What Is It Known For?
Summit Academy OIC serves approximately 511 students annually while carrying forward a mission that began during the 1960s civil rights era. The institution traces its roots to 1964 when Reverend Dr. Leon Howard Sullivan created the Opportunities Industrialization Centers network to address employment gaps in underserved communities.
Since joining this national network in 1967, Summit Academy has focused on breaking down economic barriers through education and skills training. The school continues advocating for social and economic justice while providing students with practical career preparation and professional networks.
Degrees & Certifications
Summit Academy provides certificate programs across multiple career fields. Available programs include:
- Carpentry
- Electrician
- Financial Services
- IT Specialist
- Dental Assistant (Unlicensed)
- Medical Administrative Assistant
Class Schedules
Summit Academy operates primarily during daytime hours with some evening options available. Construction, Financial Services, and Healthcare programs run from 8:30 AM to 2:50 PM, while IT students attend from 8:30 AM to 3:00 PM. Evening classes accommodate working adults, with Electrician training offered Monday through Thursday from 5:00 PM to 9:00 PM.
The school also provides evening and weekend GED classes for students needing to complete high school education. Summit Academy focuses on in-person instruction and doesn’t currently offer online courses. Programs don’t include externships or clinical placements based on available information.
Is It a Good School?
Yes, Summit Academy maintains educational quality through official accreditation. The school holds accreditation from the Commission of the Council on Occupational Education (COE).
Acceptance Rate
Summit Academy operates with an open admission policy, accepting all qualified applicants who meet basic enrollment requirements. The school has a 100% acceptance rate.
How Much Does Tuition Cost?
Summit Academy charges $274.00 per credit hour for tuition. This comprehensive fee covers books, activities, and lab expenses, so students avoid additional material costs throughout their programs. However, the total program costs depend on the number of credits required for each field of study.
The school has a net price calculator that shows what you’ll actually pay after financial aid, which can help you plan your budget.
Programs & Courses
Business
- Financial Services
Healthcare
- Dental Assistant
- Medical Administrative Assistant
Skilled Trades
- Carpentry
- Electrician
Technology
- IT Specialist
Campus Locations
Minneapolis 935 Olson Memorial Hwy Minneapolis, MN 55405
Minneapolis 1256 Penn Avenue North Minneapolis, MN 55411
Reviews
Based on local Google reviews for Summit Academy OIC in Minneapolis, the school has a strong, generally positive reputation, particularly for its cost-free, short-term vocational training and supportive environment. The overall feedback is favorable, though there are specific, recurring criticisms about certain programs and staff professionalism.
Overall Score: 4.4/5 Stars
Common Praises
Cost-Free Education: The single most praised and highlighted feature is that the programs are completely free (no tuition costs, no loans, and they manage financial aid/grants to ensure no out-of-pocket costs), making education accessible to low-income individuals and those unable to attend traditional college.
Effective, Short-Term Vocational Training: The 20-week intensive model is highly valued, with graduates feeling well-prepared for entry-level work. Programs like Carpentry, Healthcare (CHW/NA), and Heavy Equipment Operator (HEO) are mentioned as being effective and life-changing.
Caring and Knowledgeable Instructors: Many reviews specifically praise the teachers for being highly qualified, knowledgeable, and genuinely caring. They are noted for providing one-on-one help when needed and creating a supportive, “family-like influence.”
Supportive Environment and Resources: Staff are consistently described as being dedicated to student success and helping with job placement (“they’ll help you find a job, too!”). The campus itself is noted as being safe and having nice staff.
GED Program Success: The GED program receives specific praise, with one reviewer noting the great teachers helped them get their GED in only six weeks after being out of school for 30 years.
Common Criticisms
Job Placement Issues in Specific Fields: A significant and repeated criticism is that the Electrical program may leave graduates jobless for months, with multiple reviewers expressing regret for not choosing the Carpentry field instead.
Staff Professionalism and Rudeness: Several reviews mention issues with the professionalism of certain staff members. One specifically called out a “very rude” lady at the front desk for yelling, while another described a number of staff as “ill-mannered, disgraceful… and disgustingly rude to students.”
Program Organization and Communication: An older review mentioned issues with receiving credentials (specifically an OSHA card) despite passing the requirements, suggesting some organizational issues.
Concerns about Financials (Addressed by Owner): One review accused the school of being “after your FAFSA money,” but the school’s owner publicly clarified that only the federal Pell grant is used, along with other scholarships, to ensure the “true no out of pocket cost” promise is kept.
IT Program Criticism: One recent review explicitly stated the IT program is a “complete waste of 20 weeks” and advised others to look elsewhere.
Momentum
The most recent reviews (from the last two to three months) reflect the existing pattern: high praise for the Carpentry program’s effectiveness, and continued, strong criticism for the Electrician program’s job placement success. The positive reviews focus on the school’s discipline, qualified instructors, and rapid job preparation. The negative reviews about the electrician and IT programs are concerning outliers that appear to be sustained concerns for those specific tracks, but they do not erode the overall positive sentiment for the school’s general mission and its other core vocational programs. The school owner frequently responds to both positive and negative feedback, demonstrating a commitment to engagement.