Skip To Main Content

Header Holder

Canvas Menus

District Canvas Menu

finder

school & Program

Site Info Canvas

spps

Get in Touch with

contact us

560 Rondo Avenue
St. Paul
MN
55103

Telephone

Get In Touch Navigation

Search Canvas

Horizontal Nav

Breadcrumb

About Benjamin E. Mays Afrocentric Magnet

students jumping rope at double dutch assembly

The Saint Paul community established Benjamin E. Mays IB World School in 1977. The school honors Dr. Mays as a leader in education and a great communicator.

At Benjamin E. Mays, we nurture and model the brilliance of every child through a learning environment grounded in love, equity, rigor, high expectations and cultural pride. Rooted in African-centered values and perspectives, we honor each scholar’s cultural heritage and affirm their full identity by fostering a community where every learner is seen, valued, and empowered to achieve excellence.

We envision a community where every child stands rooted in cultural pride, self-awareness and academic excellence. Through the lens of African-centered values and perspectives, we aim to nurture changemakers who lead the world with purpose and compassion.

Enrollment Pathway: Benjamin E. Mays (Areas A,B,C,E,F) --> Hazel Park, Ramsey or Highland Middle School --> Harding, Central or Highland High School

Special Features

  • Benjamin E. Mays is a Saint Paul Promise Neighborhood School
  • Strong community partnerships within the Rondo neighborhood
  • The school has two all-day pre-k classes
  • Individual student iPads are available for Personalized Learning (Pre-K through 5)
  • The school offers enrichment classes in Art, Physical Education, and Science 
  • Discovery Club offers a program before and after school (fee charged)

Our Curriculum

The curriculum is introduced through social studies and ethnic studies standards and benchmarks, and is interdisciplinary, providing opportunities to integrate themes across all core content areas. 

Scholars can expect a learning experience that is:

  • Standards-Based: Grounded in research and best practices, and aligned with core standards for reading K-5 and social/ethnic studies benchmarks.
  • Literature-Rich: Engaging children with books written by and about individuals who represent the diversity of our world.
  • Empowering: Providing affirmation of self-worth by offering an accurate and positive picture of African-American history and culture. This helps children explore issues related to self-esteem and self-respect, expands their capacity to dream, and encourages the belief that they can make their dreams a reality.
  • Skill-Building: Offering opportunities for discussions, reflections, critical thinking, cooperative group activities, and conflict resolution strategies.
  • Action-Oriented: Emphasizing stories of children, women, and men who model the "Yes, I Can!" attitude, offering children ideas and encouragement to involve themselves in service.

The program's focus on culturally relevant instruction and community engagement is designed to lead to increased academic performance and highlight positive social values. We are focused on ensuring all students are equipped and motivated to "graduate to something great."

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION

560 Rondo Avenue
St. Paul, MN 55103

Grades: PreK-5
School Hours: 7:30 AM-2:00PM
Building Hours: 7:15 AM-2:30PM

Office: 651-325-2400
Fax: 651-325-2401   

Attendance: 651-325-2499
mays.attendance@spps.org 

Transportation: 651-696-9600

Principal: Ms. Danielle Hughes

Contact Us

Staff Directory