State Approved Alternative Programming
South St. Paul Public Schools offers a variety of Alternative Academic Programs (SAAP) that recognize students learn in different ways and may benefit from flexible, personalized learning opportunities and additional support throughout their K–12 experience. Available at the elementary, middle, and high school levels during the school day, after school or in the summer, SAAP programs provide additional pathways for students to stay connected to school, build academic momentum, develop important skills, make progress toward graduation and prepare for their future. Across our alternative programs, students have opportunities to Engage, Educate, and Empower themselves as learners and members of the Packer community.
Community Learning Center (CLC) Programs
The Community Learning Center (CLC) provides personalized learning opportunities for South St. Paul and Two Rivers high school students. CLC programs offer smaller learning environments, individualized support, hands-on learning and opportunities for students to take an active role in planning their education and future.
Personalized Learning Program (Grades 11-12)
The Personalized Learning Program is a flexible, student-centered program designed to help juniors and seniors earn credits, recover credits and prepare for what comes next. Students work with staff to create an individualized graduation plan while developing a clear path toward college, careers, military service or the workforce.
Students in the Personalized Learning Program will:
- Receive grade-appropriate instruction aligned with state standards
- Recover credits during the school day
- Learn through project-based learning, content electives and software-based curriculum
- Build a plan for college, careers, military service or the workforce
- Work with staff to create an individualized graduation plan
The program may be a good fit for students who:
- Want flexibility in how they learn
- Benefit from individualized support
- Are motivated to earn credits
- Want a clear plan for their future
Ignite Program (Grade 10)
For students from South St. Paul High School and Two Rivers High School. Ignite is a year-long program for motivated 10th grade students who are ready to re-engage, build momentum and take charge of their future. Students learn in a supportive, hands-on environment while building the academic, personal and career skills they need for the years ahead.
Students in Ignite will:
- Start 11th grade on track with credits
- Prepare for future work experience opportunities
- Discover how they learn best through hands-on, project-based learning
- Build strong relationships and essential life skills
- Explore career interests and create a plan for life after graduation
Ignite may be a good fit for students who:
- Learn best in smaller settings
- Enjoy hands-on, real-world learning
- Are motivated to grow and succeed
- Want strong connections and support
Students must qualify for the Ignite Program and are accepted through an application process.
Pathways Program (Grade 9)
The Pathways Program helps students make a successful transition into high school through personalized support, relationship building and skill development. Students receive targeted support while remaining connected to their grade-level experience.
Students in Pathways will:
- Build strong connections with staff and peers
- Develop academic and life skills
- Receive targeted support to stay on track
- Stay connected to their grade-level experience
The program may be a good fit for students who:
- Are transitioning to high school
- Want additional support
- Value relationships and community
- Want to start strong and stay on track
High School Programs
Credit Recovery
South St. Paul Public Schools offers after-school and summer credit recovery opportunities to help high school students recover missing credits and stay on track for graduation. Credit recovery programs provide students with additional opportunities to complete coursework and make progress toward meeting graduation requirements.
Middle School Programs
Packer PM Afterschool
Information coming soon.
Pathways (Grades 7–8)
Information coming soon.
Summer Packer Preview (Incoming 6th Graders)
Summer Packer Preview helps incoming sixth graders feel more comfortable and confident as they transition from elementary school to middle school.
Students have an opportunity to:
- Meet new friends and build connections
- Learn how to use their lockers
- Become familiar with the school layout
- Learn what to expect from a sixth grade schedule, including moving between classrooms and working with multiple teachers
- Build confidence about starting middle school
- Have fun and get to know their new school community
Transportation is provided for students who fall within the district's regular busing boundaries during the school year. Breakfast and lunch are provided free of charge to all students participating in the program.
Elementary School Programs
Minds in Motion (Grades K–5)
Minds in Motion is an after-school learning program offered from January through March. The program provides additional academic support for elementary students who need extra time and practice to strengthen skills and catch up before the end of the school year.
Elementary Summer Learning Academy
The Elementary Summer Learning Academy provides additional learning support during the summer for students who would benefit from extra time to strengthen academic skills before the next school year.
The program is designed to help students build confidence, maintain learning progress and begin the new school year ready to learn.
