Classes To Begin At Mall Of America After School Destroyed

BLOOMINGTON, MN — The Minnesota Transitions Charter School (MTCS) is opening a temporary school at the Mall of America this fall after its building was completely destroyed during the violent protests that took place after George Floyd's death.

With both the MTCS district offices and MTS Secondary school site gone, 150 students were left without a place to call their school.

This fall, a 17,000 square foot space on level 3 of the Mall of America will be the new site for classes for grades 7 through 12.

Ikea is furnishing the classroom space and TCF Bank is providing technology for the school.

"The destruction of our offices and school site was tragic, however, it has given us an opportunity to continue rethinking education. It has given us a chance to come back stronger and more innovative than ever," Superintendent Brian Erlandson said in a news release.

"This new Mall of America school site allows us to do things differently by offering a variety of learning options for students who have not thrived in a traditional school model. Mall of America represents the center for our community, and we are beyond thrilled to enter into this unique partnership that we believe will create endless possibilities for our students."

Students will have opportunities for shadowing and internships in businesses at the mall.

MTCS is planning to do distant learning through Oct. 14 due to the coronavirus pandemic. However, the space at the mall will open Sept. 8 so that staff can provide students with one-on-one education, if needed.

"The MTCS mission and their collective efforts to offer students a new way to thrive is incredibly inspiring. The way they have reimagined education aligns with our approach to retail and entertainment," said Jill Renslow, EVP of Business Development and Marketing for Mall of America.

"We are proud to be the new school site for MTCS students and staff and look forward to learning from one another in the years to come."