About the School

Gordon Parks High School is an alternative high school within St. Paul Public Schools. Named for St. Paul native Gordon Parks, a renowned photographer, film-maker, writer, and civil rights activist. The school provides a dynamic and supportive learning environment where every student is seen, valued, and empowered to succeed. Their flexible programming offers innovative ways for students to meet graduation requirements while engaging in meaningful, real-world learning experiences. With a strong advisory program, students are kept on track for graduation, and are offered personalized support alongside a wide range of community partnerships, internships, and job readiness opportunities. 

The school aims to inspire and foster thoughtful, active, and successful citizens with a dedicated staff specialized in fostering hope and possibility through a rigorous curriculum that extends beyond the classroom. Gordon Parks challenges students to think critically, take ownership of their education, and recognize their own potential. 

School information gathered from https://gordonparks.spps.org/about. Visit the link to learn more about Gordon Parks High School.

In addition to being a long term INSIGHT partner school, Gordon Parks teachers and staff participated in an Educator Awareness Day with Voyageur Outward Bound School prior to the start of the 2025-2026 academic year. Forty participants from Gordon Parks and AGAPE (a sister high school) attended a two-hour abbreviated version of one of the INSIGHT team building program days at Harriet Island.

Partnership Perspective from Jamie Haag, Gordon Parks ELA Teacher and Voyageur Outward Bound School Programming Coordinator

"I was here and became the contact person when VOBS approached the school for a partnership some 10 years ago. We had already been doing some outdoor field trips to state parks to give our urban students opportunities outside of their common experiences. VOBS was the perfect fit. With VOBS, we rock climb, ski, snow shoe, canoe and so much more but just as importantly, we work as a cohesive team. We develop communication skills, build trust, and self esteem. As an English teacher, I presented the opportunity to participate in VOBS during my classes at the beginning of of the year as a way to earn an English credit if they attended all the sessions and wrote a reflection paper. Our students gain so much from the VOBS experience and because of the community and their relationships they attend school more regularly. They check in with each other and help each other out in class. VOBS programming is exactly the type of alternative opportunities that our students need to find success and build off of it."

Voyageur Outward Bound School is also proud to celebrate Jamie as the recipient of the 2025 Blue Heron Educator Award through Outward Bound! Here is a snippet from Twin Cities Program Director Anabell Deutschlander's comments from his nomination. "He is so consistent in showing up and advocating for students. He believes in the power of Outward Bound for his students and is the reason behind our incredible partnership with Gordon Parks High School."

Congratulations, Jamie! Thank you for your service and congratulations on the award. VOBS is so thankful to work with you!