Classical Academy Lower School is not currently a Title I school.

What does the Free & Reduced Lunch percentage mean for Nova Classical Academy Lower School?

26.3% of students at Nova Classical Academy Lower School qualify for free or reduced-price lunch. This is a commonly used indicator of economic need and provides important context when interpreting test scores.

11 schools nearby View map →

Neighborhood Context

Walk Score
71 Very Walkable
Bike Score
81 Very Bikeable
County Safety
Low (197/100K)

Powered by Walk Score

FBI UCR 2024. County-level only. Data >1 year old.

Quick Facts NCES CCD (SY 2022-23)

Grades
Kindergarten – 5th
Enrollment
483
Student-Teacher Ratio
14.2:1
Teachers (FTE)
34
Free/Reduced Lunch
26.3%
Type
regular
Setting
Large City
County
Ramsey County
Data Year
2023–2024

District

Nova Classical Academy
District Enrollment
1,018
Schools in District
2
Per-Pupil Spending
$10,893
District Rank
#1 of 2

Other Schools in This District

How We Rate Schools

Every school receives a composite score from 1 to 10 based on four pillars: Academic Performance (50%), Student Growth (20%), Equity (15%), and Learning Environment (15%). Scores are built from publicly available data including standardized test results, enrollment figures, and school climate indicators.

Read our full methodology

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