September 23-25: Grades 5-12 Pillar Assembly Days (Formal Dress Required)
September 23: Board Meeting
September 25: Gryphon Fall Senior Night
September 26: Gryphon Conversation on Expansion
September 29-October 4: Homecoming Week
October 1: Gryphon Conversation on School of Logic House System
October 3: Two-Hour Early Release / School of Rhetoric Homecoming Dance
October 4: Rockin' the Ridge School of Grammar Carnival
Eagle Eye Newsletter
Upcoming Schoolwide Events
Board of Directors Updates
Board Meeting Tuesday, September 23
The Eagle Ridge Academy Board of Directors will convene for its monthly meeting at Eagle Ridge Academy in Conference Room 1114, on Tuesday, September 23, 6:00-9:00 p.m. Decisions on the agenda items will be made during this event. You may attend School Board Meetings in person or virtually via the information here.
District Updates
Growing Together: Eagle Ridge Academy’s Next Chapter
At Eagle Ridge Academy, our mission has always been to provide a high-quality Classical education that helps students flourish. This mission is only possible because of you—our families—who entrust us with your children and support our school in countless ways. Your dedication, encouragement, and partnership inspire us daily, and we want to begin by expressing our heartfelt gratitude.
I am thrilled to share that Mrs. Susan Bloomgren and I recently presented to the Charter School Growth Fund (CSGF) in Denver, CO to elicit a partnership. After a year of due diligence and the presentation, we are happy to announce that we received unanimous approval from both their management team and their investment team. They are now recommending us for final approval to the CSGF Board of Directors on October 16.
Because of this strong, unanimous support, there is a very high probability that their board will also approve. This is a major milestone for Eagle Ridge Academy, and it would not have been possible without the work, dedication, and excellence each of you brings to ERA every single day.
Our partnership with CSGF is helping us take the next steps toward expanding ERA so that more families can benefit from our classical model. Together, we are developing plans for two new K–5 schools:
West of ERA (within 1–2 years): Our goal is to establish a K–5 campus west of Minnetonka, dependent on securing the right facility.
North / St. Louis Park Area (within 3 years): We are also planning to open another K–5 campus to the north, serving families in the St. Louis Park area.
Both campuses will be feeder schools into our flagship Minnetonka program, ensuring continuity for students and expanding access to the full ERA experience.
This expansion is about more than buildings—it’s about honoring the trust and hope you, our families, have placed in us. We know there is a strong demand for high-quality, Classical education, and by thoughtfully growing, we can provide more opportunities for students to flourish.
As we move forward, Mrs. Mellgren-Holm, our Start-Up Coordinator, will be providing both the community and staff with updates on the next logistical steps. We will continue to keep you informed as this process unfolds.
Thank you again for your encouragement and for believing in this vision. Together, we are building something truly special for our children, our families, and our community. We are excited for the future—and grateful to walk this journey alongside you.
Gryphon Conversation: Expansion Friday, September 26
Mrs. Mellgren Holm will be hosting Gryphon Conversations - virtual community meetings – this school year to inform the community on ERA’s expansion project. If you have questions about expansion or want to learn more about this new step our Board of Directors has empowered us to take that will give more students access to a high-quality Classical education, please join us for a Gryphon Conversation on Expansion on Friday, September 26, at 10:00 a.m. using the Zoom information here. Unable to join the virtual meeting? No worries! This meeting will be recorded, shared with the community, and published on the Expansion page. Please check the Expansion page prior to the Gryphon Conversation to see our goals, a timeline, FAQs, and more.
Classic Learning Test (CLT) Recognizes Four ERA Students as Top Performers on the CLT10 Exam
Each year, Classic Learning Test recognizes top performers on the CLT10. The CLT10 is a college preparatory exam and PSAT® alternative designed for 9th and 10th graders and offered by Classic Learning Test. Evaluating English, math, and critical reasoning skills, it provides a comprehensive measure of achievement and aptitude and engages students with classic texts from the most influential authors and thinkers across time. Since its inception in 2016, Classic Learning Test has sought to offer assessments steeped in more intellectually rich and rigorous content than other standardized tests.
Kevin Bruski, Leonardo Gullekson, Spencer Lampe, and Matthew Mou have been recognized as Regional Scholars for their outstanding performance on the 2025 CLT10 assessment. Regional Scholars landed in the top 5% of their respective region.
Additionally, Leonardo Gullekson and Matthew Mou have been recognized as Distinguished Scholars. A 2025 Distinguished Scholar is a student who earned the top CLT10 score at their school as a freshman or sophomore during the academic year.
