Back-to-School Newsletter

From the Principal

Christ’s abundant blessings to you and your family as we begin another school year! It is with great excitement that I welcome both our returning families and those who are joining the Concordia Academy community for the first time. We are truly grateful that God has led you here, and we look forward to partnering with you throughout the year ahead.

At Concordia Academy, we believe education is about much more than academic achievement. Our desire is to help each student grow intellectually, spiritually, socially, and emotionally through a Christ-centered learning environment. Every day, we strive to point students to Jesus while equipping them with the knowledge, character, and confidence they need to faithfully serve Him in their homes, churches, and communities.

Our theme for the 2026–2027 school year, “Backward Blessings,” will seek to show our community just how blessed we are because of His calling on our lives—even when those blessings seem backward in our brokenness. It is our prayer that every student will deepen their relationship with Christ while discovering the unique gifts and opportunities He has prepared for them.

Thank you for placing your trust in us and allowing us to be part of your student’s educational journey. We consider it a tremendous privilege to partner with your family as we encourage, challenge, and support each student throughout the year. I also invite you to stay connected, ask questions, and share your thoughts as we continue building a strong school community together.

We eagerly anticipate all that God has in store for this school year and look forward to celebrating the many moments of learning, faith, friendship, and growth that await us.

May the Lord richly bless you and your family as we begin this exciting new season together!

In Christ’s Love,

Mrs. Jasmine Anderson, M.Ed., ATC 
Principal

Beacon Kickoff on Aug. 20

Our Beacon Kickoff on Aug. 20 will be filled with activities designed to help students and families get ready for a fantastic new school year. It includes the following events.

New Student and Family Orientation | Aug. 20, 5 – 8 pm

New 9th graders and all new transfer students, along with their parents or guardians, should plan to attend this event.

At orientation, new students will:

• Have their pictures taken for student IDs.
• Walk through their class schedules and see how the lunch line works.
• Learn about high school life and co-curricular activities.
• Receive their Chromebooks.

Parents and guardians will:

• Hear about the mission and vision of CA.
• Learn about academic opportunities and student support.
• Learn about life at CA, including attendance policies and more.
• Receive students’ schedules, meet teachers, and learn about classes.

Dinner is not served, but we will have lots of delicious snacks for you. The night will be capped off with ice cream treats.

Community Meet & Greet for All Families | Aug. 20, 6:30 – 8 pm 

Our new Community Meet & Greet is the successor to Back-to-School Night, and it’s designed to let all CA parents explore our school and connect with teachers at their own pace.

What to Expect

• Freedom to Explore: Call up your student’s schedule in Educate, then visit classrooms and meet teachers in whatever order you like.
• Course Previews: Pick up important course info, ask questions, and get a sneak peek at the upcoming year.
• Community Connection: Even if you’ve attended our traditional nights before, we highly encourage you to come out, say hello, and connect with the amazing team supporting your student this year.

Event Details & Tips

• Arrive Early: Plan to get here a few minutes before the start time so you have plenty of time to pick up your materials.
• Sweet Ending: Be sure to stick around for ice cream treats at the end of the night!

Don’t miss this chance to make lots of connections before the new school year starts.

Mandatory College Course Orientation | Aug. 20, 1:30 pm

Students taking college classes this year are required to attend the mandatory College On Campus orientation session in CA’s auditorium. Concordia University, St. Paul staff and Ms. Mack will share necessary information about college courses. Even if you have previously taken a college course, you still need to attend. Failure to attend may result in you not having information that professors and CA will hold you accountable for. Parents are also encouraged to attend and listen to the information. Email [email protected] with questions. 

Important note: Students may use their school-issued Chromebooks for college courses. However, if a class requires more advanced technology, a specialized laptop will be provided by CA. Information on how to obtain these devices will be provided during the College on Campus orientation.

Student Photos, Chromebook Distribution, & Yearbook Pickup | Aug. 20, 1:30 – 3:30 pm

1:30-2:30 PM — Sophomore ID Photos in the Dance Studio

2:30-3:30 PM — Junior/Senior ID Photos in the Dance Studio 

1:30-3:30 PM — Chromebook Distribution in the Commons

1:30-3:30 PM — Yearbook Pickup in the Commons  

3:30 PM — Worship Team Rehearsal in the Auditorium

All returning students will have their school picture taken on Aug. 20 between 1:30 and 3:30 pm; please note your scheduled time slot above. New students will have their photos taken at New Student Orientation.

