Is HGA Elementary a good school?

HGA Elementary ranks 611 th of 881 Minnesota elementary schools. SchoolDigger rates this school 2 stars out of 5.

How many students attend HGA Elementary?

In the 2023-24 school year, 527 students attended HGA Elementary.

What is the racial makeup of HGA Elementary?

Students at HGA Elementary are 97% African American, 3% White.

HGA Elementary

Summary:

HGA Elementary is a public charter elementary school located in Saint Paul, Minnesota, serving 573 students from kindergarten to 5th grade. The school has a unique racial makeup, with 100% of its students being African American.

HGA Elementary has consistently ranked in the bottom half of Minnesota elementary schools, with a 1-2 star rating from SchoolDigger over the past several years. This is lower than the nearby schools, such as Jj Hill Montessori and Hamline Elementary School, which have a wider range of rankings and ratings. HGA Elementary's proficiency rates in MCA-III Math, Reading, and Science are generally lower than the state and Saint Paul Public Schools district averages, with some exceptions in specific grade levels.

The school has an extremely high percentage of students (over 95%) receiving free or reduced-price lunch, which is significantly higher than the nearby schools. Additionally, HGA Elementary has a relatively high student-teacher ratio, ranging from 18.8 to 20.5 over the past few years, which is higher than the nearby schools. While HGA Elementary's African American and English Language Learner students perform relatively well compared to their peers in Minnesota, the school's overall low performance and unique racial makeup raise questions about the educational opportunities available to students of color in the Saint Paul area.

Detail:

Public, Charter K-5

1381 Marshall Ave
Saint Paul, MN 55104-8888

(651) 645-1000

District: Higher Ground Academy

SchoolDigger Rank:
611^th of 881 Minnesota Elementary Schools

Per Pupil Expenditures: $13,537

Student/teacher ratio: 18.1

Number of students: 527

Racial breakdown:

African American:

97.3%

White:

2.7%

Free/discounted lunch recipients: 98.3%

See top rated Minnesota elementary schools

Compare HGA Elementary to nearby elementary schools!

Performance Trends

Compare Details HGA Elementary ranks worse than 69.4% of elementary schools in Minnesota. (See more...)

Compare Details In 2024 the calculated Average Standard Score was 35.53. (See more...)

Compare Details HGA Elementary is not ranked due for the most recent year due to insufficient test score data. (See more...)

Compare Details In 2019 the calculated Average Standard Score was 50.31. (See more...)

Student Body

Compare Details Racial makeup is: African American (97.3%), White (2.7%). (See more...)

Compare Details 98.3% of students are receiving a free or discounted lunch. (See more...)

Teachers

Compare Details The student/teacher ratio at HGA Elementary is 18.1. (See more...)

Compare HGA Elementary employs 29 full-time teachers.

Finance

Compare Details The average total spent per student at HGA Elementary is $13,537.

Schooldigger 2024 Rankings:

HGA Elementary:

SchoolDigger ranks HGA Elementary 611^th of 881 Minnesota public elementary schools. (See HGA Elementary in the ranking list.)

Elementary School Test Score Ratings by Student Subgroup:

English Language Learner students:

Low Socio Economic Status students:

Female students:

Male students:

African American students:

Higher Ground Academy:

SchoolDigger ranks Higher Ground Academy 300^th of 463 Minnesota school districts. (See district ranking list.)

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Your rating for HGA Elementary?

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Rank History for HGA Elementary

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Rank History for all elementary school students at HGA Elementary

Year	Avg Standard Score	Statewide Rank	Total # Ranked Elementary Schools	MN State Percentile
2003	1.35	658^th	674	2.4%
2004	11.25	628^th	676	7.1%
2005	24.69	590^th	685	13.9%
2006	29.97	644^th	756	14.8%
2007	41.65	581^st	777	25.2%
2008	29.68	652^nd	781	16.5%
2010	25.29	686^th	803	14.6%
2011	14.54	735^th	814	9.7%
2012	37.69	632^nd	820	22.9%
2013	22.96	697^th	824	15.4%
2014	25.45	689^th	826	16.6%
2015	31.09	659^th	840	21.5%
2016	28.03	678^th	848	20.0%
2017	37.40	619^th	853	27.4%
2018	47.00	531^st	847	37.3%
2019	45.53	562^nd	870	35.4%
2021	21.87	695^th	869	20.0%
2022	34.43	624^th	858	27.3%
2023	31.16	622^nd	845	26.4%
2024	35.53	611^th	881	30.6%

See the entire list of Minnesota Elementary School Rankings!

