Friday, December 12, 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.

Friday, December 19, is a $5 Free Dress Day. Four times each year, students have the option to pay $5 to wear what they choose (within ERA guidelines on appropriate attire) on $5 Free Dress Days. The funds collected on Free Dress Days are designated for specific teacher projects. The Free Dress Day funds for December 19 are designated for the first-grade field trip to Stages Theater (February), the fourth-grade field trip to the Bakken Museum (March), the fourth-grade Field Trip to the MN State Capitol (May), door decorating contest supplies, supplies for the School of Grammar Arts Show in the Fine Arts Festival (April), and the Annual Volunteer Appreciation Event (April). View $5 free dress guidelines here.

Eagle Ridge Academy is proud to present the 2024-25 Annual Report, a document that highlights the school's strengths and performance over the past year. Included in the Annual Report is a review of the year, as well as information on school enrollment and attrition, governance and management, staffing, finance, curriculum and instruction, activities, academic performance, comprehensive achievement and civic readiness, operational performance, innovative practices and future plans, dissemination and marketing, and notes from the Office of Development.

Eagle Ridge Academy is opening in Brooklyn Center (7025 Halifax Ave N, 55429) in August 2026! We are now enrolling students in kindergarten and first grade for the 2026-27 school year.

Do you know a family that might be interested in enrolling at our new location? Invite them to learn more about Eagle Ridge, Classical education, and what we will bring to Brooklyn Center by joining us at the Open House at our Minnetonka location on Thursday, January 8, 5:30-7:30 p.m. Register for the Winter Open House here.

Stay tuned for more information on the Brooklyn Center location, including future events in Brooklyn Center this winter!

As Eagle Ridge Academy continues to grow and prepares to serve students across multiple locations, we are entering an exciting new chapter. To support this expansion and ensure our mission remains strong and consistent, ERA is transitioning from a single-site leadership model to a network leadership model, a structure used by many high-performing charter school networks nationwide.

This shift allows us to strengthen instructional leadership, improve operational excellence, and ensure that every student, regardless of campus, receives the full promise of a Classical, liberal arts education. Below is an overview of the leadership updates and why these changes are important for the future of ERA.

Jason Ulbrich – From Executive Director to Chief Executive Officer

Mr. Ulbrich's role will transition from Executive Director to Chief Executive Officer to reflect the broader strategic responsibilities required in a multi-site school system. While an Executive Director oversees operations for a single campus, a CEO leads the overall vision, growth strategy, financial sustainability, and organizational health of a network of schools. This includes cultivating donor relationships that support scholarships, facilities, and program enhancements, strengthening ERA’s presence and reputation in all communities we serve, ensuring new campuses launch with the same quality and mission alignment that define ERA, and maintaining consistent academic, operational, and cultural excellence across all sites. This role ensures ERA grows responsibly while protecting the core values that define our school community.

Susan Bloomgren – From Academic Director to Chief of Staff

Mrs. Bloomgren’s new role as Chief of Staff reflects her expanded influence and the complexity of coordinating a multi-campus organization. In this role, she will support strategic alignment across all departments and oversee talent acquisition so that ERA continues to hire exceptional educators and staff who embody our Classical mission. She will also lead talent development by ensuring training, coaching, and ongoing professional growth opportunities that strengthen instruction across all schools. Additionally, she will oversee that academics and assessments align with the Academy's mission and vision and that students are held to a high standard, keeping the Academy a top performing school. 

Janelle Mellgren Holm – From Start Up Coordinator/Founding Principal to Director of Strategic Growth

Mrs. Mellgren Holm's shift in role represents her experience with growing charter schools and commitment to providing more high quality, Classical charter school choices for children and parents. She will help coordinate the work of expanding to additional sites while enhancing practices at our current site to continue to drive excellence, all while maintaining an eye toward strategic and sustainable growth.

Missy Madigan – From School of Logic Assistant Principal to Director of Teaching and Learning (Starting Second Semester)

Mrs. Madigan will gradually transition from Assistant Principal into the new role of Director of Teaching and Learning beginning in mid-January. This role requires deep instructional knowledge, strong relational leadership, and a steadfast commitment to Classical education. Mrs. Madigan was chosen for this role because of her exceptional ability to support teachers through meaningful coaching, her mastery of Classical curriculum and instructional best practices, her ability to build trust with staff, families, and students, and her consistent demonstration of wisdom, sound judgment, and moral leadership. She is uniquely prepared to guide curriculum, instruction, assessment, and teacher development across all campuses, ensuring that the intellectual rigor and coherence of our academic program remain central to an ERA education.

