The Eagle Ridge Academy Board of Directors has called a Special Meeting to discuss and act on the Executive Director's contract extension proposal. The Special Meeting will be held in Conference Room 1114 at 6:00 p.m. on Thursday, November 6. Please note that discussion during the meeting will be limited to the one agenda item.

You may attend Board Meetings in person or virtually via the information here. Please be aware that some members will be participating remotely.

Executive Director

Jason Ulbrich

At Eagle Ridge Academy, our mission has always been clear: to engage all students in a time-tested, Classical Liberal Arts education that demands their best in both academic achievement and honorable character while challenging them to attain their highest potential. Over the past twenty years, this mission has shaped thousands of young scholars into thoughtful, articulate, and virtuous citizens prepared to flourish in college, career, and life.

As we complete our first quarter, I want to encourage each of you to consider the power of staying the course.  Give your child the full experience of a K–12 Classical education. While transitions at 6th or 9th grade may seem convenient, those who remain at Eagle Ridge Academy through graduation gain something irreplaceable: the culmination of years spent cultivating wisdom, virtue, and the joy of learning.

Our data affirms what we see every day in our graduates:

Beyond statistics, our seniors demonstrate the intellectual and moral maturity that defines classical education through their Capstone projects, where they explore timeless questions of truth, beauty, and goodness. These moments reveal not only what they know, but who they have become.

Families often tell us they chose ERA because they wanted more than academics, they wanted formation. Staying through the full K–12 journey ensures your child experiences the complete arc of this formation: grammar, logic, and rhetoric, the stages that together build wisdom and character.

We are honored to partner with you in this shared calling. Thank you for trusting us with your children’s education and for committing to the long view—a complete classical journey from kindergarten to commencement.

With gratitude,

Jason Ulbrich
Executive Director, Eagle Ridge Academy

In the process of Eagle Ridge Academy's expansion, we have been in contact with Northside Achievement Zone (NAZ) and Great Minnesota Schools to discuss potential partnerships. NAZ is a nationally recognized organization focused on ending generational poverty and improving educational outcomes for families in North Minneapolis. Great Minnesota Schools has a strong track record of strategically supporting schools that serve Minneapolis students. We are eager to learn from both of these organizations as we plan for the future.

This past month, we have hosted visits from both NAZ and Great MN Schools, with each group bringing nearly 30 community and organizational leaders to tour the facility and learn more about Eagle Ridge Academy. This is an exciting new chapter in Eagle Ridge Academy’s story, as this potential partnership aligns perfectly with our commitment to serve the whole child and strengthen the broader community.

Thank you for your ongoing support and trust as we continue to pursue our mission of providing an excellent Classical education to more students across Minnesota. Mrs. Mellgren Holm hosted a Gryphon Conversation on Expansion on October 29. To watch a recording of this meeting and see additional updates, visit the Expansion web page.

While students were enjoying a long weekend, teachers at Eagle Ridge Academy were immersed in professional development, which included the review of student learning, celebrating successes, and noting areas where the whole class and/or groups of students may need additional instruction to reach mastery.

Assessment in Classical education is the ongoing process by which "teachers will regularly assess how their students are doing as they employ each of these principles. While employing each principle, the teacher will constantly ask: What lesson, activity, or assignment should I employ to help this student progress to mastery?"*

Additionally, School of Rhetoric teachers enjoyed a "PD Buffet," where they attended a session of their choice on Classical education. Rhetoric teachers then had the opportunity to attend a lunch provided by the district to share their key takeaways from their Classical learning.

*Perrin, Christopher. (2024, July 13). Ten Essential Principles of Classical Pedagogy. Chrisopher Perrin. https://christopherperrin.substack.com/p/ten-essential-principles-of-classical

As a final reminder, registrations for Eagle Ridge Academy's 13th Annual Gala for the Gryphons: Winter Wonderland are due by tomorrow, November 7. Reserve your ticket(s) today here. Proceeds from this year's Gala for the Gryphons will support Eagle Ridge Academy's CIPHER Scholarship Program.

This year's gala will be held at the absolutely stunning American Swedish Institute in Minneapolis on Saturday, November 22. A ticket includes a social hour in the American Swedish Institute's beautiful grand hall, live music from the Jon de Vaal Trio, plated dinner, silent and live auctions, meaningful program, and dancing with Midwest Sound DJ Entertainment. Learn more about the gala, this year's program, the auctions, and the CIPHER Scholarship Program here. Contact Director of Development Kelly Schiffman with questions at 952-746-7760 ext. 1107 or kschiffman@eagleridgeacademy.org.

NEW LOCATION: The American Swedish Institute in Minneapolis!

The Gala for the Gryphons Silent Auction, featuring over 200 items, will open Friday, November 14, and remain open until Sunday, November 23, at 3:00 p.m.