Rank History for elementary school English Language Learner students at HGA Elementary

Year	Avg Standard Score	Statewide Rank	Total # Ranked Elementary Schools	MN State Percentile
2019	62.20	53^rd	239	77.8%
2021	61.71	35^th	175	80.0%
2022	74.84	30^th	256	88.3%
2023	71.00	38^th	276	86.2%
2024	79.38	28^th	303	90.8%

See the entire list of Best Minnesota Elementary Schools for English Language Learner Students!

Rank History for elementary school Low Socio Economic Status students at HGA Elementary

Year	Avg Standard Score	Statewide Rank	Total # Ranked Elementary Schools	MN State Percentile
2018	75.78	118^th	728	83.8%
2019	71.56	158^th	740	78.6%
2021	47.59	383^rd	683	43.9%
2022	65.60	193^rd	663	70.9%
2023	54.71	355^th	774	54.1%
2024	58.48	314^th	793	60.4%

See the entire list of Best Minnesota Elementary Schools for Low Socio Economic Status Students!

Rank History for elementary school Female students at HGA Elementary

Year	Avg Standard Score	Statewide Rank	Total # Ranked Elementary Schools	MN State Percentile
2018	39.22	555^th	774	28.3%
2019	37.50	564^th	787	28.3%
2021	20.02	647^th	783	17.4%
2022	37.99	552^nd	799	30.9%
2023	33.06	576^th	787	26.8%
2024	33.97	579^th	809	28.4%

See the entire list of Best Minnesota Elementary Schools for Female Students!

Rank History for elementary school Male students at HGA Elementary

Year	Avg Standard Score	Statewide Rank	Total # Ranked Elementary Schools	MN State Percentile
2018	52.24	438^th	779	43.8%
2019	53.42	439^th	798	45.0%
2021	20.73	647^th	784	17.5%
2022	28.62	624^th	808	22.8%
2023	26.93	620^th	799	22.4%
2024	35.43	584^th	826	29.3%

See the entire list of Best Minnesota Elementary Schools for Male Students!

Rank History for elementary school African American students at HGA Elementary

Year	Avg Standard Score	Statewide Rank	Total # Ranked Elementary Schools	MN State Percentile
2018	89.14	18^th	266	93.2%
2019	86.17	21^st	283	92.6%
2021	61.19	73^rd	227	67.8%
2022	71.30	66^th	282	76.6%
2023	69.71	66^th	279	76.3%
2024	71.81	71^st	310	77.1%

See the entire list of Best Minnesota Elementary Schools for African American Students!

Data source: test scores: Minnesota Department of Education, rankings: SchoolDigger.com

Rank History for HGA Elementary

Compare

Year	Avg Standard Score	Statewide Rank	Total # Ranked Middle Schools	MN State Percentile
2004	0.13	384^th	387	0.8%
2005	3.08	381^st	396	3.8%
2006	10.31	376^th	406	7.4%
2007	16.42	369^th	403	8.4%
2008	29.59	341^st	409	16.6%
2010	61.54	179^th	454	60.6%
2011	43.89	315^th	478	34.1%
2012	49.33	283^rd	469	39.7%
2013	42.14	317^th	488	35.0%
2014	34.75	359^th	490	26.7%
2015	44.33	309^th	516	40.1%
2016	47.37	278^th	508	45.3%
2017	43.85	319^th	523	39.0%
2018	48.76	298^th	518	42.5%
2019	50.31	282^nd	533	47.1%

See the entire list of Minnesota Elementary School Rankings!

