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GreatSchools Rating

Burnsville Alternative High School

Public | 10-12 | 200 students

High graduation rate, Child care programs, safe and nurturing environment,
 
Last modified
Community Rating

4 stars

Community Rating by Year
2013:
No new ratings
2012:
Based on 1 rating
2011:
Based on 1 rating
2010:
No new ratings

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7 reviews of this school


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Posted October 30, 2012

This school is a joke. I know a student who goes there and she doesn't have to apply herself at all. She has 17 absences and 19 tardies already this 2012 school year and nothing has been said or done by the principal. Last year she was barely there and they still gave her hope of graduating. And on the last day of school, kids who are not seniors get the day off so they can focus on the seniors one last time to graduate. It enables children to be lazy and not accountable for themselves at all. It is a waste of tax payers money.


Posted December 23, 2011

Going to Cedar was an opportunity for me to find out who I was and who I wanted to be in life. I won't say that it was a bad school because there is good and bad in every school whether it is an alternative school or a traditonal school. I am happy to say that even though I graduated late, Cedar Alternative was there for me to help obtain my high school diploma to succeed to the next level. In all honesty, if it wasn't for Cedar I do not know where I would be right now. I just want to thank the staff of Cedar for the year of 2007-08 for making my last year the best year of my life. Most importantly I would like to thank Janice Porter for never giving up on me.
—Submitted by a student


Posted October 28, 2008

I went to Cedar for a couple of years before I graduated in 2005. I would have to say my experience was phenomenal. The teachers were wonderful, the students were friendly and the classes were fantastic. For those that say 'Cedar is an easy school that doesn't prepare its students for college/life', I say that's an inaccurate observation. I know of many people who graduated from this school and went on to do great things. I for example, have went on straight to college where I often times outperformed my fellow students who supposedly should've been more prepared than me. I am proud to say that I'm in schedule to graduate a semester early with a bachelor's degree in Psychology from an accredited local university. I am proud to have attended Cedar Alternative Center.
—Submitted by a student


Posted January 28, 2008

I was a former student of this high school and I must say it was the greatest high school experience. All the teachers and staff were willing to help all the students understand what they were learning. Very friendly staff. I would highly recommend this for any alternative school. I would even say I was taught better at Cedar Alternative then at my original high school.
—Submitted by a student


Posted January 2, 2008

I went to this school for three years, and I have to say that it was great for me. The small class sizes where really nice, the teachers where always there to help. The atmosphere there is great, always light. Nothing bad ever really happens there like you might see in a big school. In the three years that I was there i only saw one fight, and that was stopped quickly by teachers. If you have troubles with schools with lots of kids, not getting enough one on one attention, etc, then you should consider going to Cedar.
—Submitted by a student


Posted May 8, 2007

I don't understand why people have such a problem with Cedar. I went to this school and the teachers and the program are the reason I graduated. The environment, the small class sizes and layered curriculum were great for me and gave me the individual attention from teachers that I couldn't receive in a mainstream school due to large class sizes. The teachers respected the students and in return the students respected them, (at least my my class) and it seemed like we were all an extended family. The only thing I didn't like about this school was the lack of extra-curricular activities. I would recommend this school to anybody that asks me.
—Submitted by Tara Christianson, a former student


Posted December 21, 2005

I think this is a horrible school to send your child to, unless you want them get out of high school the easy and lazy way. I attended this school, and was threatend, bullied to the point of physical abuse, and not one authority did a thing about it. My parents are very upset too. If I could take back going to that place I would. The work is also way too easy. The other peers get away with drugs, swearing, disrespect, weapons and more. It's the one of the worst schools I've attended. Cedar also has a very bad reputation for disrepectful teens and for poor school work that is too easy. Please do not send your child there, and make this mistake.
—Submitted by a former student


Community ratings and reviews do not represent the views of GreatSchools nor does GreatSchools check their accuracy or verify the reviewers' identities. Use your discretion when evaluating these reviews.

About these ratings

The Community Rating is the school’s average rating from its community members (e.g., parents, students, and school staff). The highest possible rating is five stars; the lowest is one star.

The test results by subgroup show how the designated group of students is performing in comparison to the general population.
Reading

The state average for Reading was 77% in 2012.

22 students were tested at this school in 2012.

