﻿<?xml version="1.0" encoding="utf-8"?>
<Return returnVersion="2015v3.0" xmlns="http://www.irs.gov/efile" xmlns:xsi="http://www.w3.org/2001/XMLSchema-instance">
  <ReturnHeader binaryAttachmentCnt="0">
    <ReturnTs>2017-05-15T12:18:40-05:00</ReturnTs>
    <TaxPeriodEndDt>2016-06-30</TaxPeriodEndDt>
    <PreparerFirmGrp>
      <PreparerFirmEIN>411799235</PreparerFirmEIN>
      <PreparerFirmName>
        <BusinessNameLine1Txt>CHUCK RINKEY LTD</BusinessNameLine1Txt>
      </PreparerFirmName>
      <PreparerUSAddress>
        <AddressLine1Txt>5775 WAYZATA BLVD STE 990</AddressLine1Txt>
        <CityNm>MINNEAPOLIS</CityNm>
        <StateAbbreviationCd>MN</StateAbbreviationCd>
        <ZIPCd>554161295</ZIPCd>
      </PreparerUSAddress>
    </PreparerFirmGrp>
    <ReturnTypeCd>990</ReturnTypeCd>
    <TaxPeriodBeginDt>2015-07-01</TaxPeriodBeginDt>
    <Filer>
      <EIN>300562083</EIN>
      <BusinessName>
        <BusinessNameLine1Txt>STEP ACADEMY CHARTER SCHOOL</BusinessNameLine1Txt>
      </BusinessName>
      <BusinessNameControlTxt>STEP</BusinessNameControlTxt>
      <PhoneNum>6512896120</PhoneNum>
      <USAddress>
        <AddressLine1Txt>835 5TH STREET EAST</AddressLine1Txt>
        <CityNm>ST PAUL</CityNm>
        <StateAbbreviationCd>MN</StateAbbreviationCd>
        <ZIPCd>55106</ZIPCd>
      </USAddress>
    </Filer>
    <BusinessOfficerGrp>
      <PersonNm>KHADAR YASSIN</PersonNm>
      <PersonTitleTxt>TREASURER</PersonTitleTxt>
      <PhoneNum>6512596120</PhoneNum>
      <SignatureDt>2017-05-09</SignatureDt>
      <DiscussWithPaidPreparerInd>true</DiscussWithPaidPreparerInd>
    </BusinessOfficerGrp>
    <PreparerPersonGrp>
      <PreparerPersonNm>CHARLES RINKEY</PreparerPersonNm>
      <PTIN>P00034513</PTIN>
      <PhoneNum>9525461052</PhoneNum>
      <PreparationDt>2017-05-15</PreparationDt>
    </PreparerPersonGrp>
    <TaxYr>2015</TaxYr>
    <BuildTS>2021-01-29 14:40:06Z</BuildTS>
  </ReturnHeader>
  <ReturnData documentCnt="5">
    <IRS990 documentId="RetDoc1" referenceDocumentId="RetDoc4">
      <AddressChangeInd>X</AddressChangeInd>
      <PrincipalOfficerNm>KHADAR YASSIN</PrincipalOfficerNm>
      <GrossReceiptsAmt>3167593</GrossReceiptsAmt>
      <GroupReturnForAffiliatesInd>false</GroupReturnForAffiliatesInd>
      <Organization501c3Ind>X</Organization501c3Ind>
      <WebsiteAddressTxt>HTTP://WWW.STEPACADEMYMN.COM/</WebsiteAddressTxt>
      <TypeOfOrganizationCorpInd>X</TypeOfOrganizationCorpInd>
      <FormationYr>2009</FormationYr>
      <LegalDomicileStateCd>MN</LegalDomicileStateCd>
      <ActivityOrMissionDesc>STEP IS A 6-12 CHARTER SCHOOL LOCATED IN INVER GROVE HEIGHTS, MINNESOTA, THAT PROMOTES EARLY COLLEGE EDUCATION THROUGH ENSURING THAT ALL STUDENTS ACHIEVE ACADEMIC EXCELLENCE, OBTAIN COLLEGE CREDIT WHILE IN HIGH SCHOOL, ARE FULLY MOTIVATED AND PREPARED TO SUCCESSFULLY MATRICULATE IN COLLEGE, AND GRADUATE WITH THE CRITICAL KNOWLEDGE AND SKILLS REQUIRED FOR EMPLOYMENT IN SCIENTIFIC, TECHNICAL, AND OTHER SKILLED CAREERS.</ActivityOrMissionDesc>
      <VotingMembersGoverningBodyCnt>7</VotingMembersGoverningBodyCnt>
      <VotingMembersIndependentCnt>5</VotingMembersIndependentCnt>
      <TotalEmployeeCnt>39</TotalEmployeeCnt>
      <TotalVolunteersCnt>4</TotalVolunteersCnt>
      <TotalGrossUBIAmt>0</TotalGrossUBIAmt>
      <PYContributionsGrantsAmt>2994420</PYContributionsGrantsAmt>
      <CYContributionsGrantsAmt>3157098</CYContributionsGrantsAmt>
      <PYProgramServiceRevenueAmt>20106</PYProgramServiceRevenueAmt>