There will be at least four Live Auction items up for bid the night of the Gala, including a Charcuterie Class for 10, a Minnesota North Shore Weekend for 10, a 7-Night Stay for 4 at Four Diamond Luxury Mexico Resort, and an Authentic Indian Culinary Experience for 4. All proceeds from the auction will help fund Eagle Ridge Academy's CIPHER Scholarship Program.

Do you know a family interested in joining the Eagle Ridge Academy community? Invite them to join us for an Open House to learn what we're all about! Our Enrollment Extravaganzas are an opportunity to hear from our teachers and current families, see the building, experience the curriculum, and ask questions.

Fall Enrollment Extravaganza - Saturday, November 8, 9:00-11:00 a.m. - Register here.

Winter Enrollment Extravaganza -Thursday, January 8, 5:30-7:30 p.m. - Register here.

Open enrollment for the 2026-27 school year is open now through January 15. Invite families to connect with us today to learn more. Questions can be directed to enrollment@eagleridgeacademy.org / (952) 746-7760.

• Bookmark the PTO website.

• Follow the PTO on Facebook.

• Email the PTO Board.

• Join the K-12 Parent Directory.

• Make your annual family contribution.

The Eagle Ridge Academy Parent Teacher Organization holds monthly PTO meetings to build community and raise funds to support our school. All ERA parents and teachers are welcome to join, whether you’ve formalized your membership or not. Come connect with other parents, stay informed, and help the PTO support ERA students and teachers.

Meetings are held the second Monday of each month in the ERA Library, 5:30-7:00 p.m.

Tuesday, November 11, is Veterans Day. All students are required to wear Formal Dress on Veterans Day. Part of the Eagle Ridge Academy vision statement is that Eagle Ridge Academy will offer an academically rigorous, time-tested, Classical Liberal Arts curriculum that fosters an appreciation for the United States of America and her unique role in the world. On Veterans Day, we want our students to understand what it means to be a Veteran and to honor the selfless sacrifice that so many have made for our freedoms. 

Grades 2-12 will attend Veterans Day assemblies in the ERA Auditorium. Each celebration will include a musical performance from our students and speeches given in honor of the occasion. We will have capacity for visitors during the grades 2-3 ceremony (8:30-8:50 a.m.) if you would like to attend. Please check in at the Main Office beginning at 8:20 a.m. 

If you or a family member has served and you would like to include a photo in our Veterans Day slideshow, please email a photo of the veteran to fcastro@eagleridgeacademy.org and include their name and the branch of the military they served in by Sunday, November 9. If you have already submitted a photo in the past, you do not need to resend. It will already be included in the slideshow.

Friday, November 14, is a Spirit Wear Day. On Spirit Wear Days, students K-12 can wear any spirit wear and uniform combinations. No streetwear allowed and the shoe policy still applies.

As we look to engage our community around our Classical mission and vision, we are excited to roll out our yearlong plan for Classical events. We intentionally create a variety of events spaced throughout the year to help meet the needs of our community. Check out the list and find something that fits for you! Ready to engage right away? Sign up for our first event, Classical Coffee & Tea Hour, which will be paired with Classical learning for parents. Can’t wait to see you at one of our many events this year!

Ready to Join in Classical Learning? Sign up here for our upcoming Classical Coffee & Tea Hour on Tuesday, November 18, 8:10-9:10 a.m. by the ERA Forum Fireplace. Participants will receive a Classical learning piece prior to meeting. Come to build community and conversation!

All Year (Morning Sessions): Classical Coffee & Tea Parent Hour

Join others in the community to discuss the learning over coffee or tea! Receive a Classical learning piece to cover at your leisure.

Early 2026 (Evening): Classical In-Action Parent Night

Our biggest and most popular Classical event of the year! Sit in on classes and experience Classical education as a student. A Social Hour to connect and discuss your take-aways will follow the classroom experience.

Early Spring (After-School Sessions): Classical Book Study

Join several Eagle Ridge Academy staff members in a Classical book study.

Late Spring: Classical in the Community

Join Eagle Ridge Academy teachers Lisa Johnson and Dan O’Brien at the Minneapolis Institute of Art where they will impart their vast knowledge on the collections. In the past, alumni have enjoyed attending this event as they return home for the summer.

To keep recess fun and engaging for students of all ages, Eagle Ridge Academy regularly updates and replenishes its play equipment and indoor recess supply. 

Kick, toss, bounce, or jump—your Give to the Max Day gift can replace a soccer ball, football, basketball, jump rope, or gaga pit ball and keep the fun going!

From our youngest kindergarteners to our high school seniors, every student deserves the chance to stay active and have fun during recess and lunch. Over time, balls deflate, jump ropes break, and board games lose pieces—so replenishing this equipment is essential to keeping playtime safe, active, and enjoyable for everyone.

Believe it or not, about 20% of our balls get kicked over the fences and into the ravine each year! While it’s all part of the fun, it means we regularly need to replace equipment that can’t be recovered until the seasons change. Your support helps us keep playtime going strong for every student.