Once again, we will use JostensPIX for school photos. Students can preview pictures before buying them, personalize photos with various backgrounds, and utilize many other features. Click here to view the flyer and get information about the available options. Students should NOT wear green clothing for their pictures, as it will disappear into the background. Photos will be available for online ordering a few days after they are taken. Go to shop.jostenspix.com and use the Event Code FE103826. Picture retake day is Friday, Sept. 11.

While returning students are at CA for photos, they may pick up yearbooks and purchase parking passes from Mrs. Katrina Davis in the front office. Students must submit the parking pass form and payment before receiving a parking pass.

Class Schedule Information

Student schedules can be accessed in Educate by Aug. 1 using the steps detailed below. New families will receive copies of their student’s schedules at New Student and Family Orientation during Beacon Kickoff.

• After Aug. 1, once you are logged in to Educate, use the left nav bar to open “My Profile” under “School.” 
• Under your student’s name, select the “Schedule” tab, and open “Schedule” (not “Courses”). 
• Click the arrow to advance the date to Aug. 18 (and then to Aug. 19) to see your student’s Green and White Day schedules with room numbers. 
• If you select “Courses,” you will see the schedule without room numbers. Room numbers are only listed under the “Schedule” view.
• If you have trouble logging in to Educate, please contact Rose Hexum at [email protected] to reset your password.

Starting August 1, please use this electronic form for any schedule change requests. To help us process everyone’s changes as efficiently as possible, we ask that you use this form instead of emailing us directly.

We will review and process requests in the order they are received. For your convenience, a master schedule is linked directly within the form. Please review the master schedule before submitting your form to make sure all your desired changes fit together.

Please keep in mind these guidelines:

• One Free Request Window: Students are welcome to request as many changes as they need, but please submit them all in one single form per semester.
• Additional Requests: If you need to make changes after your first submission, we will certainly consider them, but please note they will incur a $20 fee.
• After August 21: Any schedule requests made after this date will incur a $20 late fee. These requests will need to be made in person by visiting the guidance office.

Students who would like to be a teacher aide should reach out to the teacher to request this. Teachers who agree to having an aide will fill out a form to add that block to the student’s schedule. This will not be counted against your one-time schedule change request per semester. Until this is completed, students should report to their previously scheduled class (usually a study hall). We are also working to develop a student tech team to help students gain skills they can put on a resume! Anyone interested in serving as a tech aide to receive 0.25 credit (and new skills) can email [email protected].

Welcome to Our New Staff!

We are thrilled to welcome these talented, dynamic, faithful individuals to Concordia Academy! We asked them each to introduce themselves to the CA community.

Emily Herman — Community Engagement Coordinator  

Hi, I’m Emily Herman! I was born and raised in the Twin Cities, and I currently live in Shoreview with my husband Greg, our children Brady and Kata, and our dog Buddy. In my free time, I love watching my kids participate in sports and productions, volunteering at church, hosting friends and family, and dreaming of family vacations (especially to our favorite spot: Disney World). I have spent a decade working in Admissions and Development, first at the University of Northwestern, and most recently at North Heights Christian Academy. I’m excited to serve in CA’s Mission Advancement department and to get to know this amazing community!

Rachel Zinter — Math Teacher, STEM Cohort Advisor, & NHS Advisor

Hi, I’m Rachel Zinter, and I am thrilled to return to Concordia Academy’s math department after a 15-year hiatus, teaching and coaching volleyball at Nova Classical Academy and St. Agnes School. As a proud 1998 alumna, I have deep roots at CA; my husband, Jimmy (’88), and our children, Shaina (’22) and Judah (’25), are also graduates.

I hold a B.S. in Secondary Education (Math/Geography) from Concordia University Nebraska and will be teaching Advanced Algebra and Pre-Calculus this year, while also supporting the STEM Cohort and National Honor Society. Outside the classroom, I enjoy coaching, going to the lake, playing cards, hanging out with my two dogs, and solving 1000-piece jigsaw puzzles in record time.

This spring marks my 20th year coaching hurdles at CA. After stepping away for just one season, I feel God (with a little help from friends) drew me right back in, and I am incredibly grateful to be back home.

Melanie Corrow — Social Studies Teacher

Hello! My name is Melanie Corrow, and I am thrilled to join the CA team as the new Western Civilization teacher. I hold degrees in K-12 ESL and Bible from the University of Northwestern in Roseville. Before starting a family, I taught in St. Paul Public Schools, where I gained 15+ years of diverse experience teaching High School and Middle School ESL, and Bilingual Science and Social Studies.  

