Our Story

The Brzezisnki Family in 2014

First Day of School- 2014

Our First Building

Although she didn’t know it at the time, Arete Academy’s founder, Leah Brzezinski, has been working towards opening our school for quite some time. With 20 years of experience in autism education, speech pathology, and special education, she grew the skills necessary to reach a wide variety of students with unique learning needs.

When Leah’s oldest son began struggling academically, socially, and emotionally at the end of fifth grade in a public school, she got to work applying her unique professional skill set. Through testing and personal exploration, she came to understand her son was a twice-exceptional (2e) learner. As she explored programs for her son, she found that there were only a few schools in the country that are designed to meet the needs of 2e learners, none of which were in the Midwest. Leah set out to start her own school— and her mission was clear — to provide a supportive and challenging environment for bright students who learn differently.

Our Campus

Current Campus

6th-12th grade for the 23/24 school year.

8:1 student to teacher ratio in the classroom.

Promote strengths-based learning and individualized curriculum.

We just moved to our new location!
- 10225 Yellow Cir Dr, Minnetonka, MN 55343 (sharing space with the Adler Graduate School).

Our Mission

Arete Academy of Exceptional Education is committed to partnering with students, parents, and the community to provide a nurturing environment for gifted students who learn differently. At Arete, each student’s unique gifts are recognized and celebrated, and their learning differences are accepted and supported. Students experience a sense of belonging and build self-esteem through programming focused on strength-based learning, flexibility, educational technology, and a commitment to embracing the whole child. We strive to meet each student’s academic, social and emotional needs to encourage them to reach their full potential and apply their gifts to make lasting contributions to their community.

Accreditation

Arete Academy is a Candidate for Accreditation with NCA CASI, NWAC, and SACS CASI.

Prior to 2023, Arete was provisionally accredited by ISACS (Independent Schools Association of the Central States). We made the choice to transition to Cognia because it is a better fit for our small school.

Our Story

Our Campus

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Our Mission

Accreditation

Arete Academy is a Candidate for Accreditation with NCA CASI, NWAC, and SACS CASI. Prior to 2023, Arete was provisionally accredited by ISACS (Independent Schools Association of the Central States). We made the choice to transition to Cognia because it is a better fit for our small school.

Arete Academy is a Candidate for Accreditation with NCA CASI, NWAC, and SACS CASI.

Prior to 2023, Arete was provisionally accredited by ISACS (Independent Schools Association of the Central States). We made the choice to transition to Cognia because it is a better fit for our small school.