Celebrating the new space for East Range Academy of Technology and Science

A special moment for the nearly 160 students and the staff at East Range Academy of Technology and Science in Mt. Iron.

Friday, they celebrated the completion of their brand new, 24,000 square foot space. It includes features like wall to wall white boards, and a new computer lab.

A drum circle and traditional smudging ceremony opened up event. 10% of the student population is Native American, so they wanted to include these.

Someone donated the land to the school, after they had to leave their location when Rock Ridge built their new school in Eveleth.

ERATS, for short, broke ground in 2021, and moved in back in April. But the school wasn’t finished up totally until September.

“It’s a beautiful building. The students feel at home, the staff feel at home. The community has been welcoming to us, as well,” Tara Lere shared with us. She’s the Director of the school.

The building is dedicated to one of their founding members, Cindy Thiel, who passed away a few years ago.

They focus on individuality, and tailor lessons for the kids, grades 9-12. It is free and open to anyone.

You can sign up for second semester, which starts in January. https://www.mnerats.org/