Growing up as a missionary kid in Mexico deeply shaped my worldview, and it is my joy to bring that global perspective into our study of Western Civilization. My teaching style intentionally integrates Biblical principles with critical thinking. I am deeply dedicated to fostering both academic excellence and spiritual growth, striving to live out Colossians 3:23 as I guide the students to discover their God-given potential. Most importantly, I want to challenge and encourage the students to stand firm in their faith—just as Joshua 1:9 encourages us—even in a culture that constantly pressures them to conform.

A little bit about me: When I am not teaching, you can find me spending time with my extended family, gardening, or reading. My husband Vidal and I are the proud parents of two fantastic teenagers. 

Thank you for trusting me with your children this year. I can’t wait to get to know them and have an incredible year together!

Hannah Jacott — Life Science Teacher

Hello! My name is Hannah Jacott, and I am a new Life Science teacher here at Concordia Academy. I grew up on a small farm in rural Nebraska and went to Bethel University to run track and field and complete my undergraduate degree in Biokinetics. I recently finished my Master’s in Teaching program to become a life science teacher through Bethel University and now live in Saint Paul with my husband, Will, and our cat, Stinky. Things that bring me joy are spending time in nature, whether that be bird watching, hiking, camping, or plant identification, trying new restaurants with my husband, or watching Minnesota sports, both on TV or in person. My passion and curiosity for the natural world connect me to God as I take joy in studying his creation. I’m so excited to join the CA team and share my love for learning about this beautiful world we live in!

Katrina Davis – Front Office Administrative Assistant

Hi, I’m Katrina Davis, and I’ve been married to my husband, Tommy, for 18 years. We have two daughters: Addie, who is 13, and Gabby, who is 9.

I grew up in the Twin Cities, attended Bethel University, and began my career working at the YMCA and then in Student Life at Bethel before stepping away to raise our family. Since then, I’ve had the opportunity to work in Kids Ministry at Calvary Church, and for the past four years, I’ve worked in the front office at North Heights Christian Academy.

I love spending time with my family and friends, staying active, and being part of a strong community. I’m excited to join the team at Concordia and look forward to getting to know the students, families, and staff!

Jon Taylor — Social Studies Teacher

Hi, my name is Jon Taylor. I am joining Concordia Academy to teach U.S. History, as I love helping history come alive for students. I earned my BA in Political Science and my MA in History and Systematic Theology from Wheaton College, and I am currently working on my Doctor of Ministry. I previously taught college history at Trinity International University. My wife of 24 years, Karla, and I have three kids, including a CA graduate and a current sophomore, so Concordia is already home for our family.

Hannah Litzinger — Dance Teacher

Hi, my name is Hannah Litzinger. I will be teaching the Dance 2 class in the spring semester! I graduated from Concordia University, St Paul in December 2024 with an Exercise Science B.S. Degree. I will also be coaching Sideline Cheer in the fall season and JV Dance in the winter season at CA! I have over 20 years of experience in dance training and eight years of experience in teaching dance. When I’m not at CA, I work at the StretchLab, dance professionally in the Twin Cities, and do freelance choreography for different theatres and schools.

2026 Staffing Role Changes

Several familiar CA faces will return with new roles this year.

Rose Hexum — Registrar:  Mrs. Hexum served previously as Front Office Administrative Assistant for seven years. She’ll continue to faithfully serve the CA community in her new role as registrar. 

Chris Frank — Math Teacher:  Mr. Frank joined the Concordia Academy faculty last semester as a Physical Science teacher, and we are thrilled to welcome him officially to our Math Department. Mr. Frank earned a Bachelor of Science in Chemical Engineering from the University of Wisconsin, Madison, and a Juris Doctor from William Mitchell College of Law. He is a registered patent attorney with more than 20 years of experience working alongside scientists and engineers across a wide range of technology fields. In addition to his legal career, he is a passionate and accomplished educator. In 2013, he founded the Master of Science in Patent Law program at the University of Minnesota Law School, where he designed the program’s entire 30-credit curriculum. He continues to serve as an adjunct professor, preparing the next generation of patent law professionals. Mr. Frank and his wife, Sharra, are also valued members of the CA community as parents of Milo, who will be a sophomore this fall.

