Lionsgate Academy’s Lynx Program started in 2015 as a small program within the North St. Paul location. Lynx is the only federal setting 4 program within a charter school in the country. As the program grew, Lynx moved to its current location in Shoreview in 2019. More information on Setting 4 Special Education Facilities can be found at the Minnesota Department of Education Website.
Lynx has a diverse population of students with significant social, emotional and behavioral needs that require more individualized special education services for the entirety of their day, in a more restrictive environment. Lynx comprises 2 programs: Center Based which primarily serves students with ASD, significant Developmental and Cognitive Delays, and Communication Disorders/Delays; and BASE which primarily serves students with ASD, Emotional Behavioral Disorders and have significant mental health needs.
Lynx strives to provide equitable education to all students, meeting each student where they are at. It is important to understand that our students are not bad kids, they have come to us to gain tools to help them succeed in this world. All of Lynx students are wholly unique individuals with strengths and personalities particular to them. Like all of us, they have their highs and lows, but they show remarkable resilience and growth over time. We believe our students are creative, funny, smart and CAPABLE.
Lynx Staff are trained in Nonviolent Crisis Intervention (NCI), Positive Behavior Intervention and Supports (PBIS), and the Nurtured Heart Approach. However, at Lynx we attribute the success of our students to finding a community and a place they can feel safe and understood. Lynx utilizes Restorative Practices in the form of weekly staff and student community building circles, as well as a way to repair harm that is done within the community in a positive way that allows the students to learn and grow.
Classes Offered
Lynx offers special education classes across 5 academic levels; Center Base 1, Center Base 2, Foundations, Success and Inclusion in the following areas:
English Language Arts (ELA)
Mathematics
Science
Social Studies/History/Economics
Transitions
Physical Education
Goal Work/ Community Building & Social Skills
Electives
2026-27 Lynx SCHOOL SUPPLY & WISH LIST
Picture Day 2026
Picture day for our Lynx students will be on Thursday, September 3, 2026 from 8:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. Retakes will be Wednesday, September 30th, 2026 from 8:00 to 12:00 p.m.
Click here for more info.
Lynx At A Glance
Grades: 7 - 12
Behavior Expectations: Be Safe, Be Flexible, Be Respectful, Be Responsible
Leadership Team
Julie Flexhaug, Lynx Site Director
Morgan Martinez, Lynx Program Lead
Ariel Smith, Autism Behavior Technician (ABT) Supervisor
Lynx Address
599 Cardigan Road
Shoreview, MN 55126
Phone
(612)978-8320
Email:
Absences: [email protected]
For general inquiries: [email protected]