      <CYProgramServiceRevenueAmt>10495</CYProgramServiceRevenueAmt>
      <CYInvestmentIncomeAmt>0</CYInvestmentIncomeAmt>
      <CYOtherRevenueAmt>0</CYOtherRevenueAmt>
      <PYTotalRevenueAmt>3014526</PYTotalRevenueAmt>
      <CYTotalRevenueAmt>3167593</CYTotalRevenueAmt>
      <CYGrantsAndSimilarPaidAmt>0</CYGrantsAndSimilarPaidAmt>
      <CYBenefitsPaidToMembersAmt>0</CYBenefitsPaidToMembersAmt>
      <PYSalariesCompEmpBnftPaidAmt>1502533</PYSalariesCompEmpBnftPaidAmt>
      <CYSalariesCompEmpBnftPaidAmt>1538338</CYSalariesCompEmpBnftPaidAmt>
      <CYTotalProfFndrsngExpnsAmt>0</CYTotalProfFndrsngExpnsAmt>
      <CYTotalFundraisingExpenseAmt>0</CYTotalFundraisingExpenseAmt>
      <PYOtherExpensesAmt>1190908</PYOtherExpensesAmt>
      <CYOtherExpensesAmt>1751714</CYOtherExpensesAmt>
      <PYTotalExpensesAmt>2693441</PYTotalExpensesAmt>
      <CYTotalExpensesAmt>3290052</CYTotalExpensesAmt>
      <PYRevenuesLessExpensesAmt>321085</PYRevenuesLessExpensesAmt>
      <CYRevenuesLessExpensesAmt>-122459</CYRevenuesLessExpensesAmt>
      <TotalAssetsBOYAmt>1476005</TotalAssetsBOYAmt>
      <TotalAssetsEOYAmt>1859948</TotalAssetsEOYAmt>
      <TotalLiabilitiesBOYAmt>1516008</TotalLiabilitiesBOYAmt>
      <TotalLiabilitiesEOYAmt>2022410</TotalLiabilitiesEOYAmt>
      <NetAssetsOrFundBalancesBOYAmt>-40003</NetAssetsOrFundBalancesBOYAmt>
      <NetAssetsOrFundBalancesEOYAmt>-162462</NetAssetsOrFundBalancesEOYAmt>
      <InfoInScheduleOPartIIIInd>X</InfoInScheduleOPartIIIInd>
      <MissionDesc>STEP IS A 6-12 CHARTER SCHOOL LOCATED IN INVER GROVE HEIGHTS, MINNESOTA, THAT PROMOTES EARLY COLLEGE EDUCATION THROUGH ENSURING THAT ALL STUDENTS ACHIEVE ACADEMIC EXCELLENCE, OBTAIN COLLEGE CREDIT WHILE IN HIGH SCHOOL, ARE FULLY MOTIVATED AND PREPARED TO SUCCESSFULLY MATRICULATE IN COLLEGE, AND GRADUATE WITH THE CRITICAL KNOWLEDGE AND SKILLS REQUIRED FOR EMPLOYMENT IN SCIENTIFIC, TECHNICAL, AND OTHER SKILLED CAREERS.</MissionDesc>
      <SignificantNewProgramSrvcInd>false</SignificantNewProgramSrvcInd>
      <SignificantChangeInd>false</SignificantChangeInd>
      <ExpenseAmt>2995623</ExpenseAmt>
      <Desc>PUBLIC CHARTER SCHOOL -SERVED 213 STUDENTS GRADE 6 THROUGH 12.</Desc>
      <TotalProgramServiceExpensesAmt>2995623</TotalProgramServiceExpensesAmt>
      <DescribedInSection501c3Ind referenceDocumentId="RetDoc5">true</DescribedInSection501c3Ind>
      <ScheduleBRequiredInd>false</ScheduleBRequiredInd>
      <PoliticalCampaignActyInd>false</PoliticalCampaignActyInd>
      <LobbyingActivitiesInd>false</LobbyingActivitiesInd>
      <SubjectToProxyTaxInd>false</SubjectToProxyTaxInd>
      <DonorAdvisedFundInd referenceDocumentId="RetDoc2">false</DonorAdvisedFundInd>
      <ConservationEasementsInd referenceDocumentId="RetDoc2">false</ConservationEasementsInd>
      <CollectionsOfArtInd referenceDocumentId="RetDoc2">false</CollectionsOfArtInd>
      <CreditCounselingInd referenceDocumentId="RetDoc2">false</CreditCounselingInd>
      <TempOrPermanentEndowmentsInd referenceDocumentId="RetDoc2">false</TempOrPermanentEndowmentsInd>
      <ReportLandBuildingEquipmentInd referenceDocumentId="RetDoc2">true</ReportLandBuildingEquipmentInd>
      <ReportInvestmentsOtherSecInd referenceDocumentId="RetDoc2">false</ReportInvestmentsOtherSecInd>
      <ReportProgramRelatedInvstInd referenceDocumentId="RetDoc2">false</ReportProgramRelatedInvstInd>
      <ReportOtherAssetsInd referenceDocumentId="RetDoc2">true</ReportOtherAssetsInd>
      <ReportOtherLiabilitiesInd referenceDocumentId="RetDoc2">true</ReportOtherLiabilitiesInd>
