Discovery
Public School of Faribault has been in existence for five years, but the
school redefined itself over this last summer. Formerly known as the Covenant
Academy of Minnesota Charter School, the focus was working with impoverished
children that were from throughout the state. The majority of the students
were residing in the Covenant Academy of Minnesota Residential Program and
attending the public charter school. However, the residential facility was
hindered by funding and recruiting obstacles and closed in the spring of
2005. A group of determined teachers knew that there was a place for the
school as an educational alternative in the Faribault community.
The Discovery Public School of Faribault is a 6th through 12th grade public
school that provides a free educational alternative for parents and students.
It is operated independently from the Faribault school district and governed
by a board of directors made up of parents, teachers, and community members
elected by the school community. School board meetings and elections are
open to the public. School board meetings are held the third Thursday of
each month and elections are held during the month of April. For more information
regarding meeting times or dates and or regarding school board vacancies
or voting information, please contact the school at 507-331-5423.
The Discovery Public School of Faribault is sponsored by Northwood Children’s Services. For more information, you may visit their website at www.nwch.com. A sponsor and a charter school sign a charter or contract that represents an agreement between the school and the state of Minnesota. Charter schools are typically sponsored by a school district, an institution of higher learning, a non-profit organization, or a foundation. The sponsor reports to the Minnesota Department of Education, and makes recommendations to the state in regards to the progress of the school.
As a charter school, Discovery Public School of Faribault is open to all
students that apply. The school’s current enrollment is about 50 students.
The largest class is approximately ten students, with a 1 to 6 teacher to
student ratio. Current enrollment is diverse in terms of race and/or ethnicity.
All students can be successful, but many need the smaller class
sizes and more one to one attention to achieve their potential. According
to No Child Left Behind Laws, Discovery Public School students are making
adequate yearly progress in the areas of Math, Reading, Writing, and Graduation
Rate. A main area of concentration for the school is raising student attendance
rates, and thus, increasing the overall achievement of the school. A low
attendance rate for a school correlates to the school being labeled as ‘underperforming’ by
the government.
It is the goal
of the administration and staff to create a school atmosphere that is safe
for all, and a learning environment that can cater to the individual needs
of each student. We are proud of the services that we offer. The school has
overcome many obstacles over the past year, and it shows the dedication and
determination of the staff, parents, and students, in making the Discovery
Public School a model charter school.
