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Hiawatha Academies

Learn about this cause: What are the reviews? Is it Legit? Do I like the mission? What is the CEO's salary?

EIN: 204798683 ✦ Minneapolis, MN ✦ Designated as a 501(c)(3)

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Overview

What is Hiawatha Academies?

Hiawatha Academies is a Minneapolis-based nonprofit organization dedicated to closing the achievement gap for a predominantly diverse community of scholars. With 98% students of color and 93% eligible for free or reduced lunches, Hiawatha Academies has achieved remarkable success in academic results, outperforming their peers in Minnesota in all grade levels and subjects. The nonprofit, which employs 330 people, has been praised for its outstanding achievements, as featured in the Star Tribune as one of the top urban schools for academic results in the Twin Cities metro area. Hiawatha Academies' mission is to equip students with the necessary knowledge, character, and leadership skills to graduate from college and contribute to the common good. During the 2022 school year, 1,506 students received services from the organization.


Official website here: www.hiawathaacademies.org

What are the reviews and ratings of this charity?

Charity Navigator rating: 77%, Three-Star out of Four Star rating.

Hiawatha Academies has received a solid Three-Star rating from Charity Navigator, reflecting a score of 77% based primarily on its accountability and finance practices. With 83% of its board members being independent, the organization demonstrates a commitment to governance standards that promote accountability. Its financial management is robust, as evidenced by an impressive program expense ratio of 88.21%, indicating a significant portion of its funds is directed towards its programs.

Despite its strengths, Hiawatha Academies has certain areas for improvement. Notably, the organization lacks a whistleblower policy, which could be crucial for safeguarding against misconduct and ensuring transparency. This absence slightly detracts from its overall accountability score, even though other financial oversight areas scored exceptionally well.

Overall, Hiawatha Academies exhibits a strong commitment to financial accountability and effective program spending, but addressing its governance gaps could further enhance its operational integrity and public trust.


This AI summary has been generated from information found on Charity Navigator.

What do the Facebook reviews say about Hiawatha Academies?

86% of 66 reviewers on Facebook recommend Hiawatha Academies. Here is a summary of their reviews:

Most supporters express a positive sentiment towards the school's dedication to education, with many highlighting the commitment of the staff and the nurturing environment provided for students. Some remarks emphasize that the educational quality and community involvement stand out, contributing significantly to the development of the children enrolled.

However, there are notable concerns expressed by a few individuals regarding the physical environment and infrastructure, particularly in extreme weather conditions. Instances of discomfort due to insufficient heating and inadequate responses during these times have negatively impacted some parents' experiences. Overall, while many find value in the academy's offerings, addressing the infrastructure complaints could enhance the overall satisfaction among families.


This AI summary has been generated from reviews found on Facebook.

Is Hiawatha Academies legitimate?

Hiawatha Academies is a legitimate nonprofit organization registered as a 501(c)(3) entity. Hiawatha Academies submitted a form 990, which is a tax form used by tax-exempt organizations in the U.S., indicating its operational transparency and adherence to regulatory requirements. Donations to this organization are tax deductible.


Heare are some key statistics you may want to consider:

Executive Compensation: $436,014
Professional Fundraising Fees: $0
Other Salaries and Wages: $14,001,729

For more financial information, click here


Official website here: www.hiawathaacademies.org

What is the mission statement of Hiawatha Academies?

Hiawatha Academies is dedicated to empowering students with the necessary knowledge, character, and leadership skills to graduate from college. This mission is shared by all students attending Hiawatha Academies.

Hiawatha Academies has achieved notable outcomes in closing the achievement gap for a diverse student body, which is predominantly students of color and eligible for free or reduced lunches. The academy has been recognized for its academic successes, outperforming their peers statewide in all grade levels and subjects.

Sixty to seventy percent of Hiawatha scholars consistently score proficient or advanced in math, compared to roughly fifty percent of district students and only twenty percent of scholars in similar high free and reduced lunch schools. In reading, approximately forty-five percent of Hiawatha scholars are proficient or advanced, compared to forty percent of district students and only fifteen percent of scholars in similar high free and reduced lunch schools.

During the 2021-2022 school year, 1,506 students were served by Hiawatha Academies. The academy has proven that closing the achievement gap is possible, despite serving historically underserved populations, including English language learners and free and reduced-price lunch students.


Official website here: www.hiawathaacademies.org

Who is the CEO of Hiawatha Academies?

Gerardo Alcazar is the Board Chair of Hiawatha Academies.


Official website here: www.hiawathaacademies.org

What is the revenue of Hiawatha Academies?

Hiawatha Academies's revenue in 2022 was $30,139,813.


Official website here: www.hiawathaacademies.org

Who are the executives of Hiawatha Academies and what are their salaries?

The average compensation at Hiawatha Academies during 2022 was $43,751. There are 330 employees and 126 volunteers at Hiawatha Academies.