      <IncludeFIN48FootnoteInd referenceDocumentId="RetDoc2">false</IncludeFIN48FootnoteInd>
      <IndependentAuditFinclStmtInd referenceDocumentId="RetDoc2">false</IndependentAuditFinclStmtInd>
      <ConsolidatedAuditFinclStmtInd referenceDocumentId="RetDoc2">false</ConsolidatedAuditFinclStmtInd>
      <SchoolOperatingInd referenceDocumentId="RetDoc3">true</SchoolOperatingInd>
      <ForeignOfficeInd>false</ForeignOfficeInd>
      <ForeignActivitiesInd>false</ForeignActivitiesInd>
      <MoreThan5000KToOrgInd>false</MoreThan5000KToOrgInd>
      <MoreThan5000KToIndividualsInd>false</MoreThan5000KToIndividualsInd>
      <ProfessionalFundraisingInd>false</ProfessionalFundraisingInd>
      <FundraisingActivitiesInd>false</FundraisingActivitiesInd>
      <GamingActivitiesInd>false</GamingActivitiesInd>
      <OperateHospitalInd>false</OperateHospitalInd>
      <GrantsToOrganizationsInd>false</GrantsToOrganizationsInd>
      <GrantsToIndividualsInd>false</GrantsToIndividualsInd>
      <ScheduleJRequiredInd>false</ScheduleJRequiredInd>
      <TaxExemptBondsInd>false</TaxExemptBondsInd>
      <EngagedInExcessBenefitTransInd>false</EngagedInExcessBenefitTransInd>
      <PYExcessBenefitTransInd>false</PYExcessBenefitTransInd>
      <LoanOutstandingInd>false</LoanOutstandingInd>
      <GrantToRelatedPersonInd>false</GrantToRelatedPersonInd>
      <BusinessRlnWithOrgMemInd>false</BusinessRlnWithOrgMemInd>
      <BusinessRlnWithFamMemInd>false</BusinessRlnWithFamMemInd>
      <BusinessRlnWithOfficerEntInd>false</BusinessRlnWithOfficerEntInd>
      <DeductibleNonCashContriInd>false</DeductibleNonCashContriInd>
      <DeductibleArtContributionInd>false</DeductibleArtContributionInd>
      <TerminateOperationsInd>false</TerminateOperationsInd>
      <PartialLiquidationInd>false</PartialLiquidationInd>
      <DisregardedEntityInd>false</DisregardedEntityInd>
      <RelatedEntityInd>false</RelatedEntityInd>
      <RelatedOrganizationCtrlEntInd>false</RelatedOrganizationCtrlEntInd>
      <TrnsfrExmptNonChrtblRltdOrgInd>false</TrnsfrExmptNonChrtblRltdOrgInd>
      <ActivitiesConductedPrtshpInd>false</ActivitiesConductedPrtshpInd>
      <ScheduleORequiredInd>false</ScheduleORequiredInd>
      <IRPDocumentCnt>8</IRPDocumentCnt>
      <IRPDocumentW2GCnt>0</IRPDocumentW2GCnt>
      <EmployeeCnt>39</EmployeeCnt>
      <EmploymentTaxReturnsFiledInd>true</EmploymentTaxReturnsFiledInd>
      <UnrelatedBusIncmOverLimitInd>false</UnrelatedBusIncmOverLimitInd>
      <ForeignFinancialAccountInd>false</ForeignFinancialAccountInd>
      <ProhibitedTaxShelterTransInd>false</ProhibitedTaxShelterTransInd>
      <TaxablePartyNotificationInd>false</TaxablePartyNotificationInd>
      <NondeductibleContributionsInd>false</NondeductibleContributionsInd>
      <IndoorTanningServicesInd>false</IndoorTanningServicesInd>
      <InfoInScheduleOPartVIInd>X</InfoInScheduleOPartVIInd>
      <GoverningBodyVotingMembersCnt>7</GoverningBodyVotingMembersCnt>
      <IndependentVotingMemberCnt>5</IndependentVotingMemberCnt>
      <FamilyOrBusinessRlnInd>false</FamilyOrBusinessRlnInd>
      <DelegationOfMgmtDutiesInd>false</DelegationOfMgmtDutiesInd>
      <ChangeToOrgDocumentsInd>false</ChangeToOrgDocumentsInd>
      <MaterialDiversionOrMisuseInd>false</MaterialDiversionOrMisuseInd>
      <MembersOrStockholdersInd>false</MembersOrStockholdersInd>
      <ElectionOfBoardMembersInd>false</ElectionOfBoardMembersInd>
      <DecisionsSubjectToApprovaInd>false</DecisionsSubjectToApprovaInd>
