Education in Minnesota facts for kids

Education in the US State of Minnesota helps students learn from pre-kindergarten all the way through college. Minnesota is known for having many people who can read and write well. The state was ranked 13th for being a "Smartest State" in 2006-07. It also leads the nation in how many people have finished high school.

In 2006, over 90% of high school seniors graduated. This shows that most students finish school. In 2007, students in Minnesota got the highest average score in the country on the ACT exam, which is a test for college admission.

Minnesota does not use school vouchers. However, it is home to the very first charter school, called City Academy High School in Saint Paul. Charter schools are public schools that have more freedom in how they operate.

The state supports two big public school systems. These include 37 schools in the Minnesota State Colleges and Universities System and five main campuses of the University of Minnesota. Minnesota also has over 20 private colleges and universities. Six of these are ranked among the top 100 liberal arts colleges in the country.

Learning in K-12 Schools

Public schools in Minnesota are managed by local School Districts. The Minnesota Department of Education oversees all public education. Most school districts get their rules and power from the Minnesota Legislature.

In 2013, Newsweek magazine listed 49 Minnesota high schools among the best 1000 public high schools in America. Edina High School was the top-ranked school in Minnesota. It was 121st in the nation. This school had a 99% graduation rate. Also, 96% of its students went on to college.

How Students Perform on Tests

Test Scores for All Students

Students in Minnesota take tests to show what they have learned. These tests help measure how well students understand math and reading. For example, in 2014, 61% of students were good at math. In reading, 59% of students showed they were good at it. These scores help schools see where students need more help.

Support from the Government

Schools in Minnesota follow rules from the federal government. One important set of rules was called No Child Left Behind. The United States Congress also helps pay for K-12 education in Minnesota. About 6% of the money for schools comes from the federal government.

Going to College: Higher Education

After high school, many students in Minnesota go on to higher education. This means attending colleges or universities. Minnesota has many options for students. There are large public universities like the University of Minnesota. There are also many smaller public colleges in the Minnesota State Colleges and Universities System.

Besides public schools, Minnesota has many private colleges. These schools offer different types of learning experiences. Many of them are known for their strong programs in liberal arts, which means they teach a wide range of subjects.