IQS Authorized Schools

Venture Academy was founded in 2011 by Jon Bacal and Verne Johnson, and joined in 2012 by Kerry Muse, who shared the belief that in the heart, mind, and soul of every young person if a genius waiting to be discovered, a passion and purpose waiting to be found. They aimed to implement a personalized learning model that closes the vast college- and career-readiness gap that confronts economically disadvantaged youth in the Twin Cities.

Since opening our doors in August 2013, we are helping grow the next generation of entrepreneurial leaders, self-propelled students who know how to imagine new opportunities, take initiative and risks, and solve problems. We call our students trailblazers, and we‚are guiding their personalized learning pathways with real-time data generated by digital tools, input from teachers (learning coaches), and self-reflections.

A trailblazer's day includes digital learning, enrichment in the arts and sciences (check out our makerspace, where trailblazers tinker, design, and build), and responsive small group coaching in literacy and math. Advanced literacy pervades all core and enrichment classes through discussion, presentation, and evidence-based writing.