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Average

#828 of 1,992 schools in MN

Top 42% in state

Universal Academy Elementary

Elementary School · Universal Academy Charter School

2912 28TH AVE., Minneapolis, MN 55406

Charter

Enrollment

423

Student-Teacher

20.1:1

Score

6.5

Grades

Pre-K – 6th

Data vintage2022-23

How this school compares

Minnesota schools

#828 of 1,992

In Minneapolis

#44 of 125

public schools

Academic growth

7.3 / 10

Very Good

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Universal Academy Elementary

6.5/10

Elementary School in Minneapolis · grades Pre-K – 6th. Start here, then compare fit against nearby and district options.

Universal Academy Middle/high

Nearby

0.0 mi away. Use as a geographic alternative in the same move search.

Longfellow Alternative High

6.4/10

0.3 mi away. Use as a geographic alternative in the same move search.

About Universal Academy Elementary

Universal Academy Elementary is a public elementary school in Minneapolis, MN, part of Universal Academy Charter School. Universal Academy Elementary serves approximately 423 students, and covers grades Pre-K-6th, and has a 20.1:1 student-teacher ratio. Universal Academy Elementary has a current MySchoolScout rating of 6.5 out of 10 and ranks #828 of 1,992 schools in MN.

Structured state assessment records for Universal Academy Elementary show 30% math proficiency (multi-year average, 2014-2022) and 37% reading/ELA proficiency (multi-year average, 2014-2022).

How it comparesOn par with MN schools
  • This school 6.5 · Average
  • MN avg 6.4

What Parents Should Know

Universal Academy Elementary runs 20.1:1 students to teachers, above the national average. That often means bigger classes. Ask how the school supports kids who need extra help, and whether there are teaching assistants or small-group time.

Universal Academy Elementary is a charter school: publicly funded, but run with more independence than a traditional district school. Many charters are built around a specific model or focus, so it's worth understanding this one's mission, how enrollment works, and how it differs from the district schools nearby.

Score Breakdown

Full Profile · 3/3 metrics
Student Progress7.3Very Good50%
Year-over-year improvement in student test scores.
View breakdown
Years of Data9
Annual Change-1.09 pts/yr
Data Period2014–2022
TrendDeclining
Academics6.6Average30%
Student proficiency on state tests, adjusted for community poverty levels.
View breakdown
Math Proficiency26% (2022 EdFacts)
Reading/ELA Proficiency42% (2022 EdFacts)
Overall Proficiency34% (2022 EdFacts, Math+ELA)
Expected (poverty-adj.)23% (model expectation from 2022 EdFacts)
vs. Expected+10.9 pts
Adjusted Percentile51th
Resources & Environment4.2Below Average20%
Student-teacher ratio, per-pupil spending, and attendance.
View breakdown
Student-Teacher Ratio20.1:1
Per-Pupil Spending$12,731
Chronic Absenteeism5.7%

Universal Academy Elementary — Students at Universal Academy Elementary score 34% proficient, which is above what's typical for similar communities (expected: 23%).

How we calculate scores →

Equity & Diversity

Shown separately, not included in overall score

Free/Reduced Lunch

82%

Students qualifying for federal meal assistance

Test Scores MN EDFACTS (2021-22)

Math Proficiency 29.7% (multi-year average, 2014-2022)
School
State
N/A
ELA Proficiency 37.0% (multi-year average, 2014-2022)
School
State
N/A

Based on 18 test records from MN state assessments. About our data

Proficiency Trend

↑ Improving

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

2014
Math
32%
ELA
17%
2015
Math
47%
ELA
47%
2016
Math
42%
ELA
42%
2017
Math
42%
ELA
47%
2018
Math
27%
ELA
37%
2019
Math
27%
ELA
37%
2020*
Math
12%
ELA
32%
2021*
Math
12%
ELA
32%
2022
Math
26%
ELA
42%

* 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: 7.3/10.

How Universal Academy Elementary Compares

See how Universal Academy Elementary performs across key quality dimensions compared to state benchmarks.

Overall Score
6.5/10
59th percentile in MN
Academic
6.6/10
Average
Growth
7.3/10
Very Good
Environment
4.2/10
Below Average

Funding & Resources

Free/Reduced Lunch
Students eligible for subsidized meals
82%
Teaching Staff
20:1 student-teacher ratio
21 teachers
Chronic Absenteeism
Students missing 15+ days per year (SY 2022-23)
5.7%

Location

2912 28TH AVE., Minneapolis, MN 55406

Nearby Alternatives

Families considering Universal Academy Elementary may also want to explore other elementary schools in the area. Friendship Academy of Arts-Primary (rated 7.8/10, 1.1 miles away), which scores notably higher. Another option is Skyline Math and Science Academy (rated 7.2/10, 0.4 miles away), which scores slightly higher. Additionally, Bdote Learning Center (rated 6.8/10, 0.4 miles away), with a very similar rating. For more schools in Minneapolis, see our Minneapolis schools guide .

