Level Up Academy
Online Student Application
Personalized Learning for All
Personalized Learning for All
Personalized Learning for All
Personalized Learning for All
Tuition-Free Charter School
Serving Grades K - 8
Based in White Bear Lake, MN
In-Class & Online Pathways
Before You Start: View Application Process
Please Note: Applications are needed for new LUA students only - currently enrolled students are automatically re-enrolled!
Please Note:
Applications are needed for new LUA students only - currently enrolled students are automatically re-enrolled!
Step 1:
Submit Application Form
Required at this stage (now):
Student name & address
Primary & Secondary parent/guardian names & details
Student Enrollment Grade
Student Learning Pathway (In-Class or Online)
Whether the student you're applying for has siblings enrolled or in the process of enrolling
If room is available in your chosen grade...
Step 2:
Offer Acceptance & Student Registration
Required at this stage (later):
Submit enrollment form
Student address, residency & co-resident information
Emergency contact info
Health info
Previous school info
Student language info
Acknowledgments & consents
Submit birth certificate
Submit immunization records
Log in to PowerSchool & finalize registration
If your chosen grade is at capacity
Waitlist
LUA will proactively keep parents updated on waitlist status
Parents may request automatic updates concerning their child(ren)'s waitlist status
Note: The student application should take about 5-10 minutes per student to complete. Please ensure you have enough time to complete the process. If you close the window prior to completing the application, your data may not be saved, and you will have to start over.
Flexible Learning for Busy Families
Flexible Learning for
Busy Families
Choose from In-Class or Online Learning
In-Class (Level Up LIVE)
A structured and interactive in-class environment where students benefit from face-to-face instruction. Classes are kept small to ensure personalized attention, enhancing the learning experience.
Online (Level Up VIRTUAL)
Maximum flexibility and accessibility, allowing students to learn at their own pace and in their own space. An ideal solution for students who may thrive in a self-directed learning environment, or families who prefer the convenience of home learning.
Hear What Others Say About Learning With Us:
Helping K-8 Students Discover Their Passions and Purpose:
At Level Up Academy, Career Day is more than just a single event - it’s the culmination of a month-long journey where K–8 students explore their strengths and connect them to real-world careers. Younger students focused on neighborhood heroes like first responders and animal care workers, while older students met professionals like a TV news anchor, chemist, marketer, and aesthetician. Hands-on activities and thoughtful reflections helped students imagine their future with purpose and possibility.
Want to Meet First?
Schedule Campus Tour
Book Enrollment Discussion
Schedule Campus Tour
Book Enrollment Discussion
Contact Level Up Academy:
Contact Level Up Academy:
2600 Co Rd E East
White Bear Lake, MN 55110
United States
Hours of Operation:
- Monday: 7:45 a.m. – 3:45 p.m.
- Tuesday: 7:45 a.m. – 3:45 p.m.
- Wednesday: 7:45 a.m. – 3:45 p.m.
- Thursday: 7:45 a.m. – 3:45 p.m.
- Friday: 7:45 a.m. – 3:45 p.m.
- Saturday: Closed
- Sunday: Closed
Hours of Operation:
Call Us
Text Us
Email Us
Call Us
Text Us
Email Us
Level Up Academy
Frequently Asked Questions
How was Level Up Academy founded?
Level Up Academy opened in the fall of 2015. A group of parents and grandparents in White Bear Lake, MN, were inspired by their children's experiences in a classroom setting that used online tools and games to personalize learning.
One of the grandparents happened to be a Minnesota legislator who was familiar with Minnesota’s innovative charter school law. She created the Level Up Academy founding board, which included parents, grand-parents, and influential members of the Minnesota legislature and charter school movement.
The founding board designed Level Up Academy to personalize learning for students with an intentional use of technology.
Click this link to see a Ted Talk from a student whose experience inspired Level Up Academy:
What does it mean to be a charter school in Minnesota?
Charter schools in Minnesota are free and public schools that receive state and federal funding.
Instead of having a geographical boundary like a typical district school, charter schools in Minnesota have a particular area of educational innovation.