Data source: test scores: Minnesota Department of Education, rankings: SchoolDigger.com

Data source: Minnesota Department of Education

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Enrollment information for HGA Elementary

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Year	White	African American	Asian	Pacific Islander	Two or More Races	Total
2000	12	368	0	n/a	n/a	380
2001	1	410	0	n/a	n/a	411
2002	4	347	0	n/a	n/a	351
2003	4	347	0	n/a	n/a	351
2004	5	391	1	n/a	n/a	397
2005	1	424	2	n/a	n/a	427
2006	1	410	2	n/a	n/a	413
2007	0	477	0	n/a	n/a	477
2008	0	514	0	n/a	n/a	514
2009	0	569	0	n/a	n/a	569
2010	0	675	1	n/a	n/a	676
2011	320	339	0	0	3	662
2012	453	236	0	0	1	690
2013	457	263	0	0	1	721
2014	1	617	0	0	1	619
2015	0	591	0	0	0	591
2016	0	631	0	0	0	631
2017	0	590	0	0	0	590
2018	0	606	0	0	0	606
2019	0	611	1	0	0	612
2020	0	575	0	0	0	575
2021	0	608	0	0	0	608
2022	0	571	0	0	0	571
2023	0	573	0	0	0	573
2024	14	513	0	0	0	527

Data source: National Center for Education Statistics, U.S. Dept of Education.

About Enrollment/Ethnicity

For more information about how the Department of Education defines ethnicity, see Defining Race and Ethnicity Data, National Center for Education Statistics

Students eligible for free or discounted lunch at HGA Elementary

Compare

Year	# Students	Full-time Teachers	Student/Teacher ratio	% Free/Discounted Lunch
2000	380	0.0	0.0	35
2001	411	0.0	0.0	87.6
2002	351	10.9	32.2	87.2
2003	351	10.9	32.2	87.2
2004	397	21.0	18.9	95
2005	427	19.2	22.2	86.7
2006	413	18.6	22.2	95.6
2007	477	21.2	22.5	97.7
2008	514	21.6	23.8	94
2009	569	25.6	22.2	94.6
2010	676	31.6	21.3	94.4
2011	662	35.6	18.5	96.7
2012	690	45.1	15.2	95.7
2013	721	42.0	17.1	97.4
2014	619	30.0	20.6	97.1
2015	591	29.0	20.3	97
2016	631	29.0	21.7	96.7
2017	590	29.4	20.0	98
2018	606	29.6	20.4	95.7
2019	612	33.0	18.5	96.1
2020	575	30.8	18.6	97.2
2021	608	30.8	19.7	95.9
2022	571	27.8	20.5	97.4
2023	573	30.4	18.8	98.8
2024	527	29.0	18.1	98.3

Data source: National Center for Education Statistics, U.S. Dept of Education.

About Students eligible for discounted/free lunch:

The National School Lunch Program (NSLP) provides low-cost or free meals to students in U.S. public and nonprofit private schools based on household income. Those with incomes below 130% of the poverty line receive free lunch, while those between 130% and 185% qualify for reduced-price lunch. The percentage of students receiving free or reduced-price lunch serves as a marker for poverty, as it reflects the socioeconomic status of families in a given school or district. A higher FRPL rate typically indicates a higher concentration of low-income families, suggesting that the school or district may face additional challenges in providing adequate resources and support for student success.

Student/Teacher Ratio HGA Elementary

Compare

Year	# Students	Full-time Teachers	Student/Teacher ratio	% Free/Discounted Lunch
2000	380	0.0	0.0	35
2001	411	0.0	0.0	87.6
2002	351	10.9	32.2	87.2
2003	351	10.9	32.2	87.2
2004	397	21.0	18.9	95
2005	427	19.2	22.2	86.7
2006	413	18.6	22.2	95.6
2007	477	21.2	22.5	97.7
2008	514	21.6	23.8	94
2009	569	25.6	22.2	94.6
2010	676	31.6	21.3	94.4
2011	662	35.6	18.5	96.7
2012	690	45.1	15.2	95.7
2013	721	42.0	17.1	97.4
2014	619	30.0	20.6	97.1
2015	591	29.0	20.3	97
2016	631	29.0	21.7	96.7
2017	590	29.4	20.0	98
2018	606	29.6	20.4	95.7
2019	612	33.0	18.5	96.1
2020	575	30.8	18.6	97.2
2021	608	30.8	19.7	95.9
2022	571	27.8	20.5	97.4
2023	573	30.4	18.8	98.8
2024	527	29.0	18.1	98.3

Data source: National Center for Education Statistics, U.S. Dept of Education.

