PACT Charter School

Founded in 1994 by Senator Jim Abeler and his wife, Barb, PACT Charter School began as Minnesota’s eighth charter school with just 84 students in grades K–7. The school first operated out of the historic Anoka Post Office, transforming office space into classrooms while preserving the building’s character. From the start, PACT focused on hands-on, experiential learning, including field trips, unit studies, and its unique tradition of “non-school Fridays,” designed for family learning and real-world experiences. During its early growth, the school also utilized space in Anoka’s Old Milk Factory to accommodate expanding enrollment.
As interest in the school grew, PACT expanded grade by grade, eventually becoming a full K–12 program. In September 2004, the school opened its Ramsey campus in the Ramsey Town Center, a milestone that reflected both the school’s growth and the community’s strong support. Enrollment quickly surged as families moved to the area, and PACT has maintained an extensive waiting list managed through a lottery system for more than 20 years.
Today, PACT Charter School operates two campuses in Ramsey. The 74,000-square-foot elementary campus, located in the COR at 7250 E. Ramsey Parkway, serves students in grades K–5. The 110,000-square-foot secondary campus, located at 7729 161st Avenue NW and opened in 2023, serves students in grades 6–12 and features a stadium, track, auditorium, media center, and specialized learning spaces. Together, the campuses employ more than 200 staff members dedicated to student learning and development, making them among the City’s top 10 employers.
PACT provides a tuition-free public charter education focused on academic excellence, character development, and strong partnerships with families. Students consistently achieve ACT scores and graduation rates above the state average. PACT’s elementary, middle, and high school programs have each been recognized by U.S. News & World Report as among the “Best Schools in the Nation,” earning the Silver Award for 2025–26.
Looking ahead, PACT will launch its online campus for grades 7–10 in the 2026–27 school year, offering families a flexible learning option while maintaining access to athletics, arts, and extracurricular programs.
PACT is led by Superintendent Dr. Nathan Flansburg. To learn more or apply, visit pactcharter.org.