As ERA expands, we face increased financial and communications responsibilities that require specialized expertise. To meet these needs effectively and responsibly, ERA has hired highly skilled consultants to serve as our fractional Chief Financial Officer and fractional Chief Marketing Officer. Using consultants in these roles allows us to secure the level of knowledge and experience typically found in full-time executive positions, while doing so at a significantly lower cost. This approach ensures that ERA benefits from seasoned strategic leadership without placing unnecessary financial burden on the organization.

Transitioning to a network leadership model is not simply an organizational adjustment; it is an investment in quality, consistency, and long-term stability. These roles help us strengthen our Classical academic program, recruit and develop outstanding educators, ensure financial sustainability, communicate clearly and professionally with families and the public, and maintain a unified vision across all ERA campuses. Each position has been added with intention and purpose so that ERA can flourish for decades to come.

Thank you for your trust and partnership as ERA enters this next chapter. Our mission remains unchanged: to create an environment where students pursue truth, beauty, and goodness, and where families feel connected to a school that reflects their values. We look forward to sharing more updates as we grow together.

Employers today are telling a clear story about what truly matters when hiring young adults. As highlighted in the December 2, 2025, Star Tribune commentary “The skills that actually matter and that don’t show up on a college transcript” by Keenan Hartert, the qualities that set applicants apart are not listed on a college transcript at all. Employers consistently look for clear communication, strong character, adaptability, reliability, and the ability to think through challenges without step-by-step guidance. These strengths are not taught through worksheets or checklists. They are formed through years of practice and intentional cultivation.

This is why the Classical model at Eagle Ridge Academy is so powerful. Our approach does more than prepare students academically, though the academic results are exceptional. Eighty-four percent of Eagle Ridge Academy graduates enter college or university, one of the highest postsecondary enrollment rates in Minnesota. Families can rest assured that their children leave Eagle Ridge ready for the demands of higher education.

Yet academics tell only part of the story. Our alumni frequently share that they feel well prepared for college. They describe arriving at their universities with strong study habits, confidence in writing and discussion, and a level of personal discipline that sets them apart. They often report that while their new peers struggle to manage time, advocate for themselves, or adapt to new expectations, Eagle Ridge graduates step in ready to lead. They possess the intangible qualities professors and employers praise: initiative, resilience, poise, curiosity, and a strong work ethic.

These qualities develop through the core elements of an Eagle Ridge Academy Classical education. Daily engagement with literature, history, logic, mathematics, and science teaches students how to think deeply, not just memorize content. Regular class discussions and Socratic Seminar cultivate clarity of expression and respectful listening. Intentional formation of character virtues perseverance, responsibility, courage, and humility shapes students who do what is right even when it is difficult.

As the Star Tribune article suggests, the modern world is rediscovering a simple truth: The skills that matter most for success in life and work are timeless. At Eagle Ridge Academy, those skills are embedded in every grade level, every subject, and every aspect of our school culture. Our graduates are academically strong and intellectually curious, but they also carry something more subtle and more powerful, those intangible qualities that help them flourish long after they leave our halls.

In a rapidly changing world, Eagle Ridge Academy remains committed to forming capable, confident, virtuous young adults who stand out in college, in career, and in life.  Gryphon families can be proud that the education their children receive here does more than prepare them for tests. It prepares them to thrive.

Join the ERA Booster Club at their next meeting in Conference Room 1202 by the ERA Library, on Monday, December 15, at 6:00 p.m. They are lining up some fun community events for 2026 and could use more parent voices around the table. If you want to help build connection, support our students, and shape what comes next, pull up a chair. Everyone’s welcome. View meeting details here.

It is time for the Eagle Ridge Academy Parent Teacher Organization's Festival of Treats-a great way to celebrate and thank our wonderful ERA teachers and staff. Please consider helping the PTO by sending a monetary donation, purchasing an item off the Amazon wish list, or signing up to donate. Let's make the 2025 Festival of Treats a great one for our teachers!

Join the ERA Booster Club at Unmapped Brewing (14625 Excelsior Blvd, Minnetonka) for a holiday bingo fundraiser to support our athletes and activities!

This event is open to the public, so invite your friends, neighbors, and anyone who enjoys a fun evening out. The more people who play, the more we can give back to our students. There will be prizes, raffles, and fun giveaways throughout the evening to keep the holiday spirit going. Make it a festive evening and come in your favorite ugly holiday sweater!

The Eagle Ridge Academy Parent Teacher Organization Community Cookbook is now available for purchase!

Filled with cherished recipes from ERA families, this keepsake cookbook will celebrate our school community and support future ERA community-building activities.

The cookbook has been professionally published and is available for $20 for a limited time.

Don't forget to purchase your 2025-26 yearbook! Online orders will close at the end of January, and extra copies are not guaranteed.

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.