Nick Anderson — Online Health and Science Teacher:   Mr. Anderson joined the Concordia Academy faculty last semester as our Science of Wellness teacher, and we are excited to expand his role. He will be teaching online courses in Health, Physical Education, and Science of Wellness. Mr. Anderson earned a Bachelor of Science in Athletic Training from the University of Wisconsin, Eau Claire, and a Master of Science in Athletic Administration from Concordia University, Irvine. He brings more than 25 years of experience serving Christian high schools in Southern California as an athletic trainer and strength and conditioning coach. Prior to relocating to Minnesota, he also served in the same capacity with the Orange County Fire Department. In addition to serving our students, Mr. Anderson and his wife, Jasmine, are proud members of the CA community as parents of Norah, an incoming freshman, and Autumn, who will be a sophomore this fall.

Christina Bensus — Resource and Spanish Teacher:  This year, Mrs. Bensus will continue supporting students in the Resource Program while also teaching Spanish. She holds a Bachelor of Arts in Evangelism with a minor in Cross-Cultural Outreach from Concordia University, St. Paul. Her extensive missionary experience and passion for sharing languages and cultures enrich the learning experience for her students. Mrs. Bensus and her husband, Jorge, are valued members of the CA community. Their youngest daughter, Elissa, graduated with the CA Class of 2026, reflecting their family’s longstanding commitment to the school.

Sarah Masek — Online Floral Design Teacher:  Mrs. Masek is thrilled to be returning to CA this year (even in a small capacity)! She was on staff here for eight years before taking some time away from the classroom to stay home with her three young children. Sarah has always loved helping students grow not only as readers, writers, and thinkers, but also in their relationship with Jesus. She loves pointing students to the truth, goodness, and beauty of God’s Word while encouraging appreciation for the incredible world He has made. On the off chance that she has ventured away from her beloved living room/childcare area, you may find her pushing a large stroller, arranging flowers, baking sourdough, or spending time with her family. She is so grateful to be back at Concordia and looks forward to reconnecting with familiar faces and meeting new ones!

Important Weekly Communication

Each Friday during the school year, the CA Update is emailed to all CA families. That email is your primary source of information about news and events at Concordia Academy. After moving to a biweekly schedule during the summer, CA Update emails return to a weekly schedule on August. 7. (Please note that these emails may be in your “Newsletters,” “Promotions,” or “SPAM” folders.) If you do not receive the CA Update email on Aug. 7 or you would like CA Update emails sent to an additional email address, click here.

Senior College Application Workshop

All seniors are invited to the guidance office’s annual free College Application Workshop Day on Aug. 11. This workshop will help seniors kickstart their college application process. Students will be given time, support, and training on:

• Filling out college applications to make them stand out
• College essay tips and proofing
• Organizational tricks to help stay on top of deadlines and track apps
• Understanding how college admissions decisions work

This free workshop is designed to help all seniors minimize the stress of college applications during their busy school year. RSVPs are encouraged but not required. Please email [email protected] with questions.

Student Release

Student Release  is an earned privilege available to the following:

• Seniors who have a study hall in the first or last block. This will show up as a “Release” in Educate.
• Students taking college classes in the first or last block of the day that are not meeting on a particular day.
• Any student taking an online class whose open period falls in the first or last block of the day.

Parents or guardians must complete this release form before a Student Release takes effect. Parents and students should carefully review the policies detailed in that form, including the fact that students need to be on time for all Beacon Blocks. Students who do not adhere to the policies outlined in the Parent and Student Handbook regarding Student Release will lose this privilege. If a student fills out the release form (and not the parent), Student Release will not be granted. If your student is still making changes to their schedule, you can proactively fill out the release form to cover any applicable blocks after the schedule change.

Student Drop-Off, Pick-Up, and Parking

All students and staff are required to display a Concordia Academy Parking ID when parking in the lot during the regular school day. IDs cost $40 each. Students may purchase parking passes using this form. Overflow parking will again be on Lovell Avenue, in the south lot at King of Kings (look for the marked spaces), and at the Buddhist temple two blocks east of the school on Lovell. CA vehicles parked on the north side of King of Kings will be towed. Parking is also not allowed on the north side of County Road B2, at Central Park School, or in Concordia Academy’s two lots behind the school. Cars parked either inappropriately or illegally may be ticketed and/or towed at the student’s expense. Please remember that only cars with an accessible parking permit displayed should be parked in the blue accessible parking spaces. Please also remember that students, parents, guardians, and staff should never park in visitor spaces.

Pick-up Reminder: When picking up students between 2:55 and 3:10 pm, you will need to enter the parking lot by going west on Lovell. You will not be able to enter the parking lot by traveling east on Lovell from Dale.