Level Up Academy’s charter is for personalized learning with intentional use of technology.
What are the school hours?
Our school day runs from 8:30 am – 3:00 pm.
For in-class learning:
- Arrival time is 8:15 – 8:30 a.m.
- Dismissal time is 3:00 – 3:15 p.m.
Do you provide computers?
Yes! If technology is needed, we provide all students with new chromebooks. Students are welcome to use their own technology as well.
My child has an IEP. Will my child receive special education services?
Yes. We are a public school approved by the MN Dept. of Education. Like all public schools in Minnesota, special education services are a part of our programming.
We have dedicated special education teachers and service providers to meet the needs of students with IEPs in all of our programs.
How does personalized learning work at LUA?
At Level Up Academy, we personalize learning through a blended model that tailors instruction to each student’s strengths, interests, and needs.
- Learner Profiles & Assessments:
Every student builds a profile and takes assessments to help us create a personalized learning path.
- Small Group Instruction:
Teachers work with students in small groups to target shared needs.
- Personalized Pathways: While some meet with the teacher, others practice skills using personalized online tools.
- Games, Projects & Activities: Students deepen learning through hands-on games, collaborative projects, and creative exploration.
- Badges & Portfolios: Learners earn digital trophies and build portfolios to showcase growth.
- Mentoring & Conferences: Weekly check-ins with teachers keep students on track, and regular conferences bring families into the journey.
- Learning Celebrations: We wrap it all up with joyful events that celebrate progress with our whole community!
What support is available if my child needs assistance outside of live sessions?
There are several help sessions throughout each day, so your child will always have a teacher ready to assist with academics or troubleshoot any issues.
We offer daily scheduled help sessions when students can join for personalized help. If assistance is needed outside these daily scheduled help session times, students may use the “You can book me!” process to schedule a help session at a preferred time.
Help sessions give parents and caregivers peace of mind to know that they aren’t the only adult helpers throughout the day.
Does LUA cater to students diagnosed with autism?
Yes! We are a public school approved by the MN Dept. of Education. Like all public schools in Minnesota, special education services are a part of our programming.
We have dedicated special education teachers and service providers to meet the needs of students with IEPs.
Do you have programs in music and the arts?
Yes!
In our Live and Fusion programs, students alternate between classes in our Arts Studio and our STEAM Lab.
In our Arts Studio, students have access to guitars, piano keyboards, and a wide range of visual art materials.
In our STEAM lab, they have access to 3-D printers, robotics and a wide range of building and engineering materials.
In our Virtual program, students participate in an Arts curriculum online, and have access to STEAM challenges that can be completed with household materials.
Is physical education part of the curriculum?
Yes! In our Virtual program, students participate in physical education through an online course and a physical activity log.
How is computer science taught at Level Up Academy?
Computer Science is taught K-8th grade at LUA in both our Live and Virtual pathways. Our computer science curriculum includes the following components:
Digital Citizenship:
We teach students the skills necessary to be safe and responsible citizens online.
Digital Skills:
Students learn to be efficient and effective with a wide variety of digital tools, including spreadsheets, slides, graphic design, etc.
Computer Programming:
Beginning with block coding in the younger grades and progressing into computer programming languages, all students at Level Up Academy learn computer programming.
Computational Thinking:
Online and offline, Level Up Academy students practice the kinds of thinking that computer scientists do, such as creating algorithms, debugging, and decomposition.
What family events or activities are organized by LUA?
We build a strong learning community for families through family events:
Back to School Night:
We kick off the school year with Back to School Night, a time for families to meet teachers and fellow students.
School-wide Strengths Celebration: In the fall, all LUA students and staff take a strengths assessment and we host a strengths celebration to highlight strengths-based education.
Flannel Fest:
One of our favorite traditions in October is Flannel Fest — Every year, we wear flannel and celebrate fall festivities! All classes spend the afternoon doing fall activities including art projects and games. And, in the evening, families are invited to join the Flannel Fest Fun! Come to LUA for bonfires, fall treats and activities!
