St. Paul Benjamin E. Mays launches Afrocentric program in Fall 2026.

Benjamin E. Mays IB World School in St. Paul will replace its International Baccalaureate curriculum with a community-led Afrocentric magnet program starting in fall 2026 that teaches through Black history and centers students' identity and self-determination.

Benjamin E. Mays IB World School in St. Paul will begin an Afrocentric magnet program in fall 2026 and will transition away from its International Baccalaureate curriculum. The program is designed to teach through Black history and to center identity, excellence and self-determination for the school's predominantly African American students. Benjamin E. Mays was chosen in part because 69% of its students are African American and because of its location in the historic Rondo neighborhood. School leaders, board members and community members discussed the plan at a community dinner on March 27. Key details: - The program launch is scheduled for fall 2026 and involves a formal transition away from the IB curriculum. - Curriculum is designed to teach through Black history rather than only teaching Black history, and draws on principles such as the Nguzo Saba and the Eight Principles of Black Historical Consciousness. - The effort is described as community-led; a curriculum, assessment and professional development committee is co-led by Chreese Jones and Gevonee Ford of the Network for the Development of Children of African Descent (NdCAD). - Teacher guides and professional development plans were created to support intentional implementation and classroom fidelity. - The March 27 event included the unveiling of the Toni Stone Atrium, noting the site's local historical connection to Toni Stone. Summary: School leaders and partners present the program as a humanizing, culturally grounded education intended to connect students to the arc of the African diaspora and to center student identity and agency. The committee has developed curriculum materials and teacher supports in advance of the planned fall 2026 start. Undetermined at this time.