      <MinutesOfGoverningBodyInd>true</MinutesOfGoverningBodyInd>
      <MinutesOfCommitteesInd>true</MinutesOfCommitteesInd>
      <OfficerMailingAddressInd>false</OfficerMailingAddressInd>
      <LocalChaptersInd>false</LocalChaptersInd>
      <Form990ProvidedToGvrnBodyInd>false</Form990ProvidedToGvrnBodyInd>
      <ConflictOfInterestPolicyInd>true</ConflictOfInterestPolicyInd>
      <AnnualDisclosureCoveredPrsnInd>true</AnnualDisclosureCoveredPrsnInd>
      <RegularMonitoringEnfrcInd>true</RegularMonitoringEnfrcInd>
      <WhistleblowerPolicyInd>false</WhistleblowerPolicyInd>
      <DocumentRetentionPolicyInd>false</DocumentRetentionPolicyInd>
      <CompensationProcessCEOInd>false</CompensationProcessCEOInd>
      <CompensationProcessOtherInd>false</CompensationProcessOtherInd>
      <InvestmentInJointVentureInd>false</InvestmentInJointVentureInd>
      <StatesWhereCopyOfReturnIsFldCd>MN</StatesWhereCopyOfReturnIsFldCd>
      <UponRequestInd>X</UponRequestInd>
      <BooksInCareOfDetail>
        <PersonNm>TRACEY FIERECK</PersonNm>
        <PhoneNum>6122896120</PhoneNum>
        <USAddress>
          <AddressLine1Txt>835 5TH STREET E</AddressLine1Txt>
          <AddressLine2Txt>835 5TH STREET E</AddressLine2Txt>
          <CityNm>ST PAUL</CityNm>
          <StateAbbreviationCd>MN</StateAbbreviationCd>
          <ZIPCd>55106</ZIPCd>
        </USAddress>
      </BooksInCareOfDetail>
      <Form990PartVIISectionAGrp>
        <PersonNm>TAMANNY ABOUAIAD</PersonNm>
        <TitleTxt>SECRETARY</TitleTxt>
        <AverageHoursPerWeekRt>40.00</AverageHoursPerWeekRt>
        <IndividualTrusteeOrDirectorInd>X</IndividualTrusteeOrDirectorInd>
        <OfficerInd>X</OfficerInd>
        <ReportableCompFromOrgAmt>44037</ReportableCompFromOrgAmt>
        <ReportableCompFromRltdOrgAmt>0</ReportableCompFromRltdOrgAmt>
        <OtherCompensationAmt>3247</OtherCompensationAmt>
      </Form990PartVIISectionAGrp>
      <Form990PartVIISectionAGrp>
        <PersonNm>AMENA ABDULLAH</PersonNm>
        <TitleTxt>DIRECTOR</TitleTxt>
        <AverageHoursPerWeekRt>40.00</AverageHoursPerWeekRt>
        <IndividualTrusteeOrDirectorInd>X</IndividualTrusteeOrDirectorInd>
        <ReportableCompFromOrgAmt>33007</ReportableCompFromOrgAmt>
        <ReportableCompFromRltdOrgAmt>0</ReportableCompFromRltdOrgAmt>
        <OtherCompensationAmt>2476</OtherCompensationAmt>
      </Form990PartVIISectionAGrp>
      <Form990PartVIISectionAGrp>
        <PersonNm>SANDRA OLMSTED</PersonNm>
        <TitleTxt>CHAIR</TitleTxt>
        <AverageHoursPerWeekRt>1.00</AverageHoursPerWeekRt>
        <IndividualTrusteeOrDirectorInd>X</IndividualTrusteeOrDirectorInd>
        <OfficerInd>X</OfficerInd>
        <ReportableCompFromOrgAmt>0</ReportableCompFromOrgAmt>
        <ReportableCompFromRltdOrgAmt>0</ReportableCompFromRltdOrgAmt>
        <OtherCompensationAmt>0</OtherCompensationAmt>
      </Form990PartVIISectionAGrp>
      <Form990PartVIISectionAGrp>
        <PersonNm>ABDIRAHMAN HASSAN</PersonNm>
        <TitleTxt>DIRECTOR</TitleTxt>
        <AverageHoursPerWeekRt>1.00</AverageHoursPerWeekRt>
        <IndividualTrusteeOrDirectorInd>X</IndividualTrusteeOrDirectorInd>
        <ReportableCompFromOrgAmt>0</ReportableCompFromOrgAmt>
        <ReportableCompFromRltdOrgAmt>0</ReportableCompFromRltdOrgAmt>
        <OtherCompensationAmt>0</OtherCompensationAmt>
      </Form990PartVIISectionAGrp>
      <Form990PartVIISectionAGrp>
        <PersonNm>MOHAMED HAJI ADEN</PersonNm>
        <TitleTxt>VICE CHAIR</TitleTxt>