Service Night:
In December, we join together to serve our community with hands-on service projects benefiting our local fire department, humane society, and senior citizens.
Play at LUA: In the spring, we get outside to enjoy the beautiful weather with an evening of yard games and play at the LUA playground!
Are Level Up Academy students prepared for high school?
Yes!
We keep in touch with our alumni every year and take their feedback seriously. Students who go to large district high schools tell us that at Level Up Academy they learn HOW they learn best and develop effective study skills and time management strategies.
Because students become more self-directed in their learning in middle school and meet with teachers during weekly mentor meetings, our alumni tell us they know how to advocate for themselves with their high school teachers.
We also have a lot of students who go to charter schools in high school.
Do you offer bussing?
Yes, we offer bus transportation within the White Bear Lake School District. Families who live outside the district may drive their children to school.
Families may also drop off and pick up their child at the nearest White Bear Lake district bus stop.
Do you offer before and after school care?
Yes!
Before and After School Care
Level Up Academy is excited to offer Level Up Club, our before and after school program. Level Up Club is located at Level Up Academy (LUA).
Level Up is a licensed certified daycare, and has been approved to operate by the LUA School Board.
The hours of Level Up Club on school days are:
- 6:30am - 8:15 am.
- 3:15 pm – 5:30 pm.
Level Up Club provides a safe environment and use our #weCODE expectations of Cooperation, Ownership, Do your Best and Everyone Matters.
Kids are given an opportunity to explore their own interests, participate in physical activities, express themselves through arts and crafts and socialize with their peers.
Level Up Club offers extra help with homework, educational & fun activities for reasonable & competitive rates.
Schedule for a typical day:
- 6:30–8:15 am:
Free play / breakfast / game time
- 3:15–5:30pm:
Free play / snack / homework time
Do you offer after school clubs?
As a small school, we rely on our teachers to provide after school programming, so we do not have a large catalog of after school sports and activities.
We are in the process of expanding our after school program offerings. We received a grant from Hennepin Theater Trust for an annual Disney Musical, which is our largest after school program, running from December to May.
Students in our Virtual program are welcome to participate in after school clubs as they are interested and able.
If you would like to lead a club or recommend an outside organization to provide a club at Level Up Academy, please let us know!
Do you give a lot of homework?
No! We believe that children and families should engage in healthy exercise and family activities in the evening, instead of spending the evening doing homework. This will help set the foundation for a healthy work-life balance for our children in the future.
If families would like to help their child make progress in their learning at home, they may talk to their child’s teacher to set up a plan to work on their personalized learning pathway at home.
Do your students have recess?
Yes! All students in kindergarten through eighth grade have at least one 30 minute recess every day. We know it’s important for all students to get outside and move around every day.
Our school property has 5 acres of green space, and we take advantage of our field and backyard to take movement breaks and learn outside as much as possible!
Do you offer outdoor education?
Yes! In addition to the opportunities for outdoor learning on our own campus, we take field trips that emphasize outdoor education.
Some of our favorite destinations are Tamarack Nature Center, the White Bear Lake YMCA, and William O’Brien State Park. Our middle school students culminate every year with an overnight tent camping trip that includes kayaking, hiking, campfires and s’mores!
Do you offer sports?
No, we do not have the capacity to offer sports at this time. However, the state of Minnesota allows charter school students to participate in their home district in any activities that are not offered at the charter school.
We have students who live in the White Bear Lake School District, for example, who participate in sports at Sunrise Middle School.
What are the main benefits of LUA?
Level Up Academy Middle School is a small community where students receive a lot of personal attention from their teachers.
Our middle school students say that teachers are not only available to help with their learning, but they also take the time to support students’ social emotional needs.
Our teachers supervise lunch and recess, and make sure our #weCODE values, Cooperation, Ownership, Do Your Best, and Everyone Matters are followed even during unstructured times of the school day.
Our teachers pay attention to the social support that students need to have healthy relationships and to feel emotionally safe at school. When we see conflicts arise, we use restorative practices to help students problem-solve, which means that we keep problems from escalating.