Of the thousands of students who take the CLT10 every year, these students have attained a remarkable achievement, and Eagle Ridge Academy is incredibly proud of their accomplishment.
Pack the Stands for Gryphon Fall Senior Night Thursday, September 25
Everyone is invited to Pack the Stands at Eagle Ridge Academy on Thursday, September 25, to cheer on Gryphon Volleyball and celebrate ALL our ERA fall senior athletes!
Volleyball matches start at 4:15 p.m. Seniors will be recognized at 6:30 p.m. Concessions will be selling hot food and cold beverages.
Homecoming Week September 29-October 3
September 29-October 3 is Homecoming Week at Eagle Ridge Academy! Each day of the week, students and staff may dress according to different themes chosen by the Student Senate.
Monday, September 29: Comfy Day (Start the week in your comfy clothes!)
Tuesday, September 30: Color Day (Wear the assigned color for your grade!)
Black: Kindergarten, Grade 4, Grade 12
Blue: Grade 1, Grade 5, Grade 11
Green: Grade 2, Grade 6, Grade 10
Red: Grade 3, Grade 7
Orange: 8
Brown: 9
Wednesday, October 1: Western Day (Dust off your cowboy boots!)
Thursday, October 2: Athletes and Mathletes (Flaunt your brawn or your brains!)
Friday, October 3: Twin Day (Match your friend or support the MN Twins!)
Homecoming Week will wrap up with the School of Rhetoric Homecoming Dance on Friday, October 3, and Rockin' the Ridge School of Grammar Carnival on Saturday, October 4. Read more about both of these events below in the school updates sections.
Two-Hour Early Release Friday, October 3
Friday, October 3, is a Two-Hour Early Release Day due to staff data planning. School of Grammar dismissal is 1:00 p.m. on Early Release Days. The deadline for Silent Dismissal changes is 12:45 p.m. on Early Release days. Schools of Logic & Rhetoric dismissal is 1:10 p.m. on Early Release Days. For after-school bus drop-off times, simply subtract two hours from your child’s typical drop-off time.
Scheduled early release days for 2025-2026 include October 3, October 30, December 5, December 8, January 30, February 2, March 6, March 20, and May 22.
Fall Parent-Teacher Conferences October 9-10
The online conference scheduler will open Wednesday, October 1, at 8:00 a.m. and will close Wednesday, October 8, at 10:00 p.m. The master password to log into the online conference scheduler will be sent via email. Fall Parent-Teacher Conferences will take place:
Thursday, October 9
In-person only: 4:00-8:00 p.m.
Friday, October 10
In-person only: 7:30 a.m. - 12:00 p.m.
Virtual only: 2:30-5:30 p.m.
Teacher virtual conference links will be sent via email the morning of Friday, October 10.
Families may request a translator by going to Change My Account Info. If you need assistance with the conference reservation system, please email Janice Gerheart at jgerheart@eagleridgeacademy.org.
Shop the Fall Used Uniform Sale During Conferences
Come to the Fall Used Uniform Sale to refresh your uniform supply for the school year! The sale will take place in the ERA Forum during in-person conferences Thursday, October 9, 4:00-8:00 p.m. AND Friday, October 10, 7:30 a.m. - 2:30 p.m.
BUY: Shop in the ERA Forum during conferences Thursday and Friday.
DONATE: Drop off outgrown uniforms off in the Main Office when office hours. Proceeds from donated uniforms benefit a long list of PTO events and services.
SELL: Click here to view instructions. Uniforms will be accepted through Tuesday, October 7, for this sale. Anything received after this time will be placed in the Winter Used Uniform Sale.
VOLUNTEER: Help us set up, run the sale, or clean up. Sign up to volunteer here.
You are invited to Eagle Ridge Academy’s 13th Annual Gala for the Gryphons: Winter Wonderland! RSVP here by November 7.
The night will include a social hour in the American Swedish Institute's beautiful grand hall, plated dinner, silent and live auctions, meaningful program, and dancing with Midwest Sound DJ Entertainment.
Individual Tickets: $97 Through October 31 / $110 After October 31
Staff Tickets: $80 Through October 31 / $90 After October 31
VIP Table (Seats 8): $1,000
Proceeds from this year’s Gala for the Gryphons will support Eagle Ridge Academy’s CIPHER Scholarship Program.
Contact Director of Development Kelly Schiffman with questions at 952-746-7760 ext. 1107 or kschiffman@eagleridgeacademy.org.
Learn more about the gala and register today here!
NEW DATE: Please note that this year's gala will take place on Saturday, November 22, rather than the usual Friday date.
NEW LOCATION: This year's gala will be held at The American Swedish Institute! The American Swedish Institute is a stately museum, culture center, and historic mansion in Minneapolis.