During Give to the Max this November, you can help keep classroom resources in place by providing the equipment our students need to stay active and have fun!

Give to the Max is a statewide outpouring of support for thousands of nonprofits and schools across Minnesota. The Giving Holiday is scheduled for Thursday, November 20, but you don’t have to wait to support Eagle Ridge Academy, as Early Giving begins November 1! Early gifts will be counted toward Give to the Max prize incentives and giving day totals. Together, we hope to raise more than $1,500 on Give to the Max Day for new recess equipment. Join the entire community by pledging your support this November. Learn more and schedule a donation for Give to the Max Day here!

Don't forget to purchase your 2025-26 yearbooks before the current sale ends!

School of Grammar grades K-4 yearbooks can be purchased here.

Schools of Logic & Rhetoric grades 5-12 yearbooks can be purchased here.

The open enrollment application period for the 2026-2027 school year began on October 1 and will run through January 15, 2026. Sibling preference is given if you have a student currently attending Eagle Ridge Academy. Complete an application for siblings now or encourage another family to apply!

The enrollment lottery will take place on January 21, 2026, at 1:00 p.m. Lottery results for 2026-2027 will be communicated in February via email. After the lottery, applications will be processed and placed onto the appropriate grade-level wait list in the order that they are received. Learn more about enrollment here.

Eagle Ridge Academy views parents and students as integral contributors and active participants in our school. The Academy is most successful when parents and students work together with the teachers and staff to create and sustain the best possible learning environment. We have many opportunities for engagement and volunteerism at Eagle Ridge Academy. Throughout the year we invite you to share your time and talents. Complete the Give Us 5 Volunteer Pledge, then browse ongoing volunteer opportunities and sign up today. Thank you for helping build community!

5th Grade:

Mishika C., Sana J., An H., Asifiya H., Rowan K., Arianna P.

6th Grade:

Achintya V., Jovi E., Nasri A., June B., Ify O., Evelyn R.

7th Grade:

Sorete A., Katie T., Elsa L., Ritisha R., Aaliya I., Mohamed-Amin M.

8th Grade:

Lucy C., Abdiqani M., Salma A., Claire P., Isabella B., Yuri S.

CIPHER (Citizenship, Integrity, Perseverance, Honor, Excellence, Respect) is more than a motto, it’s what we strive to follow in our actions with fellow Gryphons.

The Schools of Logic & Rhetoric hold monthly Pillar Assemblies in which six students from each grade level in the Schools of Logic and Rhetoric are recognized for displaying CIPHER throughout the month. Each student is nominated for a Pillar Award by one of their teachers, who writes a short paragraph describing how the student exemplified their pillar, which is shared with the student body.

Congratulations to our October Pillar Award recipients! Thank you for demonstrating CIPHER every day and for being role models at Eagle Ridge Academy.

GE-Reagan Foundation: Earn a $10,000 renewable scholarship - up to $40,000 total - for tuition, school fees, books, supplies, and on-campus room and board. Candidates must demonstrate the attributes of leadership, integrity, drive, and citizenship within their communities, schools, and workplaces. Applications are due by noon on January 5.

Register for the College Planning Series, hosted by Minnesota Goes to College & ECMC, for college and financial aid webinars created specifically for students and families to walk through components of applying for college and financial aid. Scholarships 101 will be held on Tuesday, November 18, at 7:00 p.m.

Pledge your annual support to Eagle Ridge Academy with an affordable monthly gift, broken down into smaller amounts, which makes giving easier and allows a predictable revenue source for Eagle Ridge Academy. Click here to pledge your annual support.

RaiseRight is a gift card program that gives back with purchases on everyday items such as groceries, restaurants, retail, and gas. Buy gift cards at face value from more than 750 retailers, and RaiseRight donates a portion of all purchases back to ERA. Learn more.

Consider reaching out to your Community Relations or HR department to ask about their community support and employee giving opportunities! Many organizations match employee gifts. Search this website to see if your workplace matches.

Box Tops for Education helps families earn money for ERA with products they already buy. Download the app, set up your account, and scan your grocery store receipts. The app automatically finds eligible items and credits them to ERA!

Did you know that there's an Eagle Ridge Academy mobile app available for iPhone and Android? To download the app, click here on your phone and follow the prompts or search Eagle Ridge Academy in your app store and look for the ERA logo. You do not need a username or password to use the app. 

On the app, you can see a live feed of notifications and announcements, view upcoming events, locate staff contact information quickly, review the day's breakfast and lunch menu, access Infinite Campus and Silent Dismissal, and more. 

Don't miss any notifications from Eagle Ridge Academy! Allow app notifications when prompted on initial download to ensure you don't miss any messages.

Thank you for reading the Eagle Eye newsletter and for staying updated on what's going on at Eagle Ridge Academy. If you haven't already, please make sure bookmark the ERA website, like the ERA Facebook page and follow the ERA Instagram to see more frequent updates.

The next issue of the Eagle Eye newsletter will be published on Thursday, November 20.