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Welcome to East African Elementary
Saint Paul Public Schools is honored to introduce a new elementary school focused on East African cultures and languages of Somali, Amharic, Oromo, Tigrinya, Arabic and Swahili. We welcome you to this exciting new high-quality education program taught by licensed teachers and filled with staff who reflect the diversity of our program. We inspire students to think critically, pursue their dreams and change the world.
Come see what we're all about!
East African Elementary Magnet
at a glance
Honoring and celebrating East African language and culture from countries such as Djibouti, Eritrea, Ethiopia, Kenya, Somalia, Sudan, South Sudan, Tanzania and Uganda, and the languages of Somali, Amharic, Oromo, Tigrinya, Arabic and Swahili.
As the state's second-largest school district, SPPS is home to some of the most diverse schools in the state, where students from all walks of life and cultural backgrounds come together to learn and grow. Based on SPPS data on families’ home languages, East African students represent approximately 7.5% of the district’s K-12 enrollment (approximately 2,400 students). According to census data, 2.7% of the population in the Twin Cities metro area speak an East African language at home.
The school focuses on the cultures and languages of East Africa, specifically the countries of Djibouti, Eritrea, Ethiopia, Kenya, Somalia, Sudan, South Sudan, Tanzania and Uganda, and the languages of Somali, Amharic, Oromo, Tigrinya, Arabic and Swahili.
Dr. Adam sees his role as a public intellectual with a determination to build a strong, nurturing school community that ensures success for all students. Dr. Adam has been with Saint Paul Public Schools since 1997 as an ELL teacher, community specialist, and administrator. Most recently, he served as assistant principal at Highland Park High School. He is guided by the Somali proverb, "Lack of Education is Lack of Light," and believes every child has the right to a world-class 21st century education.
East African Elementary Magnet School is being designed in collaboration with members of the East African community who have asked the district for a high-quality, culturally responsive educational program that meets their needs.