        <AverageHoursPerWeekRt>1.00</AverageHoursPerWeekRt>
        <IndividualTrusteeOrDirectorInd>X</IndividualTrusteeOrDirectorInd>
        <OfficerInd>X</OfficerInd>
        <ReportableCompFromOrgAmt>0</ReportableCompFromOrgAmt>
        <ReportableCompFromRltdOrgAmt>0</ReportableCompFromRltdOrgAmt>
        <OtherCompensationAmt>0</OtherCompensationAmt>
      </Form990PartVIISectionAGrp>
      <Form990PartVIISectionAGrp>
        <PersonNm>KHADAR YASSIN</PersonNm>
        <TitleTxt>TREASURER</TitleTxt>
        <AverageHoursPerWeekRt>1.00</AverageHoursPerWeekRt>
        <IndividualTrusteeOrDirectorInd>X</IndividualTrusteeOrDirectorInd>
        <OfficerInd>X</OfficerInd>
        <ReportableCompFromOrgAmt>0</ReportableCompFromOrgAmt>
        <ReportableCompFromRltdOrgAmt>0</ReportableCompFromRltdOrgAmt>
        <OtherCompensationAmt>0</OtherCompensationAmt>
      </Form990PartVIISectionAGrp>
      <Form990PartVIISectionAGrp>
        <PersonNm>MUSTAFA HURRE</PersonNm>
        <TitleTxt>DIRECTOR</TitleTxt>
        <AverageHoursPerWeekRt>1.00</AverageHoursPerWeekRt>
        <IndividualTrusteeOrDirectorInd>X</IndividualTrusteeOrDirectorInd>
        <ReportableCompFromOrgAmt>0</ReportableCompFromOrgAmt>
        <ReportableCompFromRltdOrgAmt>0</ReportableCompFromRltdOrgAmt>
        <OtherCompensationAmt>0</OtherCompensationAmt>
      </Form990PartVIISectionAGrp>
      <TotalReportableCompFromOrgAmt>77044</TotalReportableCompFromOrgAmt>
      <TotalOtherCompensationAmt>5723</TotalOtherCompensationAmt>
      <FormerOfcrEmployeesListedInd>false</FormerOfcrEmployeesListedInd>
      <TotalCompGreaterThan150KInd>false</TotalCompGreaterThan150KInd>
      <CompensationFromOtherSrcsInd>false</CompensationFromOtherSrcsInd>
      <ContractorCompensationGrp>
        <ContractorName>
          <PersonNm>MINNESOTA EDUCATION TRUST</PersonNm>
        </ContractorName>
        <ContractorAddress>
          <USAddress>
            <AddressLine1Txt>842 RAYMOND AVE</AddressLine1Txt>
            <CityNm>ST PAUL</CityNm>
            <StateAbbreviationCd>MN</StateAbbreviationCd>
            <ZIPCd>55114</ZIPCd>
          </USAddress>
        </ContractorAddress>
        <ServicesDesc>LEASE</ServicesDesc>
        <CompensationAmt>569806</CompensationAmt>
      </ContractorCompensationGrp>
      <ContractorCompensationGrp>
        <ContractorName>
          <PersonNm>MONARCH BUS SERVICE INC</PersonNm>
        </ContractorName>
        <ContractorAddress>
          <USAddress>
            <AddressLine1Txt>101 E 10TH STREET STE 300</AddressLine1Txt>
            <CityNm>HASTINGS</CityNm>
            <StateAbbreviationCd>MN</StateAbbreviationCd>
            <ZIPCd>55003</ZIPCd>
          </USAddress>
        </ContractorAddress>
        <ServicesDesc>TRANSPORTATION</ServicesDesc>
        <CompensationAmt>305540</CompensationAmt>
      </ContractorCompensationGrp>
      <ContractorCompensationGrp>
        <ContractorName>
          <PersonNm>BLUE BELL ENTERPRISES</PersonNm>
        </ContractorName>
        <ContractorAddress>
          <USAddress>
            <AddressLine1Txt>1415 MENDOTA HEIGHTS RD</AddressLine1Txt>
            <CityNm>MENDOTA HEIGHTS</CityNm>
            <StateAbbreviationCd>MN</StateAbbreviationCd>
            <ZIPCd>55120</ZIPCd>
          </USAddress>
        </ContractorAddress>
        <ServicesDesc>FOOD SERVICE</ServicesDesc>
        <CompensationAmt>127915</CompensationAmt>
      </ContractorCompensationGrp>
      <CntrctRcvdGreaterThan100KCnt>3</CntrctRcvdGreaterThan100KCnt>
