High-performing Mpls schools still have spots open for 2019-20

Multiple schools in Minneapolis with high-performing results for children from low-income backgrounds have space to enroll more students for the 2019-20 school year. MN Comeback reports that these “changing-the-odds” schools outpace Minneapolis district (and some state) averages in academic proficiency or growth.

“These schools prove that all kids can excel, no matter their background,” said Al Fan, MN Comeback executive director. MN Comeback (MNC) is a coalition created to triple to 10,000 the number of Black and Brown students who attend such high-performing schools.

“High-performing schools that enroll kids from low-income backgrounds and students of color deliver twice the academic growth and almost four times the proficiency rates of low-performing schools,” added Fan.

According to the Minnesota Department of Education, 59 percent of students graduating from high-performing schools make it through college, while only eight percent from low-performing schools do.

“We believe every family should have access to information on our city’s schools, and we believe every child should enroll in a school that meets their academic, social-emotional and cultural needs,” said Rashad Turner, director of community engagement for MN Comeback. “When space is available at gap-busting schools, we choose to broadcast this news far and wide.”

Here are changing-the-odds schools still accepting applications for the 2019-20 school year:

• Anthony Middle School
• Armatage Montessori (limited availability in grades 2, 4 and 5)
• Ascension Catholic School
• Dowling School (limited availability in grades 3 and 5)
• Fair Senior High
• Field Community School (limited availability in grades 6-8)
• Friendship Academy of the Arts (limited availability)
• Green Central Park Community School
• Hennepin Schools
• Hiawatha Community-Howe Campus (limited availability in grade 4)
• Hiawatha Leadership Academy-Morris Park
• Kenny Community School (limited availability in grades 2-5)
• KIPP North Star Academy
• Lake Harriet Community Upper (limited availability in grades 4, 7 and 8 for families in the neighborhood or zone)
• Minnesota International Middle School
• Patrick Henry High School
• Pillsbury Community School
• South High School (for families in the neighborhood or zone)
• Southwest High School (for families in the neighborhood or zone)
• St. Helena Catholic School
• Twin Cities International Elementary School
• Ubah Medical Academy (availability in grade 9 only)
• Universal Academy Charter School
• Waite Park Community School
• Washburn High School (for families in the neighborhood or zone)

MN Comeback has also released the Minneapolis School Finder as a family resource guide in partnership with 36 community organizations. The Finder provides a listing of all schools across the city and their performance ratings to help parents make informed decisions when selecting schools.

Families looking for a new school or interested in any of the above options should contact the schools directly for eligibility and application process or reach out to Family Advocates to assist with the school search and enrollment process at FamilyAdvocates@MinneapolisSchoolFinder.org or 612-568-6810.

For more info the Minneapolis School Finder, visit MinneapolisSchoolFinder.org.

— Info provided by MN Comeback