International Academy-LEAP is part of Saint Paul Public Schools’Area Learning Center Programs. It is an optional high school program designedfor recently-arrived English language learners aged 14 to 21. Students takeEnglish language and content area classes to develop their English skills andcontent knowledge as well as to earn a high school diploma. While Englishlanguage development is the main focus of classes at IA-LEAP, native languagesupport is also available to students.

MissionStatement

International Academy – LEAP isan intensive English language learning community for immigrants and refugeeswho are working toward a high school diploma.  Academic classes and student support services are designedto meet the needs of immigrant students, respect their native languages andcultures, and prepare them to be productive members of society.

IA-LEAP’s curriculum is based on Minnesota standards, and alsoincludes a socio-cultural orientation component to assist students in theirtransition to life in a new country and culture. Classes are designed accordingto students’ individual English-language proficiency levels.

In addition to ESL and other academic content classes, IA-LEAPstudents have opportunities to take classes that offer career exploration andprepare them for post-secondary education. The academic program at IA-LEAP alsoincludes art, music, band, and physical education.

Students may remain at IA-LEAP until they graduate with a SaintPaul Public Schools diploma or until the age of 22. They may also choose totransfer to another area high school to complete their high school courses.

A large number of IA-LEAP faculty are bilingual, and many aredual-licensed in ESL and content areas such as science, social studies, ormath.

The IA-LEAP program had approximately 290 students enrolled forthe 2008-09 school year.