STAR Family Service Hours

At Concordia Academy, we thrive when we “live, work, and play together in Christian community.” To help keep tuition costs manageable and, more importantly, to build meaningful connections, we require each of our families to contribute 10 hours of service to CA. These STAR hours (Serving Together Advancing Relationships) are a wonderful way to get involved in the heartbeat of our school and directly support our students.

There are many flexible ways to serve that fit different schedules and talents. You can get involved by helping at major events like Homecoming, our annual Gala, concerts, plays, Vision4Life, or school clean-up days. We also warmly welcome volunteers to tutor students, assist with office work, help with facilities maintenance, or work in the concession stands at athletic events.

During the first week of school, your family will receive a link to sign up for Helper Helper, the online platform we use to track volunteer hours. Please only register for one account per family. This account will allow you to easily view and sign up for an ever-growing list of service opportunities throughout the year.

We ask that all STAR hours be completed or committed to by May 1. Because we know some seasons of life are incredibly hectic, we also offer a financial option for families who are unable to volunteer. Any uncompleted hours at the end of the year will be billed at a rate of $20 per hour, or you can choose a complete buyout for $200. 

Thank you so much for partnering with us to make this school year a success for our entire community.

Senior Retreat

Members of the Class of 2027 will kick off the school year with a senior retreat at Camp Omega on Aug. 26-27! The retreat is a valuable part of the senior year experience at CA, and it’s also a fun opportunity to jumpstart the year and connect with your classmates. As such, the retreat is required for all Concordia Academy seniors.

Seniors will leave during the school day on Aug. 26 and return by the end of the school day on the 27th. An email with specific details will be sent the week of Aug. 3. The form found here must be completed for a student to attend. To accommodate dietary restrictions, the form must be submitted by Aug. 7.

Additionally, we are looking to use a Thrivent Action Team Grant for the retreat. If you or someone you know has an Action Team Grant available, please contact Andrew Asp at [email protected].

Athletic Parent Meetings on Aug. 19 

A meeting for parents of all fall athletes will take place on Wednesday, Aug. 19, at 6 pm. MSHSL and CA rules and procedures for athletes will be discussed, followed by smaller meetings with coaches to share philosophies and expectations for each team.

Fall Sports Information

Fall sports start on Aug. 17. Here are some important details.

Physicals

In order to participate in Concordia Academy athletics, a student must have a current physical (within three years) and be registered for each sport. Students whose physicals expired last year or will expire this coming school year will need a new physical before starting any sport in 2026-2027.

Click here for a copy of the physical form that the doctor will need to sign. Please keep that form, as you will need to upload page 1 (or the page with the doctor’s signature) when registering for sports.

New Online Athletic Registration

The Skyline Conference is changing its platform for scheduling/calendar and athlete registration, beginning with the 2026-2027 school year; we will now use Bound Sports Registration. Registration information and instructions for using the new site were included in the CA Update email on Friday, July 24. Please ensure you have a copy of your student’s physical that is current within the last three years. If you need to obtain a copy from your doctor or your student needs a new physical, please take care of this soon.

Sports Practice Times

Below are practice times for the week before school begins. During these times, coaches will distribute additional information about practices for the remainder of the season. If you have questions, please email the coach listed for the sport.

CROSS COUNTRY
Aug. 17–21, 8-9:30 am
Location: Meet in the front lobby at CA
Coach: Jason Acosta, [email protected]

FOOTBALL
Aug. 17 — Practice 3:00-7:00 pm (Be at school by 2:30 pm to take care of any equipment needs.)
Aug. 18 — Practice 3:00-7:00 pm
Aug. 19 — Practice 3:00-7:00 pm
Aug. 20 — Practice 2:00-6:00 pm (New students and Student Ambassadors will be released early.)
Aug. 21 — Volunteering at Golf Tournament, Shifts TBD
Aug. 22 — Practice, 8:30-11:00 am
Location: CA
Coach: Bob Wolf, [email protected]

BOYS SOCCER 
Aug. 17,18, 19, 7–8:45 am and 3:15–4:45 pm (tryouts)
Beginning Aug. 20, 3:15-4:45 pm
Location: CA Practice Fields
Coach: Andrew Burkart, [email protected]

GIRLS SOCCER 
Aug. 17–21, 9-10:30 am and 3:30–5:15 pm
Location: CA Football Field
Coach: Julie Anderson, [email protected]

