School Choice Guide

Proven tips to discover which school is the best for your student

January 2025
Looking for a new school for your student? Registration deadlines for the next school year are fast approaching, so now is the time to do your homework. Families have many choices: public, magnet, parochial or charter schools, as well as homeschooling. Post-high school choices include trade schools, two-year and four-year colleges and universities. This primer will help you understand the differences among them so you can select the best option for your child.

Open enrollment
Minnesota has open enrollment, which means families may choose a school that is not within their resident district. State applications are used for open enrollment, and nonresident districts must receive applications by January 15 for the following fall, with some exceptions. Families that apply to a school not assigned to them are responsible for their own transportation.

Public schools
Public schools are funded through taxes and operated by local school districts and a board of education. Each student is guaranteed enrollment and is assigned a school near where they live. Busing is free for those outside of walking distance. When selecting a public school, families may want to consider class sizes, student-teacher ratios, academic progress and extra-curricular activities.

Magnet schools 
A magnet school is part of the public school system but has a curriculum focus that is used in all classes, such as environmental or STEM (science, technology, engineering and math). Families should ask about the school’s focus, transportation options and if there are additional fees for field trips or supplies.

Charter schools
Private groups can get a charter to operate a school that uses alternative teaching methods and innovative curriculum. These schools typically have a smaller student population and a lower student-teacher ratio. Charter schools do not charge admission, nor do they have admission requirements to enroll students. They employ licensed teachers and offer services to special needs students. Charter school students are required to take state and national assessments. If the school does not meet academic performance requirements, the charter is revoked and the school is closed. Parents should inquire about the teaching methodology used, how academic progress is measured, if there are any special enrollment requirements or fees, and if the site is the school’s permanent location.

Parochial schools
Parochial schools are operated by a church or religious organization and have a curriculum that includes religious instruction. Class sizes and student-teacher ratio are usually small but tuition can be high. Parents should ask about tuition, scholarships, transportation, religious requirements or expectations, and if there are any additional expenses for uniforms or supplies.

Online learning
While online learning became standard during the 2020 COVID-19 pandemic, it is not a new model. Prior to the pandemic, some schools offered a full online program. Today, some school districts have added an online option as well.

Tips for choosing a K-12 school
National School Choice Week is Jan. 26-Feb. 1. The following seven steps will help you make an informed decision on choosing the best school for your child. The information is summarized from Andrew Campanella’s book, “The School Choice Roadmap: 7 Steps to Finding the Right School for Your Child.” Campanella is president of National School Choice Week.

Step 1: Think back to your own time in school. How you perceive education will help inform your school search for your children. Write down what you learned the most, liked the most, and who taught you the most. Also, write down the things you didn’t like, then put those experiences in perspective and remember that your child may have different experiences.

Step 2: Identify your goals for your child. You know more about your child than anyone else, which is why you are more qualified than anyone else to choose your child’s education. Take a few minutes to think about your hopes, dreams and goals for your child, and your child’s strengths and weaknesses.

Step 3: Decide what you need and want from a school or learning environment. What does that learning environment look like? Are there specific things you know your child will need, such as different instructional strategies or curricula? Maybe there’s a specific theme or subject that motivates your child, or perhaps your child thrives in a smaller school setting. Write all of these things down.

Step 4: Make a list and research schools. To choose the right school or learning environment for your child, you need to know what options are available. Research school choice policies in your state. A free guide to school choice in Minnesota is available at schoolchoiceweek.com. Start making a list of schools in your area using the Schools Near Me tool. Don’t eliminate any schools because you think they may be hard to get in to or be too expensive. Next, look up information about these schools online so you can get a sense of what they offer. Don’t forget to consider homeschooling and online schools, too. Start narrowing your list down to develop an initial short list of schools to visit.

Step 5: Visit schools. School tours are important. Ask as many questions as possible, take detailed notes and visit classrooms, if possible. Look around to get a sense of the school, the teachers, and the school’s values, approach and culture. Throughout your tour, ask yourself: “Is this a learning environment where I can see my child learning, succeeding, being respected, being safe and being happy?” If you’re considering online schools, schedule a phone interview to ask questions. If you’re considering homeschooling, take this time to research your state’s homeschooling rules, policies and laws.

Step 6: Evaluate schools. After your tours, look at the notes you took before you started your visits, and your notes from those visits. Which schools or learning environments best meet your child’s needs? Narrow your list to two or three finalists.

Step 7: Choose the school or learning environment that meets your child’s needs. Sit down as a family and choose the school or learning environment that works best for your child. This is a very personal decision, and every family will pursue this step in a different way. After you’ve decided, it’s time to apply, submit applications, fill out paperwork, and get your child ready for their first day of school.

Colleges
The nonprofit College Board offers the following to consider when choosing a college.

Two-year or four-year school: At a two-year college, students can earn an associate degree. At a four-year college, students can earn a bachelor’s degree. Many students begin at a two-year college then transfer to a four-year college.

Public or private: Many students exclude private colleges because they think they’re too expensive. However, financial aid can sometimes make private colleges as affordable as public colleges.

Location: The distance to home should be considered. Does your student want to be close enough for meals and laundry, and to visit on weekends, or will they only come home on school breaks?

Campus setting: Many students say that campus size and feel was a big part of their college choice. Visiting a college and talking to students is a great way to get to know a campus. Do most students stay on campus or do they commute to school? Does the campus exude school spirit?

Cost: For many families, cost is a big concern. To offset the price of college, students should apply for financial aid and scholarships. Most students get some financial help from the government or the college itself.

Majors: Students often think they must choose their major before they start college. This isn’t true. In fact, many students change their major more than once. However, for the undecided, the school should have several majors of interest to the student.

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