      <GovernmentGrantsAmt>3157098</GovernmentGrantsAmt>
      <TotalContributionsAmt>3157098</TotalContributionsAmt>
      <ProgramServiceRevenueGrp>
        <Desc>LOCAL</Desc>
        <TotalRevenueColumnAmt>10495</TotalRevenueColumnAmt>
        <RelatedOrExemptFuncIncomeAmt>10495</RelatedOrExemptFuncIncomeAmt>
      </ProgramServiceRevenueGrp>
      <TotalProgramServiceRevenueAmt>10495</TotalProgramServiceRevenueAmt>
      <TotalRevenueGrp>
        <TotalRevenueColumnAmt>3167593</TotalRevenueColumnAmt>
        <RelatedOrExemptFuncIncomeAmt>10495</RelatedOrExemptFuncIncomeAmt>
      </TotalRevenueGrp>
      <OtherSalariesAndWagesGrp>
        <TotalAmt>1147157</TotalAmt>
        <ProgramServicesAmt>1039729</ProgramServicesAmt>
        <ManagementAndGeneralAmt>107428</ManagementAndGeneralAmt>
      </OtherSalariesAndWagesGrp>
      <PensionPlanContributionsGrp>
        <TotalAmt>162702</TotalAmt>
        <ProgramServicesAmt>155049</ProgramServicesAmt>
        <ManagementAndGeneralAmt>7653</ManagementAndGeneralAmt>
      </PensionPlanContributionsGrp>
      <OtherEmployeeBenefitsGrp>
        <TotalAmt>140534</TotalAmt>
        <ProgramServicesAmt>90400</ProgramServicesAmt>
        <ManagementAndGeneralAmt>50134</ManagementAndGeneralAmt>
      </OtherEmployeeBenefitsGrp>
      <PayrollTaxesGrp>
        <TotalAmt>87945</TotalAmt>
        <ProgramServicesAmt>79727</ProgramServicesAmt>
        <ManagementAndGeneralAmt>8218</ManagementAndGeneralAmt>
      </PayrollTaxesGrp>
      <FeesForServicesOtherGrp>
        <TotalAmt>298322</TotalAmt>
        <ProgramServicesAmt>206785</ProgramServicesAmt>
        <ManagementAndGeneralAmt>91537</ManagementAndGeneralAmt>
      </FeesForServicesOtherGrp>
      <OfficeExpensesGrp>
        <TotalAmt>12720</TotalAmt>
        <ProgramServicesAmt>11505</ProgramServicesAmt>
        <ManagementAndGeneralAmt>1215</ManagementAndGeneralAmt>
      </OfficeExpensesGrp>
      <OccupancyGrp>
        <TotalAmt>905051</TotalAmt>
        <ProgramServicesAmt>905051</ProgramServicesAmt>
      </OccupancyGrp>
      <TravelGrp>
        <TotalAmt>329710</TotalAmt>
        <ProgramServicesAmt>329710</ProgramServicesAmt>
      </TravelGrp>
      <InterestGrp>
        <TotalAmt>172</TotalAmt>
        <ManagementAndGeneralAmt>172</ManagementAndGeneralAmt>
      </InterestGrp>
      <PaymentsToAffiliatesGrp>
        <TotalAmt>21909</TotalAmt>
        <ProgramServicesAmt>21909</ProgramServicesAmt>
      </PaymentsToAffiliatesGrp>
      <DepreciationDepletionGrp>
        <TotalAmt>5101</TotalAmt>
        <ProgramServicesAmt>4901</ProgramServicesAmt>
        <ManagementAndGeneralAmt>200</ManagementAndGeneralAmt>
      </DepreciationDepletionGrp>
      <InsuranceGrp>
        <TotalAmt>8542</TotalAmt>
        <ProgramServicesAmt>8542</ProgramServicesAmt>
      </InsuranceGrp>
      <OtherExpensesGrp>
        <Desc>SUPPLIES</Desc>
        <TotalAmt>109646</TotalAmt>
        <ProgramServicesAmt>104355</ProgramServicesAmt>
        <ManagementAndGeneralAmt>5291</ManagementAndGeneralAmt>
      </OtherExpensesGrp>
      <OtherExpensesGrp>
        <Desc>CAPITAL OUTLAY</Desc>
        <TotalAmt>32158</TotalAmt>
        <ProgramServicesAmt>32158</ProgramServicesAmt>
      </OtherExpensesGrp>
      <OtherExpensesGrp>
        <Desc>DUES AND SUBSCRIPTIONS</Desc>
        <TotalAmt>25080</TotalAmt>
        <ProgramServicesAmt>2499</ProgramServicesAmt>
        <ManagementAndGeneralAmt>22581</ManagementAndGeneralAmt>
      </OtherExpensesGrp>
