Reduce Driving Time and Expense

Driving your students to and from their classes at Mid-Metro Academy costs time and money.
We get it! Many of our families travel quite a distance. We’ve had families drive in from as far away as Faribault, Wisconsin, and even Duluth. They’re willing to log all those miles because of our unique classes and awesome teachers!
We appreciate the commitment it takes to get your students here, especially during the winter. We want to make your day more convenient.
Here are some ideas to help you reduce your fuel expense and time on the road.
Share the Driving Duties
Check the Carpooling Forum on our website to find other parents who are looking for ridesharing options.
Hang Out at a Nearby Coffee Shop
Rather than driving home and back again, you may want to remain in the neighborhood while your student is in class. Our charming area of St. Paul is replete with coffee shops. All of the following are within a ten-minute drive from our campus:
- Café Latte
- Cahoots Coffee Bar
- Caribou
- Dunkin’
- Dunn Brothers
- Spyhouse Coffee
- Starbucks
- Whole Foods Market Coffee Bar
Go to the Library
You'll find two public libraries nearby where you can go during your student's classes. The Merriam Park Library is only a minute from our campus; unfortunately, it's only open in the afternoons on Mondays and Wednesdays. If you want to spend time at the library during the morning, head south to the Highland Park Library, which is only 8 minutes away.
Get Your Shopping Done
Another idea is to plan your weekly shopping trips around your student’s class time. There are plenty of popular stores nearby, including:
- Aldi
- Kowalski’s Market
- Mississippi Market Natural Foods Co-op
- Target
- Trader Joe’s
- Walgreens
- Whole Foods Market
- Widmer's Super Market
Volunteer as a Study Hall Monitor
When you volunteer as a study hall monitor, you’ll be able to stay on campus. Feel free to take on extra slots if that makes your day easier.
Remain on Site in the Parent Lounge
This year we’re pleased to be able to offer a Parent Lounge where families who have a long drive can park themselves while their students attend classes. Use this space to socialize with other parents, read, get caught up on your emails and computer work, or relax for a while. The room (Room 114) can accommodate about 15 people. It’s open only to parents whose students are taking classes or study hall. Parents may bring one or two of their younger children with them (birth through sixth grade). You’ll need to sign up to reserve your place. (The sign-up form is available to members only.)
Although there’s no fee for using the room, you must follow the rules and be available to monitor the front door as needed. Complete details about the room will be posted on our website under the Volunteer tab (which you must be logged in to view).