Got a bachelor’s degree and a passion for our school’s mission and vision? Then we have an opportunity for you! Become part of our Pathways for Teacher Development and Licensure (PTDL) program, where you can receive tuition assistance for licensing, field experience, one-on-one mentor support, and more to become an effective, high-quality, Classical teacher. No teaching experience is necessary.

Eagle Ridge Academy’s PTDL program is made possible through a Grow Your Own initiative grant awarded to school districts and charter schools through the MN Department of Education. The goal of a Grow Your Own program is to increase and diversify the teaching workforce.

Complete the interest survey for more information. Questions can be directed to Melissa Lego, PTDL Program Coordinator. We’d love to hear from you!

Thank you to everyone who joined us for the 13th Annual Gala for the Gryphons. Our incredible community came together and raised $75,000 this year (a Gala for the Gryphons record!) for Eagle Ridge Academy’s CIPHER Scholarship Program! Whether you joined us at the event, participated through the silent auction or sponsorship, donated an in-kind item or service, or donated an outright cash gift, we extend our thanks for pushing us to be better and achieving our goals.

We are grateful to ERA parents Hana and Ben Selinske for taking photos and video of the event, Ben Montville (ERA Class of 2024) for being our special guest speaker and reminding us of the importance of an Eagle Ridge Academy education, Itisha Budamagunta (ERA Class of 2031) for inspiring us to lead change, Ritisha Raju (ERA Class of 2030) for entertaining us with her beautiful Carnatic musical performance, Karen Sorbo for coming back to serve as our emcee and auctioneer, Midwest Sound for a hopping dance floor, Robb and Katie Carroll of Event Technical Services for the beautiful lighting, The Jon de Vaal Trio for our Social Hour entertainment, those who sponsored a staff / faculty to attend, our generous table sponsors, Taher, Inc. and Pastry Chef Michelle Gayer for providing the delicious desserts for our Dessert Dash, our Gala Planning team for their dedication, creative planning, and hard work preparing and executing an event of this level, our volunteers who worked hard during the evening to make the experience enjoyable and fun, and everyone who joined us this year!

View the full Gala for the Gryphons photo album here.

Skyhawks provides after-school care for grades K-6 students until 6:00 p.m. every school day. Students will have the opportunity to eat a snack, work on homework, and participate in various activities and crafts. Pickup is at the rear door next to the tennis court. Skyhawks staff can be reached at (651)-968-0106. 

Daily Option: Skyhawks offers a daily option that can be purchased online up until one hour before school gets out. Please remember to update Silent Dismissal at the time that you register.

New Participant Promo: From now through the end of the semester, Skyhawks is offering a free day of after-school care for new participants! To get signed up, create an account for your child at skyhawks.com and send an email to minnesota@skyhawks.com with the date that you would like to enroll. 

Eagle Ridge Academy is thrilled to have received a $10,000 grant from the Minnesota Vikings to start a Girls Flag Football program this spring!

Minnesota's first official high school girls flag football league was launched in 2025, in collaboration with 51 participating schools. We are honored to be among the schools chosen this year. This growing movement continues to empower young athletes and expand opportunities for girls across the state to compete, connect, and thrive through flag football.

More information, including the link to register, will be shared after Winter Break.

Study hall instructors distributed all 2026-27 School of Rhetoric course registration materials for students to take home last week. Students will return their completed registration form to their study hall instructor during the week of January 5. Students are encouraged to contact their study hall instructor with questions or concerns or schedule a time with Mrs. Kaiser. Find course registration information here.

Eagle Ridge Academy will administer the American College Testing (ACT) exam on the morning of Tuesday, April 14. Registration/payment for the exam will occur in February. Please watch for further details.

The SAT is not offered at Eagle Ridge. Students wishing to take the ACT or SAT on a Saturday at a local testing site can register/pay online.

There is a 14-day free trial at Winward Academy to help determine a student's test preference (ACT or SAT). Students should check their colleges of interest to determine whether a particular exam is required.

There are many fee-based test-preparation and tutoring options available. Below are local service providers that provide in-person tutoring (not endorsed by ERA).

Additional online SAT or ACT resources recommended by Academic Counselor Mrs. Kaiser are linked below.

In the spirit of giving, please consider a year-end gift to Friends of Eagle Ridge Academy (FERA). Donations will fund Eagle Ridge Academy's CIPHER Scholarship Program, investing in future generations of Eagle Ridge Academy scholars. Below are ways to give back this season: 

Virtual gifts may be sent here. Gifts may also be sent via cash or check to Friends of Eagle Ridge Academy, 11111 Bren Rd. W, Minnetonka, MN 55343 (Tax ID: #47-5542621). Eagle Ridge Academy is tremendously grateful to all those who supported us this year. Every donation matters to the students, faculty, and staff of Eagle Ridge Academy, no matter the size! Thank you for your support.

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.

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!

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

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, January 8.