About SAM

Student Achievement Minnesota LLC is a single-purpose authorizer:  it operates exclusively to authorize charter schools.

Recognizing that a wide variety of programs – including those implemented at the New Schools for New Orleans and the Uncommon Schools – are demonstrated to significantly increase student achievement, Friends of Education formed Student Achievement Minnesota LLC. 

Student Achievement Minnesota LLC received approval from the Minnesota Department of Education in 2010 as a charter school authorizer. 

A goal of Student Achievement Minnesota LLC is to authorize a significant number of charter schools serving primarily disadvantaged students.  Through its focus on increased student achievement and targeting disadvantaged students, Student Achievement Minnesota LLC seeks to participate in the reduction and eventual elimination of the achievement gap in this state.

Student Achievement Minnesota LLC welcomes inquiries and applications from:

• Developing groups
• Existing schools seeking replication or change in authorizer, and
• Out-of-state programs

 Student Achievement Minnesota LLC is led by its Director, Liz Wynne. Ms. Wynne is the founder of Twin Cities Academy Middle and High School, two high-performing St. Paul charter schools.  Previously, Ms. Wynne was an elementary and middle school teacher in Ann Arbor (MI) and the St. Paul School District (MN) for twenty years.  Ms. Wynne has been an adjunct professor at the University of St. Thomas and at the University of Minnesota Leadership Academy, in Education Policy and Administration.