Still Time to Register for Grades K-12 Fall Activities
Grades K-12 fall activities and grades K-8 athletics have started, but there's still time to register! View the activities and athletics informational flyer and sign up today here for K-2 Hooked on Books Club, K-12 Chess Club,1-2/3-4/5-8 Impart Art Club, 1-4 Homework Help, 3-4 Choir Club, 4-8 Life Hackers, 5-12 Yearbook, 6-12 Fall Play, 7-12 Creative Cinematics, 9-12 Math Team, K-4 Gryphon Youth Soccer, 3-6 Gryphon Youth Cross Country, 5-8 Boys Soccer, and 5-8 Volleyball.
Fall Hygienic Items Drive Runs Through September
Eagle Ridge Academy’s National Honor Society is holding a Fall Hygienic Items Drive to donate to those in need. Students in grades K-12 are encouraged to donate tissues, Clorox wipes, hand sanitizer, deodorant, and feminine hygiene products (pads and tampons). There are collection boxes in front of the ERA Auditorium, in the Forum, and upstairs in the School of Rhetoric student lounge. All items collected will be donated to those in need in Saint Paul via Godtown Mission & Outreach Training Center. Please contact NHS Advisor Mr. Johannes with questions.
Bookmark the PTO website.
Follow the PTO on Facebook.
Email the PTO Board.
Join the K-12 Parent Directory.
Make your annual family contribution.
PTO Meeting Monday, October 6
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 (except for the October meeting) in the ERA Library, 5:30-7:00 p.m.
School Portrait Retakes Tuesday, October 28
If your child did not get their school portrait taken September 16-17, they will have another chance on Tuesday, October 28.
Formal uniforms are REQUIRED for school portraits. View Formal Dress requirements by clicking on the Uniform Guidelines buttons on the Uniforms page.
Get Involved: Volunteer Opportunities at Eagle Ridge Academy
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!
School of Grammar Updates
One of the overarching tasks of the School of Grammar is to take dependent learners and enable them to become independent learners. Each student who comes to us is, in some way or another, a dependent learner. Do not worry – this stage is exactly where a grammar student should be in the beginning, and Classical education has the solution to moving forward from this stage. The cognitive psychologist Daniel Willingham has written a great deal on the process of learning. According to Willingham, the key components of learning are thinking and memory, both of which require a solid foundation of knowledge. Time and effort are both required to build this knowledge. As knowledge is built, more knowledge can take place and students gain joy and excitement as learning becomes real in their lives.
The School of Grammar focuses on building that foundation as students learn the rules of grammar, the rules of math, the foundational concepts of science, history, and language, and the roots of art, physical education, and music. While our students are gradually building this knowledge piece-by-piece, we as educators scaffold their budding independence, knowing that independent learning is acquired. We encourage parents at home to also help their children gradually become independent in their learning. One of the ultimate goals of classical education is for our students to become lifelong learners, and one of the best ways to enable this to happen is for them to gain that independence to take control of their learning in the future.
Rockin' the Ridge School Carnival for Grades K-4 and Families
Join the Eagle Ridge Academy PTO at Rockin' the Ridge, ERA's annual fall fundraising carnival! From 3:00 to 7:00 p.m. on Saturday, October 4, grades K-4 and families can enjoy carnival games, bingo, face painting, bounce houses, henna, a photo booth, tattoo station, glamour nail booth, and crazy hair fun at Eagle Ridge Academy. Earn tickets from games and trade them in for prizes at our well-stocked prize central.
Join the fun and support our school community! Learn more about Rockin' the Ridge here. Sign up to volunteer at Rockin' the Ridge here. Note: This is not a drop-off event—children must be accompanied by an adult. Unlimited fun wristbands are available for $15 in advance or $20 at the door. Unlimited bounce house access will cost $5. Ten-game punch cards will cost $5.
Indulge your cravings with cookies, Culver's ice cream sundaes, AMC popcorn, lemonade, sno cones, and food trucks. Hungry for something more substantial? Preorder a whole pizza on the PTO online store for $13 or pick one up at the event for $15. Single slices and a meal deal (2 slices and a drink) will also be available.
Order Your 2025-26 School of Grammar Yearbook
School of Grammar 2025-26 yearbooks are on sale for only $30 through September 19! Take advantage of this opportunity to save $5 (and check one thing off your list for the school year!) by purchasing a yearbook today. Yearbooks will be distributed to students during the last week of school. Please contact School of Grammar Yearbook Advisor Jami Kruschke with questions at jkrushke@eagleridgeacademy.org.
