About Us

Principal's Welcome

Welcome to the 2026-27 school year! I am honored to serve as principal of Robbinsdale Academy-Highview and Robbinsdale Virtual Academy (RVA). Whether you are returning or joining one of our school communities for the first time, we are excited to welcome you and begin another year of learning and growth together.

At Robbinsdale Academy-Highview and RVA, we recognize that every student's educational journey is unique. Whether learning alongside us in person or virtually, our goal is to provide a supportive, inclusive, and engaging environment where students feel known, valued, and empowered to succeed. We meet students where they are, celebrate their strengths, and help them build the confidence, skills, and perseverance they need to reach their goals and prepare for what comes next.

Our dedicated staff understands that meaningful relationships are at the heart of learning. We are committed to supporting the academic, social, and emotional needs of every student while creating opportunities for them to discover their strengths, overcome challenges, and take ownership of their future.

Families are essential partners in that work. By building strong connections between home and school, we can surround students with the encouragement, support, and opportunities they need to thrive. We look forward to working alongside you and celebrating the growth and accomplishments—both big and small—that make each student's journey meaningful.

Thank you for entrusting us with your child's education. We are excited for a year filled with learning, growth, achievement, and connection, and we can't wait to see what our students accomplish.

Together in partnership,

Shaunece Smith
Principal, Robbinsdale Academy-Highview and Robbinsdale Virtual Academy (RVA)

PERSONALIZED LEARNING, REAL-WORLD OPPORTUNITIES

At Robbinsdale Academy-Highview, we recognize that every student brings a different story, different strengths, and different goals to school. Our flexible, personalized approach meets students where they are and provides the support, relationships, and opportunities they need to build a pathway toward graduation and what comes next.

• Personalized pathways and mentoring: Students work closely with staff to set individual goals, build a plan for success, and receive ongoing guidance and encouragement.
• Accelerated opportunities: Highview's flexible block schedule allows students to earn credits at an accelerated pace, with credit recovery built into the school day to help students make progress toward graduation.
• College and career connections: Through partnerships with Hennepin Technical College and other area colleges, students can explore career and technical education, earn high school and college credit, and experience college-level learning with support from Highview staff.
• Learning through work: Students who are employed can earn elective credit through work-based learning, while students looking for employment can receive support connecting with job opportunities.
• Support for the whole student: As part of a Full-Service Community School, Highview connects academics with health, social services, youth development, family support, and community partnerships—helping students thrive both in and beyond the classroom.

At Highview, success doesn't have just one path. We help students find the one that works for them.