Afrocentric Program

Building Identity, Community and Excellence

Opening in fall 2026, the Afrocentric program at Benjamin E. Mays will offer a unique, enriching and rigorous educational experience, "through the lens of Black history," designed to empower all scholars to achieve their full potential. We are committed to fostering academic excellence, high self-esteem, and a profound appreciation for the rich diversity of humanity. Scholars will see themselves and their communities reflected in what they learn, building cultural pride, and a strong sense of identity.

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Mission & Vision

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.

Commitment to Literacy

The Afrocentric program at Benjamin E. Mays aligns with the district's core mission to equip every scholar with the foundational skills needed for success.

"Implementing scientifically-based reading instruction is a crucial step in dismantling frameworks that perpetuate bias and providing equitable access to literacy. The ability to read and comprehend language allows students to excel in all subjects and lays the foundation to achieve success in school and in life." —SPPS Reads initiative

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."

Core Principles Guiding Our Curriculum

Our integrated approach is built upon two core frameworks that guide both what we teach and how we teach it.

The 8 Black Historical Consciousness Principles
The Approach to Teaching: Nguzo Saba

The 8 Black Historical Consciousness Principles

Our curriculum integrates the principles of Black Historical Consciousness, developed by Dr. LaGarrett J. King, to ensure a comprehensive, humanizing, and complex understanding of Black history beyond traditional narratives. These principles guide our selection of content:

Power and Oppression: Addressing the lack of justice, freedom, and equality experienced by Black people throughout history.
Agency, Resistance, and Perseverance: Highlighting how Black people have actively resisted oppression and fought for social change, proving they were not helpless victims.
Africa and the African Diaspora: Contextualizing Black histories within the global diaspora, starting with ancient Africa and exploring Black experiences worldwide.
Black Joy and Emotionality: Focusing on Black people's resolve, joy, and the full range of emotions in the past and present.
Black Identities: Promoting the inclusion of diverse Black identities (e.g., gender, class, sexual orientation, religion) to move beyond a one-dimensional narrative.
Historical Contention: Recognizing the complexity of Black histories, including internal debates and challenges.
Community, Local, & Social Histories: Featuring the stories of "regular" people who made a difference in their local communities, not just "great men" or national figures.
Black Futurism: Using the knowledge of history to reimagine, reinvent, and recognize the possibilities for Black people in the future.

The Approach to Teaching: Nguzo Saba

The Seven Principles of Kwanzaa (Nguzo Saba) are the guiding foundation for the teaching and learning experience in our classrooms. These principles help scholars build leadership skills, define their purpose, apply empowerment strategies, and chart a path toward fulfilling their dreams.

Principle	Pronunciation	Translation Meaning
Umoja	oo-MOH-jah	Unity: Oneness of family, race, and community.
Kujichagulia	koo-jee-chah-goo-LEE-ah	Self-Determination: To take charge of your life and improve it.
Ujima	oo-JEE-mah	Helping others: To work with others so that everyone is secure and successful.
Ujamaa	oo-JAH-mah-ah	Community Prosperity: To support the strengths and resources of your community.
Nia	NEE-ah	Purpose: To give everyone a sense of direction, drive, and appreciation for their traditions and goals.
Kuumba	koo-OOM-bah	Creativity: To make works of beauty and usefulness for enjoyment.
Imani	ee-MAH-nee	Faith: To believe strongly in yourself, people, and family, and that justice and equality will win.

Frequently Asked Questions

Why is Saint Paul Public Schools starting an Afrocentric program?

Based on years of community engagement and discussions, the Board of Education approved a plan in July 2024 for Benjamin E. Mays to transition its focus from the current International Baccalaureate (IB) program to an Afrocentric program. The Board voted again in April 2025 to open the new program in fall 2026 to allow time for thoughtful planning and engagement as this new school is developed. Since that time, a new principal, curriculum coordinator and partnership coordinator have been hired to bring the program to life.

The mission of the Afrocentric program is to 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.

Who is involved in this new program?

Since December 2023, a workgroup of over 20 people has been meeting to discuss the creation of this exciting new program. Workgroup members include school district staff, School Board members, principals, and leaders from the St. Paul African American community. This school year (2025-26), Benjamin E. Mays families and staff are also part of the 46-member workgroup. Principal Danielle Hughes was hired in July 2025 to lead Benjamin E. Mays staff, students and families through this transition into an Afrocentric program.

Why is this program going to be at Benjamin E. Mays?

How are current Benjamin E. Mays families and staff involved in the planning?

When the Afrocentric program workgroup started meeting in December 2023, Benjamin E. Mays families and staff were not involved because the location for the program had not been selected. The decision to house the program at Benjamin E. Mays was made in July 2024. This school year (2025-26), current Benjamin E. Mays families and staff are invited to be part of the planning process.

What will happen to the current International Baccalaureate (IB) program?

Who can attend this school?

All current Benjamin E. Mays families will have the option to stay at Benjamin E. Mays when the Afrocentric program begins in fall 2026 and will not need to reapply. In addition, any family in St. Paul or outside of St. Paul who is interested in enrolling their PreK-5th grade student(s) at this school is welcome to apply. Students receiving special education services, English Learners, gifted and talented students are all welcome to apply. The SPPS school placement criteria for district magnet schools will be used to determine placement.

Who can work at this school?

How will this program be different from other SPPS elementary schools?

The Afrocentric program at Benjamin E. Mays will nurture and model the brilliance of every child through a learning environment grounded in love, equity, rigor, high expectations and cultural pride. The school’s approach to education is built on these five essential pillars, which guide the staff, inspire the students, and shape the school’s partnership with parents.

Rooted in African-centered values and perspectives, each scholar’s cultural heritage is honored and their full identity is affirmed by fostering a community where every learner is seen, valued and empowered to achieve excellence. By upholding these shared ideals, every child will be supported as they develop the character, confidence and academic rigor needed to achieve greatness.

What are the school hours? Will there be transportation available?

The Benjamin E. Mays school day will be 7:30 a.m.-2 p.m., with Freedom School programming offered after school. Transportation to and from school will be available for any students residing within the St. Paul city limits and outside the walk zone. Discovery Club childcare will also be available after school. Other afterschool activities are still being determined; please check back soon.