At Dayton’s Bluff Achievement Plus Elementary School (K-6), building renovations were an important way to improve the learning environment for students and address the needs of the community. Building alterations at Dayton’s Bluff included upgraded classroom technology, an enclosed library, a new entryway to the school, a youth theater, and a dental clinic. Many of these additions were made in collaboration with the City of St. Paul, which, as a part of the Achievement Plus initiative, changed initial plans to build a recreation center a block away and instead built it onto the school as a community wing. The recreation center shares its facilities with community members and students themselves, providing a convenient location for extended learning programs and neighborhood events.

John A. Johnson Achievement Plus Elementary School (K-6) was built specifically to support Achievement Plus curriculum and the concept of the community schools model. Once the site of an area high school, Johnson was renovated and almost completely rebuilt to reflect the curricular aims of Achievement Plus, to exemplify the community schools model, and to serve as an Achievement Plus demonstration site.

Opened in 2000, Johnson features classrooms designed with areas for independent reading and tutoring, circular tables in the cafeteria to foster student interaction, a glass annex with views of historical St. Paul landmarks, a new library, outdoor playing fields, and a neighborhood playground. Additional space was allocated for a medical area, the Family Resource Center, counseling offices, and meeting rooms for seminars, extended learning programs, and teacher training.

In spring, 2005, the Wilder Foundation was awarded grants from three private foundations for the purpose of moving the Achievement Plus concept to a junior high school. As a result, staff are participating in professional development opportunities through the school district; a Family Resource Room has been opened at the school; through the Wilder Foundation, mental health services are being provided to students; and the extended learning program is being enhanced. Achievement Plus staff are working with school staff to embed the initiative within the school, along with finding ways to sustain the concept, once grant dollars have been expended.

The goals include raising the achievement level of students attending Cleveland and making the school a demonstration site for other junior highs in the school district.