Register Now for Grades 3-5 Battle of the Books
Students in grades 3-5 are invited to participate in Battle of the Books! Battle of the Books is a fun, friendly, and free reading challenge sponsored by Eagle Ridge Academy's authorizer, Friends of Education (FOE).
Registered students in grades 3-5 will receive a list of books to read for the “battle”. Students are put onto teams and will coordinate reading the books on the list. Each member must read a minimum of SIX of the TWELVE books on the list. Individuals who want to increase their team’s chances of winning will read more books. The titles typically include one graphic novel, one picture book, and ten chapter books in a variety of genres and lengths. (The titles are chosen by the school that won the competition last year.) The competition questions are centered around details from each book.
The top eight teams in Round 1 will go on to Round 2 and will be given another set of 12 books. The winning team of Round 2 will go on to the final round competing with other FOE schools in May.
Registration will close Wednesday, October 1, or when there are 96 students registered, whichever comes first. Once closed, an email will be sent to the parents of those registered containing the reading list and students may begin checking the books out from the library. Register here today!
School of Logic Updates
Three Houses, One Gryphon Family
As shared in a parent letter to School of Logic families on Friday, September 12, we are excited to announce that our School of Logic will be implementing a program called the House System this year. This system will build on our positive incentive program from 2024-2025. Our positive incentive program emphasized scholarly habits of being to class on time, respect for peers and staff, perseverance with classwork, and living the virtues of Eagle Ridge Academy every day.
A key element of the House System is the way that it increases students’ motivation to succeed in school by fostering a sense of belonging among all students and staff, and parents often report feeling more connected to the school community as well. To achieve this, each student will be a part of one of three houses and will have the opportunity to participate in house-specific events and activities throughout the year. (Parents will have opportunities to participate, too!)
Designed to build unity, inspire character, and foster healthy competition, the House System connects students across grade levels and backgrounds into three distinct Houses each with its own identity, values, and legacy. Rooted in the three pursuits of a Classical education using the Latin translations of Truth, Beauty, and Goodness - Vertias, Probitas, Pulchritudo, the system provides a sense of belonging and pride while encouraging leadership, teamwork, and service.
In one of the first phases of the House System, teachers and staff joined together for a Staff Sorting Ceremony. The joy, comradery, House spirit, and connectedness are already permeating our work together. We look forward to our Student Sorting Ceremonies in October.
Special thanks to our Eagle Ridge Academy PTO for partnering with the House System to provide start-up funds for our student sorting ceremony. The PTO will continue to partner with the House System to develop House-themed spirit wear and other accessories.
We are confident that the House System will be a valuable addition to our school community, and we look forward to seeing its positive impact on our students. Thank you for your support, and we can’t wait to see the effect this system will have on our students. We look forward to the opportunity to discuss the House System at an upcoming Gryphon Conversation on Wednesday, October 1. If you're a parent of a student in grades 5-8, you're invited to follow this link to share your questions about our House system. More information about the Gryphon Conversation will be shared in the coming weeks.
School of Logic Pillar Assemblies September 23-24
The first School of Logic Pillar Assemblies of the year are coming up next week! Fifth and seventh grade will have their Pillar Assembly on Tuesday, September 23. Sixth and eighth grade will have their Pillar Assembly on Wednesday, September 24. Please remind your child to be in Formal Dress on the day of their grade's Pillar Assembly. View Formal Dress requirements here. View visual examples here.
Spring 2025 Olympus Club, Grades 5-8
Once again, we find ourselves so full of pride in our students for upholding the promise of our mission. We are thrilled to announce the names of students who earned Olympus Club for the spring 2025 semester.
To earn Olympus Club, our students must achieve two distinct parts of our mission: academic achievement and honorable character. Students earn Olympus Club by achieving a GPA of 3.33 or higher for final semester grades and for consistently demonstrating honorable character by keeping a clean, consequence-free behavior record.
We appreciate your partnership in helping your children attain their highest potential. Congratulations to the parents of these amazing scholars as well!
School of Rhetoric Updates
Homecoming Dance Friday, October 3
The School of Rhetoric Homecoming Dance: A Night in Rio will be held in the Eagle Ridge Academy Auxiliary Gym on Friday, October 3, 7:00-10:00 p.m. The dress code is shiny, sparkly, and colorful.
Tickets will be sold during high school lunch for the prices listed below or at the door for $35.
September 16-19: $20
September 22-26: $25
September 29-October 3: $30
Parent volunteers are need to help chaperone and clean up after the dance! Sign up to volunteer here.
