Education in Saint Paul, Minnesota facts for kids
Saint Paul, Minnesota, is a city full of schools for all ages! You can find everything from elementary schools to high schools, colleges, and even places for advanced studies. Saint Paul has been home to some important "firsts" in education.
For example, Hamline University was the very first college in Minnesota, started right here in Saint Paul in 1854. Later, in 1991, Minnesota became the first state in the whole United States to allow charter schools. The first charter school in the country, City Academy High School, opened in Saint Paul the very next year. Also, the oldest library in Minnesota, the Minnesota State Law Library, opened its doors in Saint Paul way back in 1849.
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Schools for Kids and Teens
Saint Paul has many different types of schools for younger students, including public, charter, and private schools.
Public Schools in Saint Paul
The main school system for the city is called Saint Paul Public Schools. It's the second-largest school district in Minnesota, with about 38,000 students. This district is also one of the most diverse, meaning students come from many different backgrounds.
Besides the main public schools, there are also many charter schools. These schools are run separately from the Saint Paul Public Schools. However, the Minnesota Department of Education still oversees them. Currently, 21 charter schools are operating in Saint Paul.
Private Schools in Saint Paul
Saint Paul also has many private schools. These schools can be non-religious, or they might be connected to different faiths like Jewish, Roman Catholic, or Protestant churches. The Minnesota Department of Education doesn't control how private schools operate. Private schools can choose if they want to be officially recognized (accredited) or if they want to give achievement tests to their graduating students. Many private schools do these things to show they offer a good education. There are 38 private schools in Saint Paul.
For example, Catholic schools in Saint Paul are managed by the Roman Catholic Archdiocese of Saint Paul and Minneapolis. This group oversees three high schools and fourteen elementary schools.
Some Schools in Saint Paul
Here are a few examples of the many schools you can find in Saint Paul.
Elementary Schools
- Adams Spanish Immersion
- Capitol Hill Gifted/Talented Magnet
- Community of Peace Academy
- EXPO for Excellence Magnet Elementary School
- Friends School of Minnesota
- Jie Ming Mandarin Immersion Academy
- L'Etoile du Nord French Immersion School
- Nativity of Our Lord
- Saint Anthony Park Elementary School
- (and many more!)
Public High Schools
- Central High School
- Como Park Senior High School
- Harding High School
- Johnson Senior High School
- Highland Park Senior High School
- Twin Cities Academy
- (and others!)
Private High Schools
- Cretin-Derham Hall High School
- St. Paul Academy and Summit School
- Saint Bernard's High School
- Saint Agnes High School
- (and others!)
Colleges and Universities
Saint Paul is special because it has one of the highest numbers of colleges and universities per person in the United States!
Public Colleges and Universities
- Metropolitan State University
- Saint Paul College - This is a community and technical college.
- University of Minnesota, Twin Cities - A large university with many programs.
Private Colleges and Universities
- Bethel University
- Concordia University, Saint Paul
- Hamline University - Minnesota's oldest college.
- Macalester College
- University of St. Thomas
Advanced Study Programs
After getting a bachelor's degree, some students go on to study even more. Saint Paul has places for these advanced programs, like:
- William Mitchell College of Law - For studying law.
- Luther Seminary - For religious studies.
- University of Minnesota - Offers many Master's and Doctoral degrees.
- Hamline University - Has programs in law, business, and education.
- Saint Paul Seminary School of Divinity - Another place for religious studies.
