FAQ 

Who is General Vessey?
General John W. Vessey, Jr. is a retired four-star General, born and raised in Minneapolis. He fought in World War II and served in both Korea and Vietnam. He was appointed Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff under President Ronald Reagan and received the Medal of Freedom from President George H. W. Bush. General Vessey lives in northern Minnesota and continues to be active in civic affairs and public speaking.

What is JROTC?
JROTC stands for the Junior Reserve Officer Training Corps, which is a leadership curriculum supported by the Federal Government and offered through the Department of Defense. The VLA Army JROTC unit is one of many throughout the country, but one of just a few in the St. Paul area. Our public, full day, co-educational military JROTC program is the only one of its kind in Minnesota.

Can young women apply to VLA?
VLA welcomes all young women interested in joining our Corps of Cadets to develop into leaders of tomorrow.

Why leadership?
A curriculum which emphasizes high academic standards and includes leadership is exactly what Minnesota needs for forming the leaders of tomorrow's community. General John W. Vessey, Jr. serves as our guiding leader. His exemplary service to our nation and community is selfless and built on strong character, tested in both peace and war.

What are the hours of operation?
The school day begins with an optional breakfast at 7:30 am, and advisory at 7:50 am. School ends at 2:35 pm. School administration works from 7:15 am to 3:15 pm.

How many students will VLA serve?
We currently serve 70 students.

What are the class sizes at VLA?
After reaching our maximum capacity, it is our aim that each class have 17-25 cadets.

Does VLA charge tuition?
No. VLA is a public school, funded by state revenues. However, we do expect parents to participate in fund-raising activities. Furthermore, certain extracurricular and special programs may require a fee.

What grade levels does General John Vessey Jr. Leadership Academy serve?
VLA is a 9-12 high school, serving students age 14 - 21.

When will VLA start taking applications for enrollment?
We are currently accepting applications in all grades. Please see our admissions information page for further details or to download an application.

Do West St. Paul students get preference for enrollment?
No. Charter schools generally do not maintain areas of geographic preference. Any Minnesota student in high school is eligible to enroll. However, parents or guardians must apply for admission for their child. If enrollment capacity is reached, admission will be limited in the first instance to students given preference by law, and second to students chosen by lottery as required by law. Charter schools are required by law to give sibling preference to families with more than one eligible cadet.

Does VLA have any admission requirements?
The only requirement is a minimum of 9th grade.

Does VLA have busing?
Transportation is free. VLA issues passes for the MetroTransit system to transport students who live more than two miles from the school.

Who is VLA's sponsor/authorizer?
A sponsor holds a charter school financially and academically responsible. We are proud to be sponsored by Concordia University - St. Paul.

Does VLA provide special education services?
Yes. VLA offers the same special education services that are available in any public school.

Are VLA students required to wear uniforms?
Yes, all cadets are required to be in uniform at all times while in school or at learning sites. The uniform policy is strictly enforced and is part of the disciplinary, character-building program. The Federal Government issues the uniforms to each student. JROTC uniforms are supplied at no cost to the cadet.