Juniors
The PSAT/NMSQT® (National Merit Scholarship Qualifying Test) for juniors on Wednesday, October 8, is a practice version of the SAT exam. A high score on the PSAT during junior year could qualify students to receive a National Merit Scholarship or other scholarships, with over $300 million awarded to students each year. The digital PSAT is 2 hours long (excluding breaks) and assesses reading, writing, and math skills. All Grade 11 students are automatically registered to take the assessment. Parents/Guardians may opt their child out of the test by emailing lkaiser@eagleridgeacademy.org.
Seniors
The College Financial Aid Boot Camp for seniors and families will take place in the ERA Auditorium on Monday, October 6, at 6:30 p.m. This presentation will provide education on how to complete the FAFSA and its impact on college costs. Join us as we discuss the FAFSA, scholarships, grants, and answer all questions related to financial aid.
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.
Explore College Options: September 30, 7:00 p.m.
Apply to College: October 7, 7:00 p.m.
Understand Financial Aid: October 14, 7:00 p.m.
FAFSA 101, October 21, 7:00 p.m.
Dream Act 101: October 28, 7:00 p.m.
Scholarships 101, November 18, 7:00 p.m.
The 2025 National College Fair at the Minneapolis Convention Center will take place 9:00 a.m. - 12:00 p.m. and 5:00-7:00 p.m. on Tuesday, October 7, and 9:00 a.m. - 12:00 p.m. on Wednesday, October 8. Parents and students are encouraged to attend together. Students can register here. Parents/guardians should submit the Planned Absence Request Form at least seven (7) days before a scheduled absence.
Scholarship Opportunities
Coca-Cola Scholars Program $20,000 Scholarship - High school students graduating during the 2025-2026 school year who meet the criteria can apply for the Coca-Cola Scholars Program $20,000 Scholarship. Applications are open August 1-September 30.
VFW Voice of Democracy – The national first-place winner receives a $35,000 scholarship paid directly to the recipient's American university, college, or vocational/technical school. Students interested in participating must submit their audio essay, prepared on this year's theme, along with a completed 2025-2026 entry form, to their local participating VFW Post by midnight on October 31.
Register Now For Driver's Ed November Classes
Sane Lane Driving School will be conducting Driver's Education classes at Eagle Ridge Academy November 10-21, Monday-Friday, 3:15-6:15 p.m. Students ages 14.5 years and up may sign up for $420 - this includes the required 30 hours of classroom and 6 hours behind-the-wheel lessons.
To sign up, visit www.sanelanedrivingschool.com, click on Sign Up, and fill out the form. Contact Sane Lane Driving School at sanelanedrivingschool@gmail.com or call 612-599-8586.
Each year, I am reminded that there is something magical about the start of a new school year. It feels even more true when the classrooms fill with voices and the halls echo with laughter. This year as we work closely to help our students grow, we are taking a close look at the Habits of Discussion–the habits that lead to fruitful dialogue in the classroom. We know that our model of education requires the development of student voice–that students will be asked to stand to speak as they explain their thinking beginning in the School of Grammar, that students will begin to ask questions of each other’s analysis beginning in the School of Logic, and that students will challenge one another throughout seminars in the School of Rhetoric. We instruct students on active listening, on responding to one another, on building on the thoughts and ideas of others to propel the discussion forward.
All of these tactics lead to well-rounded, robust discussion, but I find myself wondering what else we are teaching our students. As we develop student voice, we let students know that their voice is important–that their ideas are worth sharing, are worth being heard and contemplated by others. We note that their voice is unique–that never before has the world had their exact perspective and, moreover, that is exactly what the world needs. While we develop student voice and instruct on Habits of Discussion that fill our walls with meaningful, moving debates, what we are really doing is ensuring that every student knows that they are capable and worthy–worthy of a chance to speak, worthy of being heard, capable of deep thought around complex issues. Our students are the heart of our school and it is our hope that each and every one understands the value of their voice and what it brings to the world.
Support the Academy
Pledge 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.
Shop with RaiseRight
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.
Corporate Match Programs
Do you work for an employer who has a Matching Gift Program or supports community events as recommended by the employee?
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 up to 100% (essentially doubling the impact of your gift to the Academy), donate to charities of choice based on volunteer hours, and sponsor events financially or with in-kind donations.
Search this website to see if your workplace matches.
Box Tops for Education
Box Tops for Education helps families earn money for ERA with products they already buy.
First, download the Box Tops for Education app on your phone. Next, follow the prompts to set up your account. Be sure to enter ERA as your school! Then, scan your grocery store receipts in the app. The app automatically finds eligible items and credits them to ERA! You can even see in the app how much money has been given to our school this year and what products have special Box Tops promotions going on.
Visit boxtops4education.com for more information.
Download the ERA App
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, October 2.