Here are 13 key members and their salaries:


Christine Reed (Chief Operating Officer)
  • Compensation: $126,136
  • Related: $0
  • Other: $19,044
Colette Owens (Executive Director (Thru 7/31/21))
  • Compensation: $78,034
  • Related: $0
  • Other: $19,075
Roberto Lazo (Former Board Member/Teacher)
  • Compensation: $81,474
  • Related: $0
  • Other: $14,967
Scott Kolman-Keen (Secretary)
  • Compensation: $71,937
  • Related: $0
  • Other: $16,086
Lashawn Ray (Executive Director)
  • Compensation: $69,898
  • Related: $0
  • Other: $11,525
Gerardo Alcazar (Board Chair)
  • Compensation: $0
  • Related: $0
  • Other: $0
Jennifer Stern (Vice Chair)
  • Compensation: $0
  • Related: $0
  • Other: $0
Robbie Soskin (Treasurer)
  • Compensation: $0
  • Related: $0
  • Other: $0
Celina Martina (Board Member)
  • Compensation: $0
  • Related: $0
  • Other: $0
Nicole Tuescher (Board Member)
  • Compensation: $0
  • Related: $0
  • Other: $0
Dr Alicia Munoz (Board Member)
  • Compensation: $0
  • Related: $0
  • Other: $0
Jon Schwartz (Board Member)
  • Compensation: $0
  • Related: $0
  • Other: $0
Chels Elsberry (Board Member)
  • Compensation: $0
  • Related: $0
  • Other: $0


Official website here: www.hiawathaacademies.org

Where can I find the form 990 for Hiawatha Academies?

Hiawatha Academies's most recent form 990 was submitted in 2022 and can be accessed here.


Official website here: www.hiawathaacademies.org

Learn more at the official website: www.hiawathaacademies.org

Mission Statement of Hiawatha Academies

Hiawatha Academies, a trailblazing educational institution, is dedicated to empowering students with the knowledge, character, and leadership skills necessary to graduate from college. This mission is geared towards a diverse community of scholars, 98% of whom are students of color and 93% of whom are eligible for free or reduced-price lunch.

The academy has achieved remarkable outcomes in closing the achievement gap for its students. Its recent recognition in the Star Tribune as one of the top urban schools for academic results in the Twin Cities metro area is a testament to its success. Hiawatha Academies' historically underserved populations, including English language learners and free and reduced-price lunch students, have outperformed their peers in the state of Minnesota in all grade levels and subjects. With 60-70% of Hiawatha scholars scoring proficient or advanced in math, compared to roughly 50% of students in the local district and 20% of students in similar high free and reduced-price lunch schools, the academy is demonstrating the possibility of closing the achievement gap. In reading, 45% of Hiawatha scholars are proficient or advanced, while this is true for only 40% of district students and just 15% of students in similar high free and reduced-price lunch schools. During the 2022 school year, 1,506 students were served by Hiawatha Academies.

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Impact




October, 2024

Hiawatha Academies is making a significant impact on education in Minneapolis by effectively closing the achievement gap for a diverse student population. The academies serve a community that is 98% students of color and 93% eligible for free or reduced lunch, achieving impressive academic outcomes for historically underserved groups.

Recent recognition in the *Star Tribune* highlights Hiawatha as one of the top urban schools for academic results in the Twin Cities. Students, particularly English language learners and those eligible for free and reduced-price lunch, consistently outperform their peers across Minnesota in all grades and subjects. Specifically, 60-70% of Hiawatha scholars score proficient or advanced in math, far surpassing the local district average of approximately 50% and the 20% in similar high free-and-reduced-lunch schools. In reading, about 45% of Hiawatha scholars achieve proficient or advanced scores, compared to 40% in the local district and just 15% in comparable schools.

In the 2021-2022 school year, Hiawatha Academies served 1,506 students, emphasizing their commitment to empowering young learners with the knowledge, character, and leadership skills necessary to graduate from college and contribute positively to society. Through these efforts, Hiawatha is demonstrating that closing the achievement gap, often deemed an impossible task, is indeed achievable.




This information is meant to be a general summary of Hiawatha Academies. Please take the time to review official sources before making any decisions based upon the content provided here.


Financials

This financial information is from Propublica.

Revenue
$30,139,813 (2022)
Expenses
$30,050,908 (2022)
Efficiency

Other financial information:

This information is from the most recently submitted tax form from this organization, which was in 2022.

  • Investment Income: $748
  • Program Service Revenue: $82,066
  • Gross Receipts: $30,139,813

Assets and Liabilities:

  • Total Assets: $16,918,105
  • Total Liabilities: $25,874,019
  • Net Assets: -$8,955,914

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Programs

Programs are reported by nonprofits in their tax forms and are normally their tax-exempt activities.

FEES FROM PATRONS

Revenue

$82,066

Organization Details

Founding Year

2006

Principal Officer

Gerardo Alcazar

Main Address

1611 E 46TH STREET, MINNEAPOLIS, MN, 55407

NTEE Category

Code: B200 - Education

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