Because we are a small community, students work with the same two or three classroom teachers throughout the school day. Teachers are able to build strong relationships with students and carefully monitor their academic progress in order to provide the right level of support and challenge for each student.
My child was bullied at another school. What does Level Up Academy do about bullying?
At Level Up Academy, we take a very proactive approach to prevent and eliminate bullying. We focus on building relationships with students by getting to know our students and taking the time to foster positive relationships between students.
We build a positive culture at our school through daily Community Building Circles in every classroom. We teach and practice our #weCODE values: Cooperation, Ownership, Do Your Best, and Everyone Matters, in every aspect of the school community and throughout the school day.
Teachers provide active supervision throughout the day including during recess and lunch to make sure students are following our #weCODE expectations.
When problems do arise, we use Restorative Practices to repair harm and restore relationships.
We use the following restorative questions:
- What happened?
- Who was impacted?
- What do we need to do to make it right?
- How do we keep it from happening again?
Our students and families tell us that Level Up Academy is a highly positive place to learn. In a recent survey, 97.9% of families said that Level Up Academy staff create a positive environment at school!
Will you ever open a high school?
We hope so!
Level Up Academy families tell us they’d like to stay through high school! The planning and approval process for opening a high school in the state of Minnesota is extensive.
We’ve begun the process that will likely be a multi-year project, beginning with an application and multiple rounds of feedback from the Minnesota Department of Education.
The earliest we would be able to open a high school is the 2026-27 school year. We’re planning to open a Virtual model first, then expand to Live (in-class) high school programs.
Level Up Academy - Frequently Asked Questions
How was Level Up Academy founded?
Level Up Academy opened in the fall of 2015. A group of parents and grandparents in White Bear Lake, MN, were inspired by their children's experiences in a classroom setting that used online tools and games to personalize learning.
One of the grandparents happened to be a Minnesota legislator who was familiar with Minnesota’s innovative charter school law. She created the Level Up Academy founding board, which included parents, grandparents, and influential members of the Minnesota legislature and charter school movement.
The founding board designed Level Up Academy to personalize learning for students with an intentional use of technology.
Click this link to see a Ted Talk from a student whose experience inspired Level Up Academy:
What does it mean to be a charter school in Minnesota?
Charter schools in Minnesota are free and public schools that receive state and federal funding.
Instead of having a geographical boundary like a typical district school, charter schools in Minnesota have a particular area of educational innovation.
Level Up Academy’s charter is for personalized learning with intentional use of technology.
What are the school hours?
Our school day runs from 8:30 a.m. – 3:00 p.m.
For in-class learning,
- Arrival time is 8:15 – 8:30 am.
- Dismissal time is 3:00 – 3:15 pm.
Do you provide computers?
Yes! If technology is needed, we provide all students with new Chromebooks. Students are welcome to use their own technology as well.
My child has an IEP. Will my child receive special education services?
Yes. We are a public school approved by the MN Dept. of Education. Like all public schools in Minnesota, special education services are a part of our programming.
We have dedicated special education teachers and service providers to meet the needs of students with IEPs in all of our programs.
How does personalized learning work at LUA?
At Level Up Academy, we personalize learning through a blended model that tailors instruction to each student’s strengths, interests, and needs.
- Learner Profiles & Assessments:
Every student builds a profile and takes assessments to help us create a personalized learning path.
- Small Group Instruction:
Teachers work with students in small groups to target shared needs.
- Personalized Pathways:
While some meet with the teacher, others practice skills using personalized online tools.
- Games, Projects & Activities:
Students deepen learning through hands-on games, collaborative projects, and creative exploration.
- Badges & Portfolios:
Learners earn digital trophies and build portfolios to showcase growth.
- Mentoring & Conferences:
Weekly check-ins with teachers keep students on track, and regular conferences bring families into the journey.
- Learning Celebrations:
We wrap it all up with joyful events that celebrate progress with our whole community!
What support is available if my child needs assistance outside of live sessions?
