St. Paul Will Host New Trade High School in 2028
The Blessed Santiago Miller School will offer trade and technology training for students starting in 2028.
Updated on Oct. 12, 2026 in Secondary Education
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St. Mary's University of Minnesota will open the Blessed Santiago Miller School of Trade and Technology in St. Paul by 2028. Ninth-grade students will have the opportunity to earn college credits through the university while training for trade and technology careers.
Why it matters
The school intends to address shifting workforce and educational needs by preparing students for employment, industry credentials, and apprenticeship opportunities. This development aims to bridge secondary education with practical, industry-focused skill development.
The school will operate at the St. Francis de Sales campus at 650 Palace Ave. and the St. James campus at 496 View St. Funding is provided through a restricted gift from anonymous donors.
The players
St. Mary's University of Minnesota
A higher education institution with existing campuses in Winona, Minneapolis, and Rochester that is expanding into secondary education.
Mary Spring
The director of Secondary School Initiatives leading the university's development of the trade school.
The details
The institution will focus on vocational training, guided by an advisory council that provides expertise on skilled trades and workforce development. Ninth-grade students will integrate traditional studies with specialized technology coursework designed to lead directly to industry credentials and career readiness.
Timeline
1982: The year James Santiago Miller died.
October 12, 2026: The university announced the new school.
2028: The expected opening year for the school.
The Home Front
The school aligns with the broader national expansion of career and technical education models designed to connect students directly with skilled workforce requirements. This development follows a documented trend of universities moving into secondary schooling to influence college and career readiness.
Families interested in trade and technology pathways should monitor future updates regarding enrollment and curriculum development. Prospective students and parents can start tracking the school's progress as it works toward its 2028 launch.
The takeaway
The Blessed Santiago Miller School of Trade and Technology represents a new local option for families seeking vocational-focused secondary education. Parents should keep an eye on university announcements as the campus at 650 Palace Ave. is prepared for its 2028 opening.
Further reading
For more information on the academic landscape in the area, visit the Secondary Education section.
Source note: This article includes information reported by Twin Cities.
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Do you believe trade and technology-focused high schools provide better student outcomes than traditional high schools?
