Woodbury Leadership Academy seeks permit to expand to grades 9-12 on Globe Drive

In the heart of Woodbury, a significant proposal is on the table that could reshape the educational landscape for local families. During a recent planning commission meeting, the Woodbury Leadership Academy presented its application for a conditional use permit to expand its operations, aiming to serve high school students in grades 9 through 12. This expansion would take place at their current location on Globe Drive, a site that has a rich history in education.

The academy, which has been a staple in the community for over a decade, currently serves nearly 900 students from elementary through middle school. With this proposed expansion, the school hopes to accommodate an additional 300 to 400 students, bringing the total enrollment to approximately 1,300. This growth reflects the academy's commitment to providing accessible education, as it operates as a tuition-free charter school.

The building in question, originally developed as the corporate headquarters for the Minnesota School of Business and Globe College, has undergone several transformations since its inception. In 2018, the site was repurposed for the Leadership Academy, which has since added facilities like a multipurpose gym and additional classrooms to enhance the learning environment.

The planning commission discussed the implications of this expansion, noting that the school’s operational hours are designed to minimize traffic disruptions, with student drop-off and pick-up occurring within a brief 15-minute window each day. Approximately 60% of the students rely on school-provided busing, which is contracted out to ensure flexibility for families.

As the commission deliberates on the conditional use permit, they will consider the findings of fact outlined in the draft resolution, which detail the potential impacts of the expansion on the surrounding community. The outcome of this proposal could not only affect the academy's future but also the educational opportunities available to families in Woodbury, highlighting the ongoing evolution of the city’s educational infrastructure.

With the planning commission's decision pending, the community watches closely, hopeful for an expansion that promises to enrich the educational experience for many young learners in the area.