There are several help sessions throughout each day, so your child will always have a teacher ready to assist with academics or troubleshoot any issues.
We offer daily scheduled help sessions when students can join for personalized help. If assistance is needed outside these daily scheduled help session times, students may use the “You can book me!” process to schedule a help session at a preferred time.
Help sessions give parents and caregivers peace of mind to know that they aren’t the only adult helpers throughout the day.
Does LUA cater to students diagnosed with autism?
Yes! We are a public school approved by the MN Dept. of Education. Like all public schools in Minnesota, special education services are a part of our programming.
We have dedicated special education teachers and service providers to meet the needs of students with IEPs.
Do you have programs in music and the arts?
Yes!
- In our Live program, students alternate between classes in our Arts Studio and our STEAM Lab.
- In our Virtual program, students participate in an Arts curriculum online, and have access to STEAM challenges that can be completed with household materials.
- In our Arts Studio, students have access to guitars, piano keyboards, and a wide range of visual art materials.
- In our STEAM lab, they have access to 3-D printers, robotics and a wide range of building and engineering materials.
Is physical education part of the curriculum?
Yes! In our Virtual program, students participate in physical education through an online course and a physical activity log.
How is computer science taught at Level Up Academy?
Computer Science is taught K-8th grade at LUA in both our Live and Virtual pathways. Our computer science curriculum includes the following components:
Digital Citizenship:
We teach students the skills necessary to be safe and responsible citizens online.
Digital Skills:
Students learn to be efficient and effective with a wide variety of digital tools, including spreadsheets, slides, graphic design, etc.
Computer Programming:
Beginning with block coding in the younger grades and progressing into computer programming languages, all students at Level Up Academy learn computer programming.
Computational Thinking:
Online and offline, Level Up Academy students practice the kinds of thinking that computer scientists do, such as creating algorithms, debugging, and decomposition.
What family events or activities are organized by LUA?
We build a strong learning community for families through family events:
Back to School Night:
We kick off the school year with Back to School Night, a time for families to meet teachers and fellow students.
School-wide Strengths Celebration:
In the fall, all LUA students and staff take a strengths assessment and we host a strengths celebration to highlight strengths-based education.
Flannel Fest:
One of our favorite traditions in October is Flannel Fest — Every year, we wear flannel and celebrate fall festivities! All classes spend the afternoon doing fall activities including art projects and games. And, in the evening, families are invited to join the Flannel Fest Fun! Come to LUA for bonfires, fall treats and activities!
Service Night:
In December, we join together to serve our community with hands-on service projects benefiting our local fire department, humane society, and senior citizens.
Play at LUA:
In the spring, we get outside to enjoy the beautiful weather with an evening of yard games and play at the LUA playground!
Are Level Up Academy Students prepared for high school?
Yes!
We keep in touch with our alumni every year and take their feedback seriously. Students who go to large district high schools tell us that at Level Up Academy they learn HOW they learn best and develop effective study skills and time management strategies.
Because students become more self-directed in their learning in middle school and meet with teachers during weekly mentor meetings, our alumni tell us they know how to advocate for themselves with their high school teachers.
We also have a lot of students who go to charter schools in high school.
Do you offer bussing?
Yes, we offer bus transportation within the White Bear Lake School District. Families who live outside the district may drive their children to school.
Families may also drop off and pick up their child at the nearest White Bear Lake district bus stop.
Do you offer before and after school care?
Yes!
Level Up Academy is excited to offer Level Up Club, our before and after school program. Level Up Club is located at our main campus (2600 Co Rd E East, White Bear Lake, MN 55110).
Level Up is a licensed certified daycare, and has been approved to operate by the LUA School Board.
The hours of Level Up Club on school days are:
- 6:30am - 8:15 am.
- 3:15 pm – 5:30 pm.
Level Up Club provides a safe environment and use our #weCODE expectations of Cooperation, Ownership, Do your Best and Everyone Matters.
Kids are given an opportunity to explore their own interests, participate in physical activities, express themselves through arts and crafts and socialize with their peers.
