Community of Peace Academy is a chartered public school located in the East Side of Saint Paul, Minnesota, United States. Founded in 1995 by Dr. Karen Rusthoven, this former K-5 school has now grown to be a PreK-12 school with around 800 students.
Serving 335 students in grades Prekindergarten-4, Community Of Peace Academy Elementary School ranks in the bottom 50% of all schools in Minnesota for overall test scores (math proficiency is bottom 50%, and reading proficiency is bottom 50%).
The percentage of students achieving proficiency in math is 10-14% (which is lower than the Minnesota state average of 46%). The percentage of students achieving proficiency in reading/language arts is 10-14% (which is lower than the Minnesota state average of 51%).
The student-teacher ratio of 15:1 is higher than the Minnesota state level of 13:1.
Minority enrollment is 96% of the student body (majority Asian and Black), which is higher than the Minnesota state average of 39% (majority Black and Hispanic).
Quick Facts (2026)
- School Type: Charter School
- Grades: Prekindergarten-4
- Enrollment: 335 students
- Student-Teacher Ratio: 15:1
- Minority Enrollment: 96%
- Overall Testing Rank: Bottom 50% in MN
- Math Proficiency: 10-14% (Btm 50%)
- Reading Proficiency: 10-14% (Btm 50%)
- Source: National Center for Education Statistics (NCES), MN Dept. of Education
School Overview
Community Of Peace Academy Elementary School's student population of 335 students has grown by 17% over five school years.
The teacher population of 23 teachers has stayed relatively flat over five school years.
School Type
Grades Offered
Grades Prekindergarten-4
(No virtual instruction)
(No virtual instruction)
Total Students
335 students
Gender %
Total Classroom Teachers
23 teachers
Year Founded
1995
School Calendar
Last Day of School
Wed. Jun 3, 2026
School Motto
Educating the Whole Person. Educating Mind, Body & Will. Teaching Peace. Building Community. Developing Character.
School Rankings
Community Of Peace Academy Elementary School ranks within the bottom 50% of all 1,773 schools in Minnesota (based off of combined math and reading proficiency testing data).
The diversity score of Community Of Peace Academy Elementary School is 0.74, which is more than the diversity score at state average of 0.59. The school's diversity has stayed relatively flat over five school years.
Overall Testing Rank
#1723 out of 1773 schools
(Bottom 50%)
(Bottom 50%)
Math Test Scores (% Proficient)
10-14%
46%
Reading/Language Arts Test Scores (% Proficient)
10-14%
51%
Student-Teacher Ratio
15:1
13:1
American Indian
n/a
2%
Asian
33%
7%
Hispanic
22%
12%
Black
31%
12%
White
4%
61%
Hawaiian
n/a
n/a
Two or more races
10%
6%
All Ethnic Groups
Eligible for Free Lunch
77%
36%
Eligible for Reduced Lunch
9%
7%
School Statewide Testing
School District Name
Source: National Center for Education Statistics (NCES), MN Dept. of Education
School Notes
- School Mascot: Rusty The Cpa Tiger
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Community Of Peace Academy Elementary School's ranking?
Community Of Peace Academy Elementary School is ranked #1723 out of 1,773 schools, which ranks it among the bottom 50% of public schools in Minnesota.
What percent of students have achieved state testing proficiency in math and reading?
10-14% of students have achieved math proficiency (compared to the 46% MN state average), while 10-14% of students have achieved reading proficiency (compared to the 51% MN state average).
How many students attend Community Of Peace Academy Elementary School?
335 students attend Community Of Peace Academy Elementary School.
What is the racial composition of the student body?
33% of Community Of Peace Academy Elementary School students are Asian, 31% of students are Black, 22% of students are Hispanic, 10% of students are Two or more races, and 4% of students are White.
What is the student-teacher ratio of Community Of Peace Academy Elementary School?
Community Of Peace Academy Elementary School has a student ration of 15:1, which is higher than the Minnesota state average of 13:1.
What grades does Community Of Peace Academy Elementary School offer ?
Community Of Peace Academy Elementary School offers enrollment in grades Prekindergarten-4 (No virtual instruction).
What school district is Community Of Peace Academy Elementary School part of?
Community Of Peace Academy Elementary School is part of Community Of Peace Academy School District.
In what neighborhood is Community Of Peace Academy Elementary School located?
Community Of Peace Academy Elementary School is located in the Payne Phalen neighborhood of Saint Paul, MN. There are 15 other public schools located in Payne Phalen.
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