School ChoiceAcademic Excellence :

Minnesota Offers a Variety of School Choice Programs

The Division of School Choice Programs and Services provides information and resources to public and non-public school staff, parents and students on the availability and administration of the many School Choice programs available to Minnesota families. Public school choice programs include charter schools, online learning, open enrollment and postsecondary enrollment options.

The division also provides a handbook and information for families wishing to home school their children, a summary of tax credits and subtractions for education expenses, resources related to supplemental services required for schools identified by the No Child Left Behind Act (NCLB) as needing improvement and information on the Robert C. Byrd Honors Scholarship program.

2009 Minnesota Charter Public School and Federal Charter Schools Program Planning Grant

The Minnesota Department of Education (MDE), Division of School Choice Programs and Services, is soliciting applications from charter school developers and sponsors. Applications selected for award will be approved to open a new charter school in the fall of 2010 and will receive federal financial assistance for planning, program design and the initial implementation of a new charter school. All eligible parties are encouraged to respond. More information is located under Charter Schools.

Calendar of MDE Workshops, Trainings and Meetings

The Minnesota Department of Education, in response to input from Website visitors, is pleased to announce the launch of an agency-wide calendar. The calendar includes all MDE-sponsored training, meetings and events. Search and sort features allow you to find events by date, title, location and sponsoring program area. View the calendar by using the “Calendar” link at the top of this page.