San Miguel students improve as much as 2 reading grade levels within the first 6 months at our schools.

How do San Miguel Schools students achieve this level of success?
We base our model on the implementation of some of the best educational research for urban education in that last few years.

Small classes: A 9:1 student to teacher ratio ensures small classes. Teachers are enabled to provide students with individual attention required to achieve success.

More class time: San Miguel students have an 8 1/2 hour school day. They spend 53% more time in class than required by state.

A focus on reading and language arts: San Miguel students read an average of 120 books a year. Each class day includes 80 minutes of reading. Reading comprehension and progress is tracked and reinforced through interactive use of technology and one-on-one tutoring.

San Miguel is not tuition-driven: San Miguel is accessible to children most in need. Most students pay only $30 a month due to financial need. We rely on the generosity of individuals, corporations, and foundations to cover the operational costs of running 2 middle schools, the Graduate Support and Community Outreach Programs.

A remarkably committed staff: Half of our teachers are volunteers who receive only a monthly stipend and live together in the neighborhood where they teach. They live as a community dedicated to their students. Some are experienced educators others are college graduates determined to bring opportunity through education.

Parental involvement: San Miguel parents are expected to attend parent-teacher meetings every three weeks. Parents and students join our faculty and staff in their committed the students' performance and development.

Experiential learning: San Miguel students travel to Washington D.C. to learn about democratic traditions, to Minnesota to investigate the natural environment, and to college campuses to plant seeds for the future.

Graduate Support Program: San Miguel graduates receive continual support throughout their high school years, including: evening after-school tutoring and mentoring sessions; visitations by San Miguel staff to the high schools; monthly parent meetings; and college counseling.

Family Support Program: The San Miguel Community Outreach Program recognizes that work with youth is grounded in family and community. The program is designed to strengthen these communities through one-on-one family support, linking families to resources, and classes in ESL, Civic Education, Computer Training, Job Counseling, Spiritual Retreats, Financial Literacy Seminars, etc.