History of Cologne Academy:
- In 2005 the City of Cologne envisioned a 5 year plan to include an elementary school within the city of Cologne.
- In 2007, local land developer Hans Hagen Homes approached the City with interest to provide a school in the Village of Cologne development. The City held an Open house to gather community support for leadership over a charter school.
- Non-profit Friends of Ascension (now called Friends of Education) agreed to provide sponsorship over the charter. On July 6th2007, a 140 page application was submitted to the MN Department of Education, detailing curriculum, governing board, budget and many other issues.
- In September 2007, five community members formed Articles of Incorporation for starting a non-profit organization known as Cologne Academy. November 2007, MN Department of Education approves the Cologne charter school.
- Groundbreaking for the site of the new school was on November 14th 2007. A ten classroom building opened on September 7, 2008 for 127 students in Kindergarten through 5th grade.
- The first addition to the school was completed in time for the start of the Cologne Academy’s third year. School opened September 7, 2010, for 245 students in Kindergarten through 7th grade.
- A new 13,000 square foot addition was constructed and completed in time for the start of the 2012-2013 school year. A bigger cafeteria was designed into this addition as well as the new main entrance and offices.
- The first 8,064 square foot addition to the CA middle school was opened for the start of the 2013-2014 school year. Enrollment jumped to 460 students through 8th grade.
- Cologne Academy’s final construction project was completed in time for the 2015-2016 school year. This 30,000+ square foot addition supports the growing middle school population and houses a full stage and a dual court gymnasium. Student enrollment is 554.
- In fall 2016, Cologne Academy enrolled 610 students.