Charter schools are independent public schools of choice for parents and students. The first charter schools in the nation opened in Minnesota in 1992. Charter schools continue to be a popular choice for students seeking an alternative to traditional public schools. Currently there are 146 charter schools in operation in Minnesota serving more than 39,000 students.

Charter schools offer a unique educational program and students can expect quality education based on results. Charter schools employ licensed teachers, offer services to special needs students and require students to take state and national tests to assure academic accountability. They do not charge tuition, and there are no admission requirements to enroll students in charter schools. New charter schools with exciting programs open their doors to students every year in Minnesota. Parents may contact charter schools directly to find out about the type of programs they offer and their enrollment options.

NEW! Early Learning Program Guidance for Charter Schools and Authorizers
The Minnesota Department of Education (MDE) is pleased to announce guidance for charter schools and authorizers who wish to seek official MDE recognition of their instructional programs for three- to five-year-olds. Upon official recognition by MDE, a charter school may be eligible to receive additional funding for these programs. Read Commissioner Brenda Cassellius’s announcement letter to charter schools and authorizers.

Additional guidance information is available for charter school directors and authorizers:

• Technical Assistance Session Schedule - REVISED
• Read the Frequently Asked Questions
• Read At-a-Glance: Early Learning Program Guidance for Charter Schools and Authorizers January 2013
• Read UFARS Expenditures Guidance - UPDATED January 8, 2013

Peer Reviewers Needed! The MDE Charter Center is seeking peer reviewers to assist with the review of applications for a variety of 2012-2013 competitions. Download the Peer Reviewer Interest Form.

Commissioner-approved Charter School Authorizers
For a complete list of commissioner-approved charter school authorizers, including contact information and the schools they authorize, visit the MDE-ORG database.

Charter School Directory
For a complete list of charter schools in Minnesota, including contact information, visit the MDE-ORG database.

 

Authorizers

• New Charter School Affidavit 
  Revised January 2013. Instructions and forms for approved authorizers to file an affidavit with the Minnesota Department of Education to start a new charter school. This document also includes instructions for official recognition of a new charter school’s prekindergarten or preschool instructional program.
• Supplemental Affidavit 
  Revised January 2013. Instructions and forms for approved authorizers to file an affidavit with the Minnesota Department of Education to expand a charter school. This document also includes instructions for official recognition of a charter school’s prekindergarten or preschool instructional program.
• 2013 Guidance on Authorizer Fees    PDF
  Revised October 2012
• Charter School and Authorizer Oversight and Resolution Process - Revised July 2012 
  
• FY 2012 Charter Contract Provisions 
  Revised February 2012
• Affiliated Building Corporation Affidavit 
  Instructions and forms for approved authorizers to submit an affiliated building corporation affidavit to MDE.
• Process for Change of a Charter School Authorizer 
  Instructions for an approved authorizer to submit a change of authorizer request. Revised February 2011.

Schools

• FY 2014 Charter School Lease Aid Requirements 
  Provides information to charter schools on how to apply for charter school lease aid for the fiscal year that includes the 2013-14 school year (FY 2014).
• Opening Checklist for New Charter Schools 
  Deadlines and instructions for new charter schools planning to open in fall 2012.
• 2011-2012 Charter School Annual Report Memo 
  
• Special Education Primer for Charter Schools 
  The regulations for the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA) specifically includes charter schools. The easy to read question and answer format of the primer provides charter school authorizers and directors with quick access to information on the provision of special education and related services in charter schools.
• Charter School WHATIF Spreadsheet 
  This tool shows how general education revenues are affected by changes in pupil counts and other inputs.
• Memo to Charter Schools Clarifying Admission Policies 
  Memo describes the statutory limitations of student data requested by a charter school's enrollment application.