About Student-Teacher Ratio

Student/teacher ratio is calculated by dividing the total number of students by the total number of full-time equivalent teachers. Please note that a smaller student/teacher ratio does not necessarily translate to smaller class size. In some instances, schools hire teachers part time, and some teachers are hired for specialized instruction with very small class sizes. These and other factors contribute to the student/teacher ratio. Note: For private schools, Student/teacher ratio may not include Pre-Kindergarten.

Finances

Per Pupil Expenditures for HGA Elementary

Year	Total Expenditures Per Pupil
2019	$13,537

Data source: Minnesota Department of Education

Pre and Post Pandemic Data

Impact of COVID-19 on HGA Elementary

The coronavirus has had a profound impact on education in America. Learning shifted online overnight, attendance numbers dwindled, and enrollment decreased. SchoolDigger.com is making it easier for you to better assess how COVID-19 has impacted your school. Through the collection of pre-pandemic (2019) and current data, SchoolDigger.com is sharing test scores, enrollment numbers and school demographics from schools across the country – and we make it easy to see how impacted schools compare locally and statewide.

Rankings

Rank Pre-pandemic (2018-2019)	Rank Post pandemic (2022-2023)	Change (%)
Ranks 562^nd of 870 Elementary schools	Ranks 622^nd of 845 Elementary schools	9%

Test Scores

	% proficient Pre-pandemic (2018-2019)	% proficient Post pandemic (2022-2023)	Change (%)
3rd Grade Math (HGA Elementary)	66.7	48.2	18.5%
3rd Grade Math (Higher Ground Academy)	66.7	48.2	18.5%
3rd Grade Math (Minnesota)	65.6	59.1	6.5%
3rd Grade Reading (HGA Elementary)	51.5	35.8	15.7%
3rd Grade Reading (Higher Ground Academy)	51.5	35.8	15.7%
3rd Grade Reading (Minnesota)	54.6	47.4	7.2%
4th Grade Math (HGA Elementary)	43.9	28.8	15.2%
4th Grade Math (Higher Ground Academy)	43.9	28.8	15.2%
4th Grade Math (Minnesota)	63.9	57.1	6.8%
4th Grade Reading (HGA Elementary)	40.9	29.6	11.3%
4th Grade Reading (Higher Ground Academy)	40.9	29.6	11.3%
4th Grade Reading (Minnesota)	55.4	48.4	7.1%
5th Grade Math (HGA Elementary)	45.5	25	20.5%
5th Grade Math (Higher Ground Academy)	45.5	25	20.5%
5th Grade Math (Minnesota)	52	44.4	7.6%
5th Grade Reading (HGA Elementary)	54.6	45.3	9.2%
5th Grade Reading (Higher Ground Academy)	54.6	45.3	9.2%
5th Grade Reading (Minnesota)	65.8	58.7	7%
5th Grade Science (HGA Elementary)	53	40	13%
5th Grade Science (Higher Ground Academy)	53	40	13%
5th Grade Science (Minnesota)	54.9	48.4	6.5%
6th Grade Math (HGA Elementary)	52.9	19.3	33.7%
6th Grade Math (Higher Ground Academy)	52.9	19.3	33.7%
6th Grade Math (Minnesota)	50.5	39.7	10.8%
6th Grade Reading (HGA Elementary)	64.7	53.6	11.1%
6th Grade Reading (Higher Ground Academy)	64.7	53.6	11.1%
6th Grade Reading (Minnesota)	62.8	53.4	9.4%

Student Body

	Number of students Pre-pandemic (2018-2019)	Number of students Post pandemic (2022-2023)	Change (%)
Total Students	612	573	6.4%
African American	611	573	6.2%
American Indian	0	0
Asian	1	0	100%
Hispanic	0	0
Pacific Islander	0	0
White	0	0
Two or More Races	0	0
% Free/Discounted Lunch Recipients	96.1%	98.8%	2.7%