2012

 
 
23%

2011

 
 
14%

2010

 
 
18%

2009

 
 
23%
Scale: % meeting or exceeding standards

About the tests


In 2011-2012 Minnesota used the Minnesota Comprehensive Assessment-II (MCA-II) to test students in reading in grades 3 through 8 and 10, and math in grade 11. The MCA-II is a standards-based test, which means it measures specific skills defined for each grade by the state of Minnesota. The goal is for all students to score at or above the state standard.

See Minnesota's state standards

Source: Minnesota Department of Education

Math

The state average for Math was 43% in 2012.

46 students were tested at this school in 2012.

2012

 
 
2%

2011

 
 
0%

2010

 
 
2%

2009

 
 
6%
Scale: % meeting or exceeding standards

About the tests


In 2011-2012 Minnesota used the Minnesota Comprehensive Assessment-II (MCA-II) to test students in reading in grades 3 through 8 and 10, and math in grade 11. The MCA-II is a standards-based test, which means it measures specific skills defined for each grade by the state of Minnesota. The goal is for all students to score at or above the state standard.

See Minnesota's state standards

Source: Minnesota Department of Education

Science

The state average for Science was 54% in 2011.

19 students were tested at this school in 2011.

2011

 
 
5%

2010

 
 
0%
Scale: % meeting or exceeding standards

About the tests


In 2011-2012 Minnesota used the Minnesota Comprehensive Assessment-II (MCA-II) to test students in reading in grades 3 through 8 and 10, and math in grade 11. The MCA-II is a standards-based test, which means it measures specific skills defined for each grade by the state of Minnesota. The goal is for all students to score at or above the state standard.

See Minnesota's state standards

Source: Minnesota Department of Education

Reading

All Students23%
Female40%
Male8%
Blackn/a
Asian/Pacific Islandern/a
Hispanicn/a
Native Americann/a
Whiten/a
Economically disadvantaged12%
Economically non-disadvantagedn/a
Students with disabilitiesn/a
Students without disabilities29%
English language learnersn/a
Proficient in English26%
Non-migrant23%
Scale: % meeting or exceeding standards

About the tests


In 2011-2012 Minnesota used the Minnesota Comprehensive Assessment-II (MCA-II) to test students in reading in grades 3 through 8 and 10, and math in grade 11. The MCA-II is a standards-based test, which means it measures specific skills defined for each grade by the state of Minnesota. The goal is for all students to score at or above the state standard.

The different student groups are identified by the Minnesota Department of Education. If there are fewer than 10 students in a particular group in a school, data is not reported for that group.

See Minnesota's state standards

Source: Minnesota Department of Education

Math

All Students2%
Female4%
Male0%
Black0%
Asian/Pacific Islandern/a
Hispanicn/a
Native Americann/a
White6%
Economically disadvantaged0%
Economically non-disadvantaged5%
Students with disabilities7%
Students without disabilities0%
English language learnersn/a
Proficient in English2%
Non-migrant2%
Scale: % meeting or exceeding standards

About the tests


In 2011-2012 Minnesota used the Minnesota Comprehensive Assessment-II (MCA-II) to test students in reading in grades 3 through 8 and 10, and math in grade 11. The MCA-II is a standards-based test, which means it measures specific skills defined for each grade by the state of Minnesota. The goal is for all students to score at or above the state standard.

The different student groups are identified by the Minnesota Department of Education. If there are fewer than 10 students in a particular group in a school, data is not reported for that group.

See Minnesota's state standards

Source: Minnesota Department of Education

Reading

The state average for Reading was 80% in 2012.

22 students were tested at this school in 2012.

2012

 
 
23%

2011

 
 
35%

2010

 
 
21%

2009

 
 
37%
Scale: % meeting or exceeding standards

About the tests


In 2011-2012 Minnesota used Minnesota Comprehensive Assessment-II Graduation-Required Assessments for Diploma (MCA-II/GRAD) to test students in grade 9 in writing, 10 in reading, and 11 in math. The MCA-II/GRAD is a standards-based test, which means it measures specific skills defined for each grade by the state of Minnesota. Students must pass the MCA-II/GRAD in order to graduate from high school. The goal is for all students to score at or above the state standard.

See Minnesota's state standards

Source: Minnesota Department of Education

Math

The state average for Math was 58% in 2012.

46 students were tested at this school in 2012.

