Founded in 1995 in the Payne-Phalen neighborhood on St. Paul’s East Side as one of Minnesota’s first public charter schools, Community of Peace Academy has received national recognition for the academic achievement and character development of its students. Community of Peace Academy proudly serves a diverse population of nearly 800 students in PreK– 12, of whom 85% qualify for free/reduced lunch and 90% are students of color. Vision Statement: Our desired outcome is to educate the whole person – mind, body and will – for peace, justice, freedom, compassion, wholeness and fullness of life for all. Mission Statement: The mission of Community of Peace Academy is to be a racially and culturally diverse community of students, parents, and staff, dedicated to creating a peaceful environment in which each person is treated with unconditional positive regard and acceptance. To create such an environment, a non-violent perspective will be intentionally taught and all members of the community will strive to practice a non-violent lifestyle. Within such an environment, each student will be empowered and inspired to reach his or her full academic, emotional, physical, and spiritual potential. Thus empowered and prepared, Community of Peace graduates will commit themselves to meet the challenges posed by life in the multicultural world of the 21st century with confidence, compassion, intelligence, and a positive regard for all.