History of Cologne Academy

• In 2005 the City of Cologne envisioned a 5 year plan to include an elementary school within the city of Cologne.
• In 2007, local land developer Hans Hagen Homes approached the City with interest to provide a school in the Village of Cologne development. The City held an Open house to gather community support for leadership over a charter school.
• Non-profit Friends of Ascension (now called Friends of Education) agreed to provide sponsorship over the charter. On July 6^th2007, a 140 page application was submitted to the MN Department of Education, detailing curriculum, governing board, budget and many other issues.
• In September 2007, five community members formed Articles of Incorporation for starting a non-profit organization known as Cologne Academy. November 2007, MN Department of Education approves the Cologne charter school.
• Groundbreaking for the site of the new school was on November 14^th 2007. A ten classroom building opened on September 7, 2008 for 127 students in Kindergarten through 5^th grade.
• The first addition to the school was completed in time for the start of the Cologne Academy’s third year. School opened September 7, 2010, for 245 students in Kindergarten through 7^th grade.
• A new 13,000 square foot addition was constructed and completed in time for the start of the 2012-2013 school year.  A bigger cafeteria was designed into this addition as well as the new main entrance and offices.
• The first 8,064 square foot addition to the CA middle school was opened for the start of the 2013-2014 school year.  Enrollment jumped to 460 students through 8th grade.
• Cologne Academy’s final construction project was completed in time for the 2015-2016 school year.   This 30,000+ square foot addition supports the growing middle school population and houses a full stage and a dual court gymnasium.  Student enrollment is 554.
• In fall 2016, Cologne Academy enrolled 610 students.
• In 2020, Cologne Academy was named as a School of Character, one of only 81 schools nationwide to receive this designation.
• March 1, 2021 Cologne Academy Online (CAO) was an approved Minnesota online public education provider.
• Fall 2021, 79 kindergarten - 8th grade students were enrolled in CAO's first year. 
• Fall 2023 Cologne Academy constructed a commercial kitchen (located in the STARS building to provide free, freshly prepared breakfast and lunch for all.
• August 2024, Cologne Academy was offered enrollment seats for Voluntary Pre-Kindergarten (VPK).  Thirty young scholars started on September 10, 2024 in a mixed delivery model Pre-K, housed at STARS Early Learning Academy.

What is a Charter School?

• Charter schools foster a relationship between parents, teachers and students.
• Charter schools create an environment in which parents can be more involved, and teachers are given the freedom to innovate.
• Charter schools are designed around the needs of students.

Choice

• A public school open to anyone wishing to attend;  enrollment is open to students in any district or location based on space availability.
• A tuition free public school funded through the state
• No local tax levy in support of charter schools
• A school that provides families choice in public education

Accountability

• A school that is governed by the parents of the students who attend the school and the staff that are employed at the school
• Parents and teachers acting through a Board establish a learning program and oversees management of the school
• Staffed by licensed teachers;  teachers are not tenured.
• Accountable for academic outcomes, to parents and to the state
• Fiscal accountability to parents, school authorizer and the state

Innovation

• Operated independently from the school district in which they are located
• Sponsored by an authorizing organized and approved by the state of Minnesota
• Renewal decided every three years by the authorizing organization
• Incorporated as a 501(c)(3) nonprofit

Charter School Success Formula:

Flexibility + Expectations + Accountability + (Attitude) = ACHIEVEMENT

Quick Facts

• Cologne Academy is a PreK-8th grade school
• Cost: FREE!   Cologne Academy is a public school.
• All day, every day kindergarten – FREE
• Class size is limited to 26 for kindergarten (13:1 student/teacher ratio), 26 for grades 1-2, and 27 in grades 3-8.
• School hours are 8:30-3:30
• Before and after school care is available with our partner, STARS Early Learning Academy
• Hot lunch is available
• There are no district boundaries. This means that no matter where you live, you may enroll.
• There is a bussing option available to all students.
• Students of ALL abilities are welcome.
• All teachers are highly qualified, licensed teachers.

Lastly, don’t miss your chance to offer your child an exceptional education. Stop by or call for more information!

Cologne Academy Report Card by MDE

Cologne Academy is authorized by:
Friends of Education
11100 Wayzata Blvd, Suite 800
Minnetonka, MN 55305