Schools Near HGA Elementary

Choose columns to see: Summary School Students/Teachers Ranking Test Scores Finance All

School													Students/Teachers											Ranking (2024)				Ranking (2023)				MCA-III Math (2024)					MCA-III Reading (2024)					MCA-III Science (2024)		Per Pupil Expenditures (2019)
Name	Type	Grades	Address	City	Zip	County	District	Is Charter	Is Magnet	Is Virtual	Is Title I	Phone	Enrollment	Full-time Teachers	Student/ Teacher Ratio	Free/Discounted Lunch Recipients	White	Black	Hispanic	Asian	American Indian	Pacific Islander	Two or More Races	Average Standard Score (2024)	Statewide Rank (2024)	State Percentile (2024)	SchoolDigger Rating (2024)	Average Standard Score (2023)	Statewide Rank (2023)	State Percentile (2023)	Rank Change from Previous Year	MCA-III Math 3rd Grade	MCA-III Math 4th Grade	MCA-III Math 5th Grade	MCA-III Math 6th Grade	MCA-III Math All Grades	MCA-III Reading 3rd Grade	MCA-III Reading 4th Grade	MCA-III Reading 5th Grade	MCA-III Reading 6th Grade	MCA-III Reading All Grades	MCA-III Science 5th Grade	MCA-III Science All Grades	Total
HGA Elementary	Public, Charter	K-5	1381 Marshall Ave	Saint Paul	55104	Ramsey County	Higher Ground Academy	Yes	No	No	Yes	(651) 645-1000	527	29	18.1	98.3%	14 (2.7%)	513 (97.3%)	0 (0.0%)	0 (0.0%)	0 (0.0%)	0 (0.0%)	0 (0.0%)	35.5	611^th of 881 public elementary schools	30.6%		31.2	622^nd of 845 public elementary schools	26.4%	11	45.1	43.9	25.8		37.9	27.7	34.6	52.3		38.5	47.7	47.7	$13,537
Early Learning Hub West	Public, Magnet	PK	1317 Charles Ave	Saint Paul	55104	Ramsey County	Saint Paul Public Schools	No	Yes	No	No	(651) 325-2400	0	24	.0		0 ()	0 ()	0 ()	0 ()	0 ()	0 ()	0 ()								(n/a)
Early Educational HUB	Public	PK	1317 Charles Ave	Saint Paul	55104	Ramsey County	Saint Paul Public Schools	No	(n/a)	No	(n/a)	(651) 325-2400	45	5	10.0	82.2%	14 (31.1%)	14 (31.1%)	4 (8.9%)	11 (24.4%)	0 (0.0%)	0 (0.0%)	2 (4.4%)								(n/a)
Jj Hill Montessori	Public, Magnet	PK, KG-5	998 Selby Ave	Saint Paul	55104	Ramsey County	Saint Paul Public Schools	No	Yes	No	No	(651) 293-8720	342	27	12.7	40.9%	183 (53.5%)	67 (19.6%)	29 (8.5%)	12 (3.5%)	1 (0.3%)	0 (0.0%)	50 (14.6%)	23.6	700^th of 881 public elementary schools	20.5%		24.3	660^th of 845 public elementary schools	21.9%	40	34.6	23.1	18.2		25.3	38.5	35.9	37.5		37.4	33.9	33.9	$15,611
Hamline Elementary School	Public	PK, KG-5	1599 Englewood Ave	Saint Paul	55104	Ramsey County	Saint Paul Public Schools	No	No	No	Yes	(651) 293-8715	294	24	12.3	83.3%	55 (18.7%)	144 (49.0%)	19 (6.5%)	42 (14.3%)	1 (0.3%)	0 (0.0%)	33 (11.2%)	4.8	843^rd of 881 public elementary schools	4.3%		5.3	800^th of 845 public elementary schools	5.3%	43	10.3	15.4	2.2		8.9	10.0	24.4	13.3		15.9	11.6	11.6	$17,968