2012

 
 
4%

2011

 
 
3%

2010

 
 
7%

2009

 
 
19%
Scale: % meeting or exceeding standards

About the tests


In 2011-2012 Minnesota used Minnesota Comprehensive Assessment-II Graduation-Required Assessments for Diploma (MCA-II/GRAD) to test students in grade 9 in writing, 10 in reading, and 11 in math. The MCA-II/GRAD is a standards-based test, which means it measures specific skills defined for each grade by the state of Minnesota. Students must pass the MCA-II/GRAD in order to graduate from high school. The goal is for all students to score at or above the state standard.

See Minnesota's state standards

Source: Minnesota Department of Education

Reading

All Students23%
Female40%
Male8%
Blackn/a
Asian/Pacific Islandern/a
Hispanicn/a
Native Americann/a
Whiten/a
Economically disadvantaged12%
Economically non-disadvantagedn/a
Students with disabilitiesn/a
Students without disabilities29%
English language learnersn/a
Proficient in English26%
Non-migrant23%
Scale: % meeting or exceeding standards

About the tests


In 2011-2012 Minnesota used Minnesota Comprehensive Assessment-II Graduation-Required Assessments for Diploma (MCA-II/GRAD) to test students in grade 9 in writing, 10 in reading, and 11 in math. The MCA-II/GRAD is a standards-based test, which means it measures specific skills defined for each grade by the state of Minnesota. Students must pass the MCA-II/GRAD in order to graduate from high school. The goal is for all students to score at or above the state standard.

The different student groups are identified by the Minnesota Department of Education. If there are fewer than 10 students in a particular group in a school, data is not reported for that group.

See Minnesota's state standards

Source: Minnesota Department of Education

Math

All Students4%
Female4%
Male5%
Black6%
Asian/Pacific Islandern/a
Hispanicn/a
Native Americann/a
White6%
Economically disadvantaged0%
Economically non-disadvantaged10%
Students with disabilities7%
Students without disabilities3%
English language learnersn/a
Proficient in English4%
Non-migrant4%
Scale: % meeting or exceeding standards

About the tests


In 2011-2012 Minnesota used Minnesota Comprehensive Assessment-II Graduation-Required Assessments for Diploma (MCA-II/GRAD) to test students in grade 9 in writing, 10 in reading, and 11 in math. The MCA-II/GRAD is a standards-based test, which means it measures specific skills defined for each grade by the state of Minnesota. Students must pass the MCA-II/GRAD in order to graduate from high school. The goal is for all students to score at or above the state standard.

The different student groups are identified by the Minnesota Department of Education. If there are fewer than 10 students in a particular group in a school, data is not reported for that group.

See Minnesota's state standards

Source: Minnesota Department of Education

Science

The state average for Science was 52% in 2012.

10 students were tested at this school in 2012.

2012

 
 
10%
Scale: % meeting or exceeding standards

About the tests


In 2011-2012 Minnesota used the Minnesota Comprehensive Assessment-III (MCA-III) to test in math in grades 3 through 8, and in science for grades 5 and 8, and once in high school. The MCA-III is a standards-based test, which means it measures specific skills defined for each grade by the state of Minnesota. The goal is for all students to score at or above the state standard.

See Minnesota's state standards

Source: Minnesota Department of Education

Science

All Students10%
Femalen/a
Malen/a
Blackn/a
Asian/Pacific Islandern/a
Hispanicn/a
Native Americann/a
Whiten/a
Economically disadvantagedn/a
Economically non-disadvantagedn/a
Students with disabilitiesn/a
Students without disabilitiesn/a
English language learnersn/a
Proficient in Englishn/a
Non-migrant10%
Scale: % meeting or exceeding standards

About the tests


In 2011-2012 Minnesota used the Minnesota Comprehensive Assessment-III (MCA-III) to test in math in grades 3 through 8, and in science for grades 5 and 8, and once in high school. The MCA-III is a standards-based test, which means it measures specific skills defined for each grade by the state of Minnesota. The goal is for all students to score at or above the state standard.

The different student groups are identified by the Minnesota Department of Education. If there are fewer than 10 students in a particular group in a school, data is not reported for that group.