VOLLEYBALL
Aug. 17 — Tryouts: 3:00-5:00 pm (all 10th- 12th graders), 6:00-8:00 pm (all 9th graders)
Players will be assigned to one of the two tryout time slots for Tuesday, Aug. 18, at the conclusion of Monday’s tryout.
Aug. 18 — Tryouts: 3:00-5:00 pm (Team Evaluation Group A), 6:00-8:00 pm (Team Evaluation Group B)
Aug. 19 — Tryouts (All Players): 10:00 am – 12:00 pm (Teams will be determined)
Aug. 20 — Varsity: 9-11:30 am, JV: 12-2:30 pm, C Team: 12-2:30 pm
Aug. 21 — Varsity: 9:00 am – 7 pm (practice, team event, and golf tournament help), JV: 7-9 am, C Team: 4:30-6:30 pm (subject to change)
Location: CA
Coach: Kim Duis, [email protected]

Beacon Athletic Booster Club

If your student is an athlete, we want you to join us in the Beacon Athletic Booster Club! CA is proud to offer rich opportunities to cultivate strong character and talent in our athletes. We have incredible support from parents and volunteers, and we are excited to see the Booster Club lift Beacon athletics to the next level. If you are interested in participating, email [email protected].  

Hot Lunch Information 

Welcome to Concordia Academy’s Dining Services for 2026-2027.

We strive to support CA families by providing healthy nourishment to keep students focused and ready for success. Please read this information carefully regarding the lunch program for the upcoming year, as some actions are required to participate. 

1. All payments for lunch are pre-funded through Educate, the same platform families use for grades and class schedules.
   
   
2. Payments can be entered online by parents from the Household portal in Educate (available after Aug. 1):
   • From the dashboard, locate the Point of Sale Balance widget, and click the Add a Payment button.
   • From the school> Cafeteria menu, click the Add a Payment button (this screen will show individual payments and orders, while the widget displays the current balance only). 
   • For multi-student households, please note that all students in a household are linked to a single payment account.
3. There is no need to pre-order lunch. Students wishing to purchase lunch on any given day will enter the cafeteria serving area and have their student IDs scanned. The lunch cost of $6 will be deducted from the student’s Educate balance, and the student will proceed through the Cafeteria Serving Area to select from:
   • Featured entrée of the day
   • Soup/Salad or Sandwich Bar 
   • Selection of other options, including items such as pizza, burgers, chicken sandwiches, wraps, and more
4. All meal options include fruit, beverage (water or milk), and dessert. 
   
   
5. Supplemental items will be available for purchase at the à la carte store. These include fruit cups, nuts, cheese, beverages, dessert items, chips, and more. All purchases must be pre-funded through the Educate account. No cash or other forms of payment will be accepted. 
   
   
6. The daily cafeteria menu will be available at www.concordiaacademy.com/lunch. If you have specific dietary requirements, please reach out to Julie Lynch ([email protected]) to discuss possible accommodations. 

Thank you for participating in our school lunch program!

Peanut Policy

A number of our students have severe life-threatening peanut allergies, which include airborne exposure to peanut dust. Contact with this allergen (ingested, touched, or inhaled) can result in an anaphylactic reaction (anaphylactic shock). Anaphylaxis is a serious allergic reaction that is rapid in onset and may cause death. For the safety of these students, we respectfully request the following: Please avoid sending loose peanuts (peanuts in the shell, sleeves of peanuts, dry roasted peanuts) or foods containing loose peanuts (such as trail mix) to school. Peanut butter/peanut-based products are still allowed in the cafeteria. Thank you for helping us care for each other.

Freshman School Supply List

A school supply list for freshmen is available by clicking here. Pens, paper, folders, etc. will be enough to get the year started for all other grades. Each teacher will tell students what other items they will need on the first day of class.

Documents & Links

The page on our website we most often refer people to is the “Documents & Links” page under “CA Families.” Important student forms, parent forms, and handbooks needed during the year can be found here, in addition to the bell schedule, the master schedule, and more. Click here to go to the “Documents & Links” page, then bookmark it or add it to your favorites!

Parents and students should pay attention to the Course Catalog and Parent & Student Handbook, containing information about attendance, dress code, etc. Parents and students are responsible for being aware of all information in the Parent & Student Handbook. If you have questions about CA’s policies and expectations, please contact CA’s principal, Mrs. Jasmine Anderson, at [email protected].

Transportation Options

CA will once again offer transportation to CA from Hudson and the east metro this year. Transportation is only available in the mornings. Cost is $750 per year (approximately $4.15 per day). For more information or to sign up, please contact Bob Wolf at [email protected].