      <OtherExpensesGrp>
        <Desc>LOSS ON DISPOSITION</Desc>
        <TotalAmt>3303</TotalAmt>
        <ProgramServicesAmt>3303</ProgramServicesAmt>
      </OtherExpensesGrp>
      <TotalFunctionalExpensesGrp>
        <TotalAmt>3290052</TotalAmt>
        <ProgramServicesAmt>2995623</ProgramServicesAmt>
        <ManagementAndGeneralAmt>294429</ManagementAndGeneralAmt>
        <FundraisingAmt>0</FundraisingAmt>
      </TotalFunctionalExpensesGrp>
      <CashNonInterestBearingGrp>
        <BOYAmt>902606</BOYAmt>
        <EOYAmt>999431</EOYAmt>
      </CashNonInterestBearingGrp>
      <PledgesAndGrantsReceivableGrp>
        <BOYAmt>268847</BOYAmt>
        <EOYAmt>408913</EOYAmt>
      </PledgesAndGrantsReceivableGrp>
      <PrepaidExpensesDefrdChargesGrp>
        <BOYAmt>79787</BOYAmt>
        <EOYAmt>32307</EOYAmt>
      </PrepaidExpensesDefrdChargesGrp>
      <LandBldgEquipCostOrOtherBssAmt>23141</LandBldgEquipCostOrOtherBssAmt>
      <LandBldgEquipAccumDeprecAmt>12405</LandBldgEquipAccumDeprecAmt>
      <LandBldgEquipBasisNetGrp>
        <BOYAmt>14058</BOYAmt>
        <EOYAmt>10736</EOYAmt>
      </LandBldgEquipBasisNetGrp>
      <OtherAssetsTotalGrp>
        <BOYAmt>210707</BOYAmt>
        <EOYAmt>408561</EOYAmt>
      </OtherAssetsTotalGrp>
      <TotalAssetsGrp>
        <BOYAmt>1476005</BOYAmt>
        <EOYAmt>1859948</EOYAmt>
      </TotalAssetsGrp>
      <AccountsPayableAccrExpnssGrp>
        <BOYAmt>169956</BOYAmt>
        <EOYAmt>401605</EOYAmt>
      </AccountsPayableAccrExpnssGrp>
      <OtherLiabilitiesGrp>
        <BOYAmt>1346052</BOYAmt>
        <EOYAmt>1620805</EOYAmt>
      </OtherLiabilitiesGrp>
      <TotalLiabilitiesGrp>
        <BOYAmt>1516008</BOYAmt>
        <EOYAmt>2022410</EOYAmt>
      </TotalLiabilitiesGrp>
      <OrganizationFollowsSFAS117Ind>X</OrganizationFollowsSFAS117Ind>
      <UnrestrictedNetAssetsGrp>
        <BOYAmt>-40003</BOYAmt>
        <EOYAmt>-162462</EOYAmt>
      </UnrestrictedNetAssetsGrp>
      <TotalNetAssetsFundBalanceGrp>
        <BOYAmt>-40003</BOYAmt>
        <EOYAmt>-162462</EOYAmt>
      </TotalNetAssetsFundBalanceGrp>
      <TotLiabNetAssetsFundBalanceGrp>
        <BOYAmt>1476005</BOYAmt>
        <EOYAmt>1859948</EOYAmt>
      </TotLiabNetAssetsFundBalanceGrp>
      <ReconcilationRevenueExpnssAmt>-122459</ReconcilationRevenueExpnssAmt>
      <MethodOfAccountingAccrualInd>X</MethodOfAccountingAccrualInd>
      <AccountantCompileOrReviewInd>false</AccountantCompileOrReviewInd>
      <FSAuditedInd>true</FSAuditedInd>
      <FSAuditedBasisGrp>
        <SeparateBasisFinclStmtInd>X</SeparateBasisFinclStmtInd>
      </FSAuditedBasisGrp>
      <AuditCommitteeInd>true</AuditCommitteeInd>
      <FederalGrantAuditRequiredInd>false</FederalGrantAuditRequiredInd>
    </IRS990>
    <IRS990ScheduleA documentId="RetDoc5">
      <SchoolInd>X</SchoolInd>
    </IRS990ScheduleA>
    <IRS990ScheduleD documentId="RetDoc2">
      <OtherAssetsOrgGrp>
        <Desc>PENSION DEFERRED OUTFLOWS</Desc>
        <BookValueAmt>408561</BookValueAmt>
      </OtherAssetsOrgGrp>
      <TotalBookValueOtherAssetsAmt>408561</TotalBookValueOtherAssetsAmt>
      <OtherLiabilitiesOrgGrp>
        <Desc>PORTION DUE IN MORE THAN ONE YEAR</Desc>
        <Amt>1183592</Amt>
      </OtherLiabilitiesOrgGrp>
      <OtherLiabilitiesOrgGrp>
        <Desc>PENSION DEFERRED INFLOWS</Desc>
        <Amt>265388</Amt>
      </OtherLiabilitiesOrgGrp>
      <OtherLiabilitiesOrgGrp>
        <Desc>ACCRUED SALARIES</Desc>
        <Amt>91731</Amt>
      </OtherLiabilitiesOrgGrp>
