School Information

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School Statistics    MN Dept. of Ed. Reports    Board Members    Transportation    Contact

History

Heart of the Earth Survival School, as it was once called, was one of the first American Indian operated schools in the nation. It has a long, rich history of teaching urban Native students.
     The school was established through the efforts of metro American Indian parents and community leaders, seeking an alternative to the traditional public school system that historically had been failing their children. Initially organized in 1972, their efforts culminated in acquiring nonprofit status and ultimately the school's current location in the University of Minnesota campus community.
     Today, through the leadership of a progressive Board of Directors and dedicated staff, Oh Day Aki (Heart of the Earth) continues to serve the most disadvantaged of society, our urban American Indian youth. The new Oh Day Aki (Heart of the Earth) Center for American Indian Education is no longer about "survival." It is thriving and creating a renaissance in the community with a solid agenda of new and ambitious educational programs.

School Statistics

95% American Indian
4% African American
1% White and Hispanic

93% free or reduced lunch

Student/teacher ratio 1/20 in elementary, most are smaller
1/25 in 7 and 8 currently 1/15
High school 1/25 currently 1/15

Current students 220

Grades served K-12

Graduation average 90%

Years of operation...Charter School since 1999, original start, 1971 as alternative
for Minneapolis

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Minnesota Department of Education Reports

Click below to view the Minnesota Department of Education's Report Card for our school.

K-6 Report Card

7-12 Report Card

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Charter Board Members

The Charter School Board for 2004-2005 included the following members:

Johnny Smith, Chair of the Board.  Johnny is the Director of Culture and has been at ODA for 16 years.  He teaches American Indian History and drum and dance.

Debra Lumbar, Vice Chair of the Board.  Debra has two children at ODA and is currently employed at Four Directions Charter School in North Minneapolis.

John Plunkett, Treasure of the Board.  John is the fifth grade teacher and has been at ODA for 11 years.  John is a 20+-year veteran of the teaching force having taught in South Carolina before coming to Minnesota.

Allen White, Cultural teacher and art teacher.  Allen has been at ODA for 6 years and is involved in the community.

Ona Kingbird, K-12 culture teacher.  Ona has been teaching at ODA since the beginning of Heart of the Earth (30+ years) and was one of the very first teachers in the school.

Berdine Little Ghost, parent.  Berdine is active in the community and has three children attending ODA.

Arnold Harrison, parent.  Arnold is currently in charge of maintenance and has one daughter attending ODA.

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Transportation

Transportation is provided by Minneapolis Public Schools for K-8.

Public transportation for 9-12 via weekly bus passes or daily bus tokens.

Please contact our office for information about schedules and eligibility.

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Contact Information

Oh Day Aki

Office (612) 331-8862

Fax- 612/331-1747

1209 4th Street Southeast
Minneapolis, MN 55414

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Send mail to joel@americanindianeducation.org with questions or comments about this web site.
Copyright © 2006 OH DAY AKI Charter School
Last modified: 12/04/06