Sejong Academy Lower School	Public, Charter	PK, KG-6	1885 University Ave. W	Saint Paul	55104	Ramsey County	Sejong Academy of Minnesota	Yes	No	No	Yes	(651) 301-8722	251	24	10.3	80.9%	4 (1.6%)	2 (0.8%)	1 (0.4%)	235 (93.6%)	0 (0.0%)	0 (0.0%)	9 (3.6%)	24.9	690^th of 881 public elementary schools	21.7%		11.2	751^st of 845 public elementary schools	11.1%	61	52.2	37.8	4.0	41.7	33.9	26.1	18.9	36.0	50.0	31.2	12.0	12.0	$14,569
Maxfield Elementary School	Public	PK, KG-5	380 Victoria St N	Saint Paul	55104	Ramsey County	Saint Paul Public Schools	No	No	No	Yes	(651) 293-8680	336	32	10.6	89.9%	34 (10.1%)	203 (60.4%)	47 (14.0%)	20 (6.0%)	2 (0.6%)	0 (0.0%)	30 (8.9%)	2.8	867^th of 881 public elementary schools	1.6%		6.5	790^th of 845 public elementary schools	6.5%	77	12.2	7.0	0.0		6.0	7.3	13.0	17.7		13.0	6.1	6.1	$20,879
Global Arts Plus Lower	Public, Magnet	PK, KG-4	1023 Osceola Ave	Saint Paul	55105	Ramsey County	Saint Paul Public Schools	No	Yes	No	Yes	(651) 293-6606	393	34	11.5	67.4%	124 (31.6%)	86 (21.9%)	66 (16.8%)	65 (16.5%)	1 (0.3%)	3 (0.8%)	48 (12.2%)	8.6	804^th of 881 public elementary schools	8.7%		17.2	709^th of 845 public elementary schools	16.1%	95	23.3	21.5			22.4	25.3	13.9			19.5			$15,689
Four Seasons Elementary	Public, Magnet	PK, KG-5	318 Moore St	Saint Paul	55104	Ramsey County	Saint Paul Public Schools	No	Yes	No	Yes	(651) 290-7595	246	26	9.4	95.9%	17 (6.9%)	96 (39.0%)	66 (26.8%)	45 (18.3%)	1 (0.4%)	0 (0.0%)	21 (8.5%)	1.8	878^th of 881 public elementary schools	0.3%		1.6	843^rd of 845 public elementary schools	0.2%	35	2.1	5.6	3.5		3.6	0.0	2.7	7.0		3.5	5.4	5.4	$17,406
Early Education Four Seasons	Public	PK	318 Moore St	Saint Paul	55104	Ramsey County	Saint Paul Public Schools	No	No	No	No	(651) 290-7595	11	2	5.5	72.7%	7 (63.6%)	0 (0.0%)	2 (18.2%)	2 (18.2%)	0 (0.0%)	0 (0.0%)	0 (0.0%)								(n/a)													$6,823

HGA Elementary

HGA Elementary:

Elementary School Test Score Ratings by Student Subgroup:

Higher Ground Academy:

What do you think?

Rank History for HGA Elementary

Rank History for all elementary school students at HGA Elementary

Rank History for elementary school English Language Learner students at HGA Elementary

Rank History for elementary school Low Socio Economic Status students at HGA Elementary

Rank History for elementary school Female students at HGA Elementary

Rank History for elementary school Male students at HGA Elementary

Rank History for elementary school African American students at HGA Elementary

Rank History for HGA Elementary

Enrollment information for HGA Elementary

Students eligible for free or discounted lunch at HGA Elementary

Student/Teacher Ratio HGA Elementary

Per Pupil Expenditures for HGA Elementary

Impact of COVID-19 on HGA Elementary

Rankings

Test Scores

Student Body

Schools Near HGA Elementary

HGA Elementary

Early Learning Hub West

Early Educational HUB

Jj Hill Montessori

Hamline Elementary School

Sejong Academy Lower School

Maxfield Elementary School

Global Arts Plus Lower

Four Seasons Elementary

Early Education Four Seasons

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