The Next Step serves 84 students in grades 11-12.
The student-teacher ratio of 11:1 is lower than the Minnesota state level of 13:1.
Minority enrollment is 58% of the student body (majority Black and Asian), which is higher than the Minnesota state average of 40% (majority Black and Hispanic).
Quick Facts (2026)
- School Type: Special education school
- Grades: 11-12
- Enrollment: 84 students
- Student-Teacher Ratio: 11:1
- Minority Enrollment: 58%
- Graduation Rate: <50% (Top 1% in MN)
- Source: National Center for Education Statistics (NCES), MN Dept. of Education
Top Rankings
The Next Step ranks among the top 20% of public schools in Minnesota for:
Category
Attribute
Diversity
Percent Eligible For Free Lunch
Student Attention
School Overview
The Next Step's student population of 84 students has declined by 17% over five school years.
The teacher population of 8 teachers has declined by 20% over five school years.
School Type
Grades Offered
Grades 11-12
(No virtual instruction)
(No virtual instruction)
Total Students
84 students
Total Classroom Teachers
8 teachers
Year Founded
1967
School Calendar
School Rankings
The diversity score of The Next Step is 0.74, which is more than the diversity score at state average of 0.60. The school's diversity has stayed relatively flat over five school years.
Student-Teacher Ratio
11:1
13:1
American Indian
1%
2%
Asian
16%
7%
Hispanic
14%
12%
Black
20%
12%
White
42%
60%
Hawaiian
n/a
n/a
Two or more races
7%
7%
All Ethnic Groups
Graduation Rate
(13-14)<50%
82%
Eligible for Free Lunch
62%
34%
Eligible for Reduced Lunch
4%
7%
School Statewide Testing
School District Name
North St. Paul-Maplewood Oakdale School District
Source: National Center for Education Statistics (NCES), MN Dept. of Education
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the graduation rate of The Next Step?
The graduation rate of The Next Step is 50%, which is lower than the Minnesota state average of 82%.
How many students attend The Next Step?
84 students attend The Next Step.
What is the racial composition of the student body?
42% of The Next Step students are White, 20% of students are Black, 16% of students are Asian, 14% of students are Hispanic, 7% of students are Two or more races, and 1% of students are American Indian.
What is the student-teacher ratio of The Next Step?
The Next Step has a student ration of 11:1, which is lower than the Minnesota state average of 13:1.
What grades does The Next Step offer ?
The Next Step offers enrollment in grades 11-12 (No virtual instruction).
What school district is The Next Step part of?
The Next Step is part of North St. Paul-Maplewood Oakdale School District.
In what neighborhood is The Next Step located?
The Next Step is located in the Greater East Side neighborhood of Saint Paul, MN. There are 12 other public schools located in Greater East Side.
School Reviews
Review The Next Step. Reviews should be a few sentences in length. Please include any comments on:
- Quality of academic programs, teachers, and facilities
- Availability of music, art, sports and other extracurricular activities
Recent Articles
AI Report Cards: Should Schools Evaluate AI Use?
Explore whether schools should assess student AI use, the benefits, risks, and what responsible AI report cards could look like in 2026.
The Parent’s Guide to School Cell Phone Bans in 2026
Learn how school cell phone bans work in 2026, why districts are adopting them, and what parents should expect.
Parental Involvement in Public Schools: 2026 Update
Explore the latest 2026 trends, research, and strategies shaping parental involvement in public schools and student success.
