Lionsgate Academy is a public charter school with a mission to serve students with high-functioning autism in their transition years (grades 7 through 12). Our general education teachers, special education teachers, and therapeutic support service staff work collaboratively with our students and families to identify our students’ unique strengths and challenges. We strive to provide a well-rounded education for our students. In many ways, we function like a typical high school with core academic classes (e.g. math, science), elective classes (e.g. drama, art), and after school activities (e.g. music, automotive club, legos club). In addition to this, we have full support services and transitions teams on staff to provide necessary training in areas such as social skills, occupational therapy, speech-language skills, and transition skills (i.e., service learning, home living skills). All of our programs are designed to meet the unique needs of students living with autism spectrum disorders.
Recent News
- School Board Election - May 23, 2012
The Lionsgate Academy (District 4183) School Board has released the results of last week’s election for its three open positions. Anne Sarles was elected for the community member position; Nicole Cleland won the vote for parent representative and Ryan Weber was selected to the post of licensed staff member.
- Alice in Wonderland - May 17, 2012
Lionsgate Academy’s drama department will present Alice in Wonderland, May 24-26 at the Perpich Center for the Arts in Golden Valley. The doors will open all three nights at 6:00 and the show will start at 7:00 p.m. Admission is $8.00 for adults and $5.00 for students.
Please help out the Drama Department by downloading and printing the show poster and posting it at work and other places in the community. Thank you so much for your support.
- School Board Meeting - May 11, 2012
The next monthly school board meeting will be 6:00 p.m. Tuesday May 15 in the LGA Fellowship Hall. The board will review the results of the Student Individual Learning Plans, approve the SBS contract and approve the 2012-13 budget. The public is invited and encouraged to attend.
- A Tale of Two Students - A Lionsgate Academy Video - May 8, 2012
Meet Joey and Thomas, two remarkable students at Lionsgate Academy. Although their paths getting to LGA are vastly different, their stories echo the same sentiment; it's difficult for students on the autism spectrum in most public schools. Enter Lionsgate Academy, a public charter school that serves students from grades 7-12. It's a safe environment that fosters not only a quality education; it also focuses on social skills which will help students navigate everyday situations that most people take for granted.
Music by J. Hunger, Abscondo, Rachael Eisley and Dan-O.
- Arts Showcase in 60 Seconds - April 30, 2012
Lionsgate Academy hosted its Third Annual Arts Showcase on Friday, April 27. The LGA Art Gallery was filled with student pieces completed in class and at home. The assorted music clubs performed pieces that they have been working on this year; including an original composition, traditional pieces, music from the Beatles, the Pixies and the musical Cats. The Improv Players gave their final performance of the year and the cast of Alice in Wonderland presented the audience a sneak preview of the spring play, which opens May 24.
- Lionsgate Academy Names Next Executive Director - April 27, 2012
Lionsgate Academy announced Friday that Dr. Diane Halpin will become the school’s next Executive Director. She replaces Stanley G. Hacker, who will retire at the end of the school year.
“Diane comes with a wealth of knowledge and experience in education, ASD and other related areas,” wrote Ron Berger, Lionsgate Academy School Board Chair, in a letter to staff and parents. “We are excited to have Diane join our community here at Lionsgate Academy.”
- Lionsgate Academy Executive Director’s April Video Address - April 24, 2012
Lionsgate Academy Executive Director Stan Hacker released his monthly video address to the LGA community. In the video, Mr. Hacker talks about Friday’s Art Showcase, the benefit breakfast on May 4, the school play, the School Board elections and the Executive Director’s search.
- Art Showcase - April 23, 2012
The Third Annual Lionsgate Academy Art Showcase will be Friday, April 27 in the LGA Worship Center. Students will show off their talents in art, drama, comedy and music which they have honed in classes and clubs. The Lionsgate Academy Art Gallery will be on display in the hallways of the school, featuring original pieces created by LGA students. There will also be some one-of-a-kind, student created artwork for sale in a silent auction. The event is free to attend; however, donations are always welcome and are appreciated. Doors open at 6:00 p.m. and the program will start in the Worship Center at 7:30 p.m. and last about an hour. The Lionsgate Academy Cooking Club will provide some appetizers and light snacks. You will also have a chance to meet the candidates for the school board elections.
Students who wish to have a piece displayed in the gallery must have the artwork in by Thursday, April 26. Please e-mail Meta Pautsch (mpautsch@lgamn.org) with any questions.
- Lionsgate School Board Releases the Candidate’s List - April 18, 2012
The Lionsgate Academy School Board (District 4183) has released the list and bios of candidates for the upcoming board elections. There are three open seats this year; one for a licensed staff member, one for a parent of a currently enrolled student and one for a community member. The elections will be held May 14 and 15 (location to be determined). To read the bios of the seven candidates, visit the Meet the Candidates page.
- May Lunch Menus - April 18, 2012
The May lunch menu and order form are now available. The order for and check must be in the LGA office by Friday, April 20.