      <OtherLiabilitiesOrgGrp>
        <Desc>PAYROLL TAX PAYABLE</Desc>
        <Amt>80094</Amt>
      </OtherLiabilitiesOrgGrp>
      <TotalLiabilityAmt>1620805</TotalLiabilityAmt>
    </IRS990ScheduleD>
    <IRS990ScheduleE documentId="RetDoc3">
      <NondiscriminatoryPolicyStmtInd>true</NondiscriminatoryPolicyStmtInd>
      <PolicyStmtInBrochuresEtcInd>true</PolicyStmtInBrochuresEtcInd>
      <PlcyPblczdViaBroadcastMediaInd>true</PlcyPblczdViaBroadcastMediaInd>
      <MaintainRacialCompRecsInd>true</MaintainRacialCompRecsInd>
      <MaintainScholarshipsRecsInd>true</MaintainScholarshipsRecsInd>
      <MaintainCpyOfBrochuresEtcInd>true</MaintainCpyOfBrochuresEtcInd>
      <MaintainCpyOfAllSolInd>true</MaintainCpyOfAllSolInd>
      <DiscriminateRaceStdntsRghtsInd>false</DiscriminateRaceStdntsRghtsInd>
      <DiscriminateRaceAdmissPlcyInd>false</DiscriminateRaceAdmissPlcyInd>
      <DiscriminateRaceEmplmFcultyInd>false</DiscriminateRaceEmplmFcultyInd>
      <DiscriminateRaceSchsInd>false</DiscriminateRaceSchsInd>
      <DiscriminateRaceEducPlcyInd>false</DiscriminateRaceEducPlcyInd>
      <DiscriminateRaceUseOfFcltsInd>false</DiscriminateRaceUseOfFcltsInd>
      <DiscriminateRaceAthltProgInd>false</DiscriminateRaceAthltProgInd>
      <DiscriminateRaceOtherActyInd>false</DiscriminateRaceOtherActyInd>
      <GovernmentFinancialAidRcvdInd>true</GovernmentFinancialAidRcvdInd>
      <GovernmentFinancialAidRvkdInd>false</GovernmentFinancialAidRvkdInd>
      <ComplianceWithRevProc7550Ind>true</ComplianceWithRevProc7550Ind>
      <SupplementalInformationDetail>
        <FormAndLineReferenceDesc>SCHEDULE E, LINE 3</FormAndLineReferenceDesc>
        <ExplanationTxt>DISTRIBUTED WITH ENROLLMENT APPLICATIONS.</ExplanationTxt>
      </SupplementalInformationDetail>
      <SupplementalInformationDetail>
        <FormAndLineReferenceDesc>SCHEDULE E, LINE 6</FormAndLineReferenceDesc>
        <ExplanationTxt>RECEIVE FEDERAL AND STATE EDUCATION AID</ExplanationTxt>
      </SupplementalInformationDetail>
    </IRS990ScheduleE>
    <IRS990ScheduleO documentId="RetDoc4">
      <SupplementalInformationDetail>
        <FormAndLineReferenceDesc>FORM 990 - ORGANIZATION'S MISSION</FormAndLineReferenceDesc>
        <ExplanationTxt>STEP IS A 6-12 CHARTER SCHOOL LOCATED IN INVER GROVE HEIGHTS, MINNESOTA, THAT PROMOTES EARLY COLLEGE EDUCATION THROUGH ENSURING THAT ALL STUDENTS ACHIEVE ACADEMIC EXCELLENCE, OBTAIN COLLEGE CREDIT WHILE IN HIGH SCHOOL, ARE FULLY MOTIVATED AND PREPARED TO SUCCESSFULLY MATRICULATE IN COLLEGE, AND GRADUATE WITH THE CRITICAL KNOWLEDGE AND SKILLS REQUIRED FOR EMPLOYMENT IN SCIENTIFIC, TECHNICAL, AND OTHER SKILLED CAREERS.</ExplanationTxt>
      </SupplementalInformationDetail>
      <SupplementalInformationDetail>
        <FormAndLineReferenceDesc>FORM 990, PAGE 6, PART VI, LINE 11B</FormAndLineReferenceDesc>
        <ExplanationTxt>NO REVIEW WAS OR WILL BE CONDUCTED.</ExplanationTxt>
      </SupplementalInformationDetail>
      <SupplementalInformationDetail>
        <FormAndLineReferenceDesc>FORM 990, PAGE 6, PART VI, LINE 12C</FormAndLineReferenceDesc>
        <ExplanationTxt>ANNUAL DISCLOSURE COMPLETED.</ExplanationTxt>
      </SupplementalInformationDetail>
      <SupplementalInformationDetail>
        <FormAndLineReferenceDesc>FORM 990, PAGE 6, PART VI, LINE 19</FormAndLineReferenceDesc>
        <ExplanationTxt>NO DOCUMENTS AVAILABLE TO THE PUBLIC</ExplanationTxt>
      </SupplementalInformationDetail>
    </IRS990ScheduleO>
  </ReturnData>
</Return>