Many of our CA families use carpooling to share rides with other families in their area. Carpooling is most common for morning drop-offs, as so many students participate in after-school activities. If this is something your family is interested in, our Admissions Team is ready to help! Please email [email protected] with your zip code and a few nearby zip codes so we can help make some connections.

Another option that might work for your family is utilizing a school ride-share company like SchoolRyde. Companies like this will provide safe transportation to and from school at an affordable cost. A Google search would do the trick for vetting companies that provide services like this and finding one that meets your needs.

Reporting Attendance

Please report absences, late arrivals, and early dismissals to the school by 9 am. All absences must be reported to the school office by a parent or guardian, not by a student (even if the student is 18). This can be done at www.concordiaacademy.com/attendance.

A student needing to leave during the school day will be issued a pass from the front office, allowing them to leave class at the time designated by the parent.

For more information about CA’s attendance policy, please see the Parent/Student Handbook.

Golf Tournament

The 23rd Annual Beacon Cup will be played on Friday, Aug. 21, at the beautiful Oak Glen golf course in Stillwater. Register online at www.concordiaacademy.com/golf. If you’re interested in being a sponsor or have questions, please contact Katie DeWitt at [email protected] or 651-796-2681.

Homecoming Week

Homecoming Week will be Sept. 28–Oct. 3! Early each year, this favorite event lets us gather together as a community, cheer on our Beacon athletes, and connect with past students and teachers. There will be Homecoming athletic games all week, ending with our big Homecoming football game, carnival, and alumni event on Friday, Oct. 2. Students will also have the opportunity to enjoy a Homecoming Dance on Saturday, Oct. 3. Be on the lookout for details after the start of the new school year.

Many parent volunteer positions need to be filled for Homecoming events on Friday, Oct. 2. For details, contact Lisa Sell ([email protected]) or refer to the Helper Helper for signup opportunities coming soon.

Tuition Fundraising Group

Are you interested in earning extra funds to help pay for tuition? Concordia Academy has a non-profit group made up of parents and guardians just like you who are committed to their children’s education. They work at concession stands at Target Field, U.S. Bank Stadium, and other locations. The environment is fun, and workers earn a percentage of sales (tax-free) that can be directed to support a school, church, or other non-profit organization of your choice. Required training is provided. If you are interested in joining this group or have questions about how it works and the potential earnings, please contact Doneta Johnston at [email protected]. She has worked at the venues and would be happy to share her experience with you. This opportunity is truly a blessing for many parents who are trying to pay tuition!

Senior Yearbook Photos

Senior photos, senior quotes, and senior Blast from the Past photos are all beloved portions of the CA yearbook. Specific requirements are in place for all three of these items. Click here to read those important details. The yearbook deadline for submitting these items is December 1. 

Calendar

The calendar page of our website features our full calendar, which is always the most up-to-date version available. You’ll also find a link to download a one-page academic calendar for 2026-2027.

Student Success Team

The Student Success Team is composed of school professionals who meet regularly to respond to referrals of students who may be struggling academically, socially, emotionally, or spiritually. The team strives to partner with families to respond in ways that will help a student have the best possible chance for success. Parents, guardians, coaches, teachers, and peers are encouraged to let the team know if a student needs support. Reach out to the team by emailing [email protected].

Holiday Craft Fair on Nov. 7 

The extremely popular CA Holiday Craft Fair returns on Nov. 7. Registration is now open for crafters and vendors, so if you have a small business, we’d love to have you participate. This event always fills up quickly, so mark your calendars and register as soon as possible if you’d like to join. Simply click here for more information. Alumni receive a special vendor discount.

Spring Gala on April 10

Plan now to attend “Abracadabra,” CA’s Spring Gala on Saturday, April 10! This annual event is CA’s biggest fundraiser of the year. It’s also one of the best parties of the year. Live entertainment, a fabulous dinner, auction items, and lots of laughter and fun are all part of this extraordinary event. All money raised goes to student scholarships and special projects benefiting CA students. 

In addition to attending the Gala, why not help in its planning and execution? Many hands are needed to pull off this important event. Helping with the Gala is also a great way to earn STAR hours. To learn more, email [email protected].

Make an Impact with Thrivent

Are you a Thrivent member? If so, you can help Concordia in big ways through Thrivent Choice Dollars and Thrivent Community Impact Cards. It’s easy and produces an immediate impact. Want to learn more? Contact Katrina Davis at [email protected].