Nearby Schools

20 within 1.1 mi
School Distance Rating
Universal Academy Middle/High Minneapolis 0.0 mi
Longfellow Alternative High Minneapolis 0.3 mi 6.4
MTS HIGH SCHOOL Minneapolis 0.3 mi 6.4
Skyline Math and Science Academy Minneapolis 0.4 mi 7.2
Minnesota Transitions Charter Elem Minneapolis 0.5 mi 2.4
SULLIVAN ELEMENTARY Minneapolis 0.4 mi 6.3
Anishinabe Academy Elementary Minneapolis 0.4 mi 5.4
Bdote Learning Center Minneapolis 0.4 mi 6.8
OPEN ARMS EARLY EDUCATION AND CHILD CARE CENTER Minneapolis 0.6 mi 5.3
AURORA CHARTER SCHOOL Minneapolis 0.6 mi 4.0
AURORA MIDDLE SCHOOL Minneapolis 0.6 mi 4.3
Seward Elementary Minneapolis 0.7 mi 6.5
Lincoln International High School Minneapolis 0.6 mi 6.1
TRANSITION PLUS SERVICES Minneapolis 0.5 mi 5.1
Hiawatha College Prep - Kingfield Minneapolis 0.6 mi 3.4
Hiawatha Collegiate High School Minneapolis 0.6 mi 4.9
South High Minneapolis 0.6 mi 5.5
Friendship Academy of Arts-Primary Minneapolis 1.1 mi 7.8
Folwell Elementary Minneapolis 1.0 mi 4.6
Takoda Prep Minneapolis 1.1 mi 6.8

Neighborhood Census ACS (2019-2023)

Census data for ZIP 55406 (ACS 2019-2023 5-Year Estimates) · Data sources

Median Income

$91,865

Median Home Value

$335,500

Median Rent

$1,276/mo

Population

35,863

College Educated

56%

Homeownership

66.8%

Avg Commute

22.5 min

Poverty Rate

8.2%

Median Age

39.7

Similar Schools

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

School Rating
ARMSTRONG ELEMENTARY Cottage Grove, MN 6.5
BIRCHVIEW ELEMENTARY Plymouth, MN 6.5
BLUFF VIEW ELEMENTARY Lake City, MN 6.5
Bear Cave Intermediate School Stewartville, MN 6.5
C.E. JACOBSON ELEMENTARY Rush City, MN 6.5
CAMBRIDGE INTERMEDIATE SCHOOL Cambridge, MN 6.5

Frequently Asked Questions

Common questions about Universal Academy Elementary

What grades does Universal Academy Elementary serve?

Universal Academy Elementary serves students in grades Pre-K through 6th.

How many students attend Universal Academy Elementary?

Universal Academy Elementary has an enrollment of approximately 423 students.

What is the student-teacher ratio at Universal Academy Elementary?

The student-teacher ratio at Universal Academy Elementary is 20.1:1. A lower ratio generally means more individual attention per student. The national average is approximately 16:1 for public schools.

How does Universal Academy Elementary rank in MN?

Universal Academy Elementary ranks #828 of 1,992 schools in MN.

What is Universal Academy Elementary's MySchoolScout rating?

Universal Academy Elementary has a current MySchoolScout rating of 6.5 out of 10. This score combines the level-appropriate components shown in the rating breakdown; equity data is shown separately for context.

What are the test scores at Universal Academy Elementary?

Based on loaded state assessment records, Universal Academy Elementary has 30% math proficiency (multi-year average, 2014-2022) and 37% reading/ELA proficiency (multi-year average, 2014-2022).

Is Universal Academy Elementary a charter school?

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

Is Universal Academy Elementary a Title I school?

No, Universal Academy Elementary is not currently a Title I school.

What does the Free & Reduced Lunch percentage mean for Universal Academy Elementary?

82.0% of students at Universal Academy Elementary 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
85 Very Walkable
Transit Score
51 Good Transit
Bike Score
100 Biker’s Paradise

Powered by Walk Score

Quick Facts NCES CCD (SY 2022-23)

Grades
Pre-K – 6th
Enrollment
423
Student-Teacher Ratio
20.1:1
Teachers (FTE)
21
Free/Reduced Lunch
82.0%
Type
regular
Setting
Large City
County
Hennepin County
Chronic Absenteeism (SY 2022-23)
5.7%

District

Universal Academy Charter School
District Enrollment
450
Schools in District
2
Per-Pupil Spending
$12,731
District Rank
#1 of 1

Other Schools in This District

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