Noble Academy’s Proactive Commitment to Student Mental Health

Each May, in honor of Mental Health Awareness Month, Noble Academy pauses to reflect—not just on what has been accomplished, but on what more can be done to nurture the emotional well-being of its students and staff. Located in the heart of Brooklyn Park, this K–8 public charter school has long been recognized for academic excellence. Today, it is equally recognized for something just as vital: its unwavering commitment to the whole child.

Serving primarily immigrant families, including many English learners and students from low socioeconomic backgrounds, Noble Academy has consistently outperformed peer schools with similar demographics. In 2019, 59.7% of Noble students passed the MCA math assessments, compared to statewide averages ranging between 22% and 37% among similar schools. Even as schools nationwide work to recover from pandemic disruptions, Noble continues to demonstrate resilience and steady academic growth.

But leadership at Noble Academy understands a fundamental truth: academic success cannot flourish without emotional well-being.

Meeting the Moment with Courage and Intention

The COVID-19 pandemic left a lasting impact on students across the country. National research from the CDC and the American Psychological Association documented sharp increases in anxiety, depression, and behavioral concerns among school-aged children. Noble Academy experienced similar shifts. Referrals to social workers and psychologists increased, and school-wide well-being surveys reflected a growing need for additional mental health support.

For a school that had historically experienced minimal behavioral concerns, the change was significant. Rather than retreat, leadership responded with intention and innovation.

Research from the Collaborative for Academic, Social, and Emotional Learning (CASEL) shows that strong social-emotional learning (SEL) programs improve academic outcomes, reduce behavioral issues, and increase students’ sense of belonging. With this evidence in mind, Noble Academy strengthened its SEL curriculum, expanded professional development for staff, and implemented new strategies designed to meet the evolving needs of students.

Beginning Each Day with Connection

One of the most transformative initiatives launched during the 2023–2024 school year was the Morning Music and Movement program. Each day begins not with silence, but with energy, rhythm, and connection. Students gather for structured movement and music designed to build relationships and create a positive tone for learning.

Research supports this approach. Movement increases dopamine and serotonin levels in the brain, improving focus and mood. Music fosters emotional expression and strengthens social bonds. Together, they help reduce stress and increase readiness to learn.

What may appear simple is profoundly strategic. Teachers report improved engagement, smoother classroom transitions, and stronger connections between staff and students. Students start the day feeling seen, energized, and grounded.

As Superintendent Dr. Chang shared, “Noble Academy stays informed about research on how educators can support students’ overall well-being. Too often, schools narrowly focus on core academics, causing students to miss crucial opportunities for developing life skills and engaging in activities that foster emotional health.”

To deepen this work, the school partners with the Minnesota Association for Children's Mental Health and collaborates closely with school psychologists to provide ongoing specialized training for educators.

Building Belonging Beyond the Classroom

Noble Academy understands that mental health is strengthened through connection—connection to peers, to trusted adults, to family, and to community.

Family feedback led to expanded before- and after-school programming, including the launch of a volleyball program. Participation in team sports has been widely linked to improved self-esteem, reduced symptoms of depression, and stronger peer relationships. At Noble, the impact has been visible. Students support one another, look forward to practice, and demonstrate improved behavior in the classroom.

The school also introduced the Spring Madness Program, offering opportunities in beading, theater, and confidence-building initiatives such as Girl Talk. A Saturday program provides structured space for reflection and behavioral growth. These experiences allow students to explore identity, creativity, and leadership—protective factors strongly associated with long-term resilience.

Leadership development is another cornerstone of Noble Academy’s approach. Through the student ambassador program, students take ownership of their school culture. Ambassadors confidently provide tours to the Minnesota Association of Charter School Authorizers, earning praise for their poise and pride in representing their school community. When students are trusted as leaders, they rise to the expectation.

Partnering for Prevention and Empowerment

Noble Academy also collaborates with community partners to address real-world challenges facing students today. The Brooklyn Park Police Department, Robb Holla, and Yarwood Martial Arts provide workshops and assemblies on topics such as vaping prevention, bullying awareness, and self-defense.

These partnerships equip students with practical tools to build confidence, resolve conflict, and develop mutual respect. Prevention becomes empowerment.

Results That Reflect a Healthier Culture

The impact of these collective efforts is measurable. Over a two-year period, Noble Academy saw a 50% reduction in discipline referrals. Student engagement increased. Academic performance steadily rebounded.

CEO Neal Thao emphasized that these improvements are directly connected to the school’s intentional focus on mental health and well-being for both students and staff. Research consistently affirms that when schools prioritize psychological safety and belonging, academic gains follow.

At Noble Academy, mental health is not a temporary initiative—it is a foundational belief. It is embedded in daily routines, professional learning, family engagement, and student leadership. It is reflected in the joy of morning movement, the pride of student ambassadors, the teamwork on the volleyball court, and the confidence students carry into their classrooms.

Mental Health Awareness Month serves as a reminder of the work still ahead. But at Noble Academy, it is also a celebration—of resilience, of growth, and of a school community that refuses to separate achievement from well-being.

Because when students feel safe, connected, and valued, they do more than succeed.

They thrive.