Level Up Club offers extra help with homework, educational & fun activities for reasonable & competitive rates.
Schedule for a typical day:
- 6:30 - 8:15 am: Free play / breakfast / game time
- 3:15 - 5:30 pm: Free play / snack / homework time
Do you offer after school clubs?
As a small school, we rely on our teachers to provide after school programming, so we do not have a large catalog of after school sports and activities.
We are in the process of expanding our after school program offerings.We received a grant from Hennepin Theater Trust for an annual Disney Musical, which is our largest after school program, running from December to May.
Students in our Virtual program are welcome to participate in after school clubs as they are interested and able.
If you would like to lead a club or recommend an outside organization to provide a club at Level Up Academy, please let us know!
Do you give a lot of homework?
No! We believe that children and families should engage in healthy exercise and family activities in the evening, instead of spending the evening doing homework. This will help set the foundation for a healthy work-life balance for our children in the future.
If families would like to help their child make progress in their learning at home, they may talk to their child’s teacher to set up a plan to work on their personalized learning pathway at home.
Do your students have recess?
Yes! All students in kindergarten through eighth grade have at least one 30 minute recess every day. We know it’s important for all students to get outside and move around every day.
Our school property has 5 acres of green space, and we take advantage of our field and backyard to take movement breaks and learn outside as much as possible!
Do you offer outdoor education?
Yes! In addition to the opportunities for outdoor learning on our own campus, we take field trips that emphasize outdoor education.
Some of our favorite destinations are Tamarack Nature Center, the White Bear Lake YMCA, and William O’Brien State Park. Our middle school students culminate every year with an overnight tent camping trip that includes kayaking, hiking, campfires and s’mores!
Do you offer sports?
No, we do not have the capacity to offer sports at this time. However, the state of Minnesota allows charter school students to participate in their home district in any activities that are not offered at the charter school.
We have students who live in the White Bear Lake School District, for example, who participate in sports at Sunrise Middle School.
What are the main benefits of LUA?
Level Up Academy Middle School is a small community where students receive a lot of personal attention from their teachers.
Our middle school students say that teachers are not only available to help with their learning, but they also take the time to support students’ social emotional needs.
Our teachers supervise lunch and recess, and make sure our #weCODE values, Cooperation, Ownership, Do Your Best, and Everyone Matters are followed even during unstructured times of the school day.
Our teachers pay attention to the social support that students need to have healthy relationships and to feel emotionally safe at school. When we see conflicts arise, we use restorative practices to help students problem-solve, which means that we keep problems from escalating.
Because we are a small community, students work with the same two or three classroom teachers throughout the school day. Teachers are able to build strong relationships with students and carefully monitor their academic progress in order to provide the right level of support and challenge for each student.
My child was bullied at another school. What does Level Up Academy do about bullying?
At Level Up Academy, we take a very proactive approach to prevent and eliminate bullying. We focus on building relationships with students by getting to know our students and taking the time to foster positive relationships between students.
We build a positive culture at our school through daily Community Building Circles in every classroom. We teach and practice our #weCODE values: Cooperation, Ownership, Do Your Best, and Everyone Matters, in every aspect of the school community and throughout the school day.
Teachers provide active supervision throughout the day including during recess and lunch to make sure students are following our #weCODE expectations.
When problems do arise, we use Restorative Practices to repair harm and restore relationships.
We use the following restorative questions:
- What happened?
- Who was impacted?
- What do we need to do to make it right?
- How do we keep it from happening again?
Our students and families tell us that Level Up Academy is a highly positive place to learn. In a recent survey, 97.9% of families said that Level Up Academy staff create a positive environment at school!
Will you ever open a high school?
We hope so!
Level Up Academy families tell us they’d like to stay through high school! The planning and approval process for opening a high school in the state of Minnesota is extensive.
We’ve begun the process that will likely be a multi-year project, beginning with an application and multiple rounds of feedback from the Minnesota Department of Education.
The earliest we would be able to open a high school is the 2026-27 school year. We’re planning to open a Virtual model first, then expand to Live (in-class) high school programs.
