Nova Classical Academy is a K–12 charter school in St. Paul, Minnesota, that follows the classical model for education. Its executive director is Dr. Brett Wedlund, and it has a student enrollment of 990.
Serving 485 students in grades Kindergarten-5, Nova Classical Academy Lower School ranks in the top 5% of all schools in Minnesota for overall test scores (math proficiency is top 5%, and reading proficiency is top 5%).
The percentage of students achieving proficiency in math is 81% (which is higher than the Minnesota state average of 46%). The percentage of students achieving proficiency in reading/language arts is 75% (which is higher than the Minnesota state average of 51%).
The student-teacher ratio of 14:1 is higher than the Minnesota state level of 13:1.
Minority enrollment is 45% of the student body (majority Black and Asian), which is higher than the Minnesota state average of 40% (majority Black and Hispanic).
Quick Facts (2026)
- School Type: Charter School
- Grades: Kindergarten-5
- Enrollment: 485 students
- Student-Teacher Ratio: 14:1
- Minority Enrollment: 45%
- Overall Testing Rank: Top 5% in MN
- Math Proficiency: 81% (Top 5%)
- Reading Proficiency: 75% (Top 5%)
- Science Proficiency: 75-79% (Top 5%)
- Source: National Center for Education Statistics (NCES), MN Dept. of Education
Top Rankings
Nova Classical Academy Lower School ranks among the top 20% of public schools in Minnesota for:
Category
Attribute
Overall Rank
Math Proficiency
Reading/Language Arts Proficiency
Science Proficiency
School Overview
Nova Classical Academy Lower School's student population of 485 students has stayed relatively flat over five school years.
The teacher population of 35 teachers has grown by 52% over five school years.
School Type
Grades Offered
Grades Kindergarten-5
(No virtual instruction)
(No virtual instruction)
Total Students
485 students
Total Classroom Teachers
35 teachers
Year Founded
2003
School Calendar
School Rankings
Nova Classical Academy Lower School ranks within the top 5% of all 1,773 schools in Minnesota (based off of combined math and reading proficiency testing data).
The diversity score of Nova Classical Academy Lower School is 0.65, which is more than the diversity score at state average of 0.60. The school's diversity has stayed relatively flat over five school years.
Overall Testing Rank
#24 out of 1773 schools
(Top 5%)
(Top 5%)
Math Test Scores (% Proficient)
81%
46%
Reading/Language Arts Test Scores (% Proficient)
75%
51%
Science Test Scores (% Proficient)
75-79%
41%
Student-Teacher Ratio
14:1
13:1
American Indian
n/a
2%
Asian
13%
7%
Hispanic
8%
12%
Black
17%
12%
White
55%
60%
Hawaiian
n/a
n/a
Two or more races
7%
7%
All Ethnic Groups
Participates in the National School Lunch Program (NSLP)
Yes
Eligible for Free Lunch
19%
34%
Eligible for Reduced Lunch
5%
7%
School Statewide Testing
School District Name
Source: National Center for Education Statistics (NCES), MN Dept. of Education
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Nova Classical Academy Lower School's ranking?
Nova Classical Academy Lower School is ranked #24 out of 1,773 schools, which ranks it among the top 5% of public schools in Minnesota.
What schools are Nova Classical Academy Lower School often compared to?
Nova Classical Academy Lower Schoolis often viewed alongside schools like Horace Mann School by visitors of our site.
What percent of students have achieved state testing proficiency in math and reading?
81% of students have achieved math proficiency (compared to the 46% MN state average), while 75% of students have achieved reading proficiency (compared to the 51% MN state average).
How many students attend Nova Classical Academy Lower School?
485 students attend Nova Classical Academy Lower School.
What is the racial composition of the student body?
55% of Nova Classical Academy Lower School students are White, 17% of students are Black, 13% of students are Asian, 8% of students are Hispanic, and 7% of students are Two or more races.
What is the student-teacher ratio of Nova Classical Academy Lower School?
Nova Classical Academy Lower School has a student ration of 14:1, which is higher than the Minnesota state average of 13:1.
What grades does Nova Classical Academy Lower School offer ?
Nova Classical Academy Lower School offers enrollment in grades Kindergarten-5 (No virtual instruction).
What school district is Nova Classical Academy Lower School part of?
Nova Classical Academy Lower School is part of Nova Classical Academy School District.
In what neighborhood is Nova Classical Academy Lower School located?
Nova Classical Academy Lower School is located in the West Seventh Fort Road neighborhood of Saint Paul, MN. There are 16 other public schools located in West Seventh Fort Road.
School Reviews
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