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Minneapolis Public Schools Graduation Requirements: 21.5 credits

(1 full credit = 1 full year of instruction in a daily course.)

4 English Language Arts credits
3.5 Social Studies credits
3 Science credits
3 Math credits
.5 Physical Ed credit
.5 Health credit
4 Fine Arts credits
3 Elective credits
Total: 21.5

Grading System
A standard 4.0 grading system with letter grades of A, B, C, D, or F is used. PSEO courses are not weighted as part of the GPA. Class rank is based on GPA and includes all marks earned in grades 9-12. Grades are recorded on the transcript and grade point average is computed after each quarter (4 times per year).

 

Excellence Through Project-Based Arts Integration
Our commitment to arts education gives students the opportunity to actively engage in culturally relevant and student-centered curricula. Through an interdisciplinary approach to instruction, students make cognitive connections across several disciplines. In addition, students are taught using a sequential curricula, learning age appropriate skills and concepts for each arts area. Students experience arts areas through a variety of genres and historical time periods.

The FAIR School provides students an academic school day with a variety of courses designed to prepare all students for success after graduation. Students enroll in courses that meet both local and state graduation requirements. Our school year is divided into 4 quarters. Students earn .25 credit per class at the end of each quarter.

 

Fine Arts
At The FAIR School for Arts, our commitment to arts education gives students the opportunity to actively engage in culturally relevant and student-centered curricula that promotes critical and creative thinking. Along with reading, writing, math, science and other core subjects, students at The FAIR School for Arts may progress sequentially through each of five areas in the fine arts: theatre, music, dance, media arts and visual arts. The arts are also integrated into academic study, providing hands-on learning opportunities. For example, in a science unit students may learn how sound from musical instruments is created. In a social studies unit, students may connect the cultural and arts traditions of people in other nations. Guest artists work with teachers and students to support the interdisciplinary experience. Students have many opportunities to learn as well as to demonstrate their learning through the fine arts. 

Our focus on arts education increases students’ cultural understanding and develops them socially, linguistically, and cognitively through a broad variety of hands on experiences. Our commitment to arts education gives students in high school the opportunity to actively engage in culturally relevant and student centered curricula. Through an interdisciplinary approach to instruction, students make cognitive connections across several  disciplines. Sharing in the richness of the arts community of the Twin Cities, we have established partnerships with professional arts organizations and postsecondary schools. 

 

Rich Community Partnerships
The student experience is enriched by the partnerships The FAIR School For Arts has with local organizations and professionals. The FAIR School For Arts partners with the following institutions: University of St. Thomas, Hennepin Theatre Trust, Target Corporation, YMCA, Stages Theatre Company, MacPhail Center for the Arts,  Minneapolis College, Ameriprise Financial, and the University of Minnesota.

 

Post-Secondary Enrollment Options Program (PSEO)
FAIR students are both encouraged and prepared to take advantage of the PSEO program offered by the state. Eligible sophomores, juniors, and seniors are able to take college courses while earning high school credits. PSEO colleges attended include the University of Minnesota, Normandale Community College, and Minneapolis Community & Technical College. During the 2015-2016 school year, FAIR had 64% of its eligible students enrolled in part-time or full-time PSEO.

 

Arts Residencies
In collaboration with artistic partners, FAIR Downtown provides students with unique learning opportunities called Arts Residencies. Local artists from various community groups work with students to share their expertise and enhance the students’ learning experiences through interactive programming. These residencies take place in the academic and arts classrooms as well as in the FAIR Downtown Community. 

 

FAIR+ After-School Programming
Made available by 21st Century Learning Center Program, FAIR+ enriches the lives of students with opportunities to pursue passions while they develop relevant skills and gain experience in an authentic setting. FAIR+ is made available through a 21st Century Learning Center. Lives are enriched when students have opportunities to pursue passions.