See Minnesota's state standards

Source: Minnesota Department of Education

Breaking down the GreatSchools Rating

GreatSchools Ratings are based on the most recent standardized test results for schools. Use the breakdown ratings below to compare types of students at this school. Learn more »


Student ethnicity

Ethnicity This school State average
White 40% 74%
Black 24% 9%
Hispanic 24% 7%
Asian 6% 6%
Two or more races 4% 2%
American Indian/Alaska Native 2% 2%
Hawaiian Native/Pacific Islander 1% 0%
Source: NCES, 2010-2011

Student subgroups

  This school District averageState average
Students eligible for free or reduced-price lunch program 52%N/A37%
Source: NCES, 2010-2011

College readiness and student pathways

Students typically attend these schools prior to attending this school Burnsville High School
Colleges most students attend after graduation Inver Hills Community College
Normandale Community College
Read more about resources at this school
Source: Manually entered by a school official.

Student-teacher ratio

  This school District averageState average
Students per FTE teacher 10N/A16
Source: NCES, 2008-2009

Special education / special needs

Level of special education programming offered
  • Moderate - the school consistently offers a full program for particular special education needs
Extra learning resources offered
  • Differentiated learning programs

Science, Technology, Engineering, & Math (STEM)

School facilities
  • Computer lab
  • Science lab
Vocational or skills-based training offered
  • Auto mechanics
  • Computer programming
  • Engineering
  • IT support

Arts & music

School facilities
  • Art room
Vocational or skills-based training offered
  • Industrial / graphic design

Language learning

Level of ESL/ELL programming offered
  • Basic - the school offers or partners to provide services based on the needs of individual students

Health & athletics

School facilities
  • Gym
  • Kitchen
  • Multi-purpose room ("cafegymatorium")

Gifted & talented

Instructional and/or curriculum models used
  • Accelerated credit learning
  • Advanced placement courses
Extra learning resources offered
  • Acceleration
College preparation / awareness resources offered
  • College prep programs/courses during the year
  • College presentations or information sessions
  • Community college courses
  • School-sponsored trips to college campuses
  • Summer college prep programs
  • Visiting teachers or lecturers from colleges
School leaders can update this information here.

School basics

School start time
  • 7:35 am
School end time
  • 2:00 pm
School Leader's name
  • Janice Porter
Best ways for parents to contact the school
  • Phone
Gender
  • Coed
Special schedule
  • Block scheduling
  • Extended/longer school day
Is there an application process?
  • Yes
Fax number
  • (952) 707-4024

Programs

Instructional and/or curriculum models used

Don't understand these terms?
  • Accelerated credit learning
  • Advanced placement courses
  • Core knowledge
  • Independent Study
  • Individually guided instruction
  • Project-based
  • Virtual school
Bi-lingual or language immersion programs offered

Don't understand these terms?
  • No
Level of special education programming offered
  • Moderate - the school consistently offers a full program for particular special education needs
Foreign languages taught
  • None
Level of ESL/ELL programming offered
  • Basic - the school offers or partners to provide services based on the needs of individual students
Vocational or skills-based training offered
  • Auto mechanics
  • Computer programming
  • Construction / building
  • Culinary
  • Engineering
  • IT support
  • Industrial / graphic design

Resources

Extra learning resources offered
  • Acceleration
  • Career/college counseling
  • Counseling
  • Differentiated learning programs
  • Mentoring
  • Remediation
College preparation / awareness resources offered
  • College prep programs/courses during the year
  • College presentations or information sessions
  • Community college courses
  • School-sponsored trips to college campuses
  • Summer college prep programs
  • Visiting teachers or lecturers from colleges
Transportation provided for students by the school / district
  • Passes/tokens for public transportation
  • School shares bus/van with other schools
School facilities
  • Art room
  • Cafeteria
  • College/career center
  • Computer lab
  • Gym
  • Internet access
  • Kitchen
  • Learning lab
  • Library
  • Multi-purpose room ("cafegymatorium")
  • Science lab
School leaders can update this information here.

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What are your chances?


10 out of 10students were accepted for the 2011-2012 school year.


Students accepted for the 2011-2012 school year
145
Applications received for the 2011-2012 school year
150
Students typically come from these schools
Burnsville High School

Planning ahead

Students typically attend these schools after graduating
Inver Hills Community College
Normandale Community College
College preparation / awareness offered
College prep programs/courses during the year
College presentations or information sessions
Community college courses
Summer college prep programs
School-sponsored trips to college campuses
Visiting teachers or lecturers from colleges
Notice an inaccuracy? Let us know!

2140 Diffley Rd
Eagan, MN 55122
Website: Click here
Phone: (952) 707-4020

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