Get Social with CA

Concordia Academy is active every day on social media. Be sure to “like” or “follow” us on Facebook, Instagram, and YouTube. As more people follow our accounts, we become more visible. In addition to event recaps, our social media channels are also used to make important school announcements, including school closings, late starts, and other relevant updates. Important notices are also posted at ConcordiaAcademy.com and are emailed to families.

New School Store

We are thrilled to announce that The Beacon Shop is moving to a permanent home this school year, located right in the Commons! Expanding on last year’s mobile pop-up, the shop will now be open several days a week after school and during various school events, including select athletic games and matches (official hours will be posted soon). Parents and students can look forward to a wide variety of clothing, gear, and Beacon accessories. More than just a retail space, The Beacon Shop will serve as a hands-on learning lab integrated with our new Business Cohort. We would love your input as we kick off this new venture; if you have any questions or product suggestions, please email Kim Dunn at [email protected].

Concordia Academy, in partnership with BSN, also continues to offer an online clothing store. Throughout the year, watch the CA weekly update email for seasonal team stores and special sales.

BEAMS Middle School Athletics

Do you have a middle-school student looking to build athletic skills and connect with the CA community? Then check out our BEAMS (Beacon Elementary and Middle School) Athletics program. We will offer football in the fall for 6th-8th grade boys. We offer boys and girls basketball for 5th-8th graders in the winter. The year wraps up with track and field for 5th-8th grade boys and girls in the spring. BEAMS Athletics is designed to offer opportunities for athletic growth and competition that will complement…not replace…the sports offerings at students’ current schools.

Click here to get more details and register for BEAMS.

Beacon Buddies Elementary Athletics 

Beacon Buddies offers athletic camp options on Saturday mornings for future Beacons in 1st-4th grades. Opportunities include boys and girls soccer in the fall and boys and girls basketball in the winter. Beacon Buddies is led by CA coaches and student-athletes. These Christian coaches and mentors help participants develop athletic interests, improve fundamental athletic skills, make friends, and build community. More information and registration for Beacon Buddies is available at www.concordiaacademy.com/beaconbuddies.

The Fine Print

Admissions Policy

Concordia Academy admits students of any race, color, national, and ethnic origin to all rights, privileges, programs, and activities generally accorded or made available to students at the school. It does not discriminate in the administration of its policies, scholarship and loan programs, athletic or other administered programs.

2026-2027 School Year Asbestos Notification

As a result of recent federal legislation (Asbestos Hazard Emergency Response Act – AHERA), each primary and secondary school in the nation is required to complete a stringent new inspection for asbestos and to develop a plan of management for all asbestos-containing building materials.  

Concordia Academy has a goal to be in full compliance with this law and is following the spirit, as well as the letter of the law. As a matter of policy, Concordia Academy shall continue to maintain a safe and healthful environment for our community’s youth and employees.

In keeping with this legislation, all buildings (including portables and support buildings) owned or leased by the school district were inspected by EPA-accredited inspectors, and samples were analyzed by an independent laboratory. Based on the inspection, the district prepared and the state approved a comprehensive management plan for handling the asbestos located within its buildings safely and responsibly.

Federal law requires a periodic walk-through (called “surveillance”) every six months of each area containing asbestos. Also, the law requires that all buildings be reinspected three years after a management plan is in effect. This will be accomplished under contract by MacNeil Environmental, Inc.

Concordia Academy has a list of the location(s), type(s) of asbestos-containing materials found in the school building, with a description and timetable for their proper management. A copy of the Asbestos Management Plan is available for review upon request. Questions related to the plan should be directed to the district office, which will establish contact with our Account Manager under contract with MacNeil Environmental, Inc. To reach MacNeil Environmental, Inc. to discuss the management of our asbestos materials or with any questions, MEI is available at 800.704.9847.

Use of Pest and Weed Control Materials 

Concordia Academy personnel may apply pest/weed control materials inside or on school grounds as needed. The school also utilizes a licensed, professional lawn service for the prevention and control of weeds on the school grounds.

These control materials are registered by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and are selected and applied according to label directions. The long-term health effects on children from the application of such pest/weed control materials or the class of materials to which they belong may not be fully understood.

An estimated schedule of herbicide/pesticide applications is available for review or copying in the school office. Parents of students may request to receive, at their expense, prior notification of any application of a pest/weed control material, should such an application be deemed necessary on a day different from the days specified in the schedule.