Finding the Right School Starts Here
A free citywide event on January 10 brings dozens of Minneapolis schools together to help families explore options, understand enrollment timelines, and make informed decisions for the 2026–27 school year. The Minneapolis School Finder Fair prioritizes access, clarity, and direct connection with schools across the city.
Free January 10 event connects Minneapolis families with public, charter, and private schools, offering childcare, food, and multilingual support
Choosing a school can feel overwhelming for families navigating Minneapolis’s complex education landscape. For parents new to the city, unfamiliar with enrollment timelines, or weighing multiple options for the first time, the process often comes with more questions than answers.
A free citywide event on Saturday, January 10, is designed to change that.
The Minneapolis School Finder Fair will bring dozens of schools together in one location, creating a hands-on opportunity for families to learn, compare, and plan for the 2026–2027 school year. The event is co-hosted by Great MN Schools and Minneapolis Public Schools, with a focus on access, clarity, and informed decision-making.
The fair runs from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at Minneapolis College and is open to all families at no cost.
A One-Stop Space to Explore Schools
The School Finder Fair is built around direct connection. Families can speak one-on-one with school leaders and representatives, learn about academic models and specialized programs, and ask practical questions about transportation, enrollment timelines, and student support.
Participating schools include neighborhood public schools, district magnet programs, public charter schools, and private schools. Community organizations will also be on site to help families better understand enrollment processes and available resources.
The goal is straightforward: reduce confusion by putting information and decision-makers in the same room.
Designed With Access in Mind
Organizers structured the event to remove common barriers that often prevent families from engaging in school choice conversations.
The fair will offer free onsite childcare, multilingual navigation support, free food, and free parking. These supports are intended to ensure parents and caregivers can focus on learning and asking questions without added stress.
Understanding the Range of School Options
Minneapolis families are guaranteed a seat at their address-based community school, but many also explore additional pathways.
Minneapolis Public Schools offers magnet programs with citywide enrollment, including specialized instruction in areas such as STEM, the arts, language immersion, and Montessori education.
Public charter schools provide tuition-free education with independent governance, often centered on specific educational philosophies or cultural approaches. Minneapolis has a broad network of charter schools serving diverse student populations.
Private schools are another option. While tuition is typically required, many offer financial aid or sliding-scale models to increase access.
Understanding how these options differ, and how to apply to each, is a central focus of the fair.
Tools to Help Families Decide
Beyond location, families often consider class size, academic approach, extracurricular offerings, cultural responsiveness, language support, and school climate when choosing a school.
Great MN Schools developed the Minneapolis School Finder, a digital tool that allows families to compare schools based on academics, school culture, enrichment opportunities, and practical considerations. The platform is available in English, Spanish, and Somali and includes step-by-step guidance to help families identify priorities and prepare questions before school visits.
While online research is helpful, in-person conversations often make the difference. The School Finder Fair is designed to support that next step.
Key Enrollment Dates to Keep in Mind
The January fair aligns closely with upcoming enrollment deadlines, giving families time to follow up with school visits and open houses.
- January 10, 2026 – Minneapolis School Finder Fair
- February 9, 2026 – Deadline for the best chance at a first-choice Minneapolis Public Schools placement
- April 1, 2026 – Deadline for second magnet school lottery requests
Charter and private schools follow their own enrollment timelines. Families are encouraged to ask school representatives directly or review individual school websites for details.
Planning Ahead With Confidence
For families beginning the school search or considering a change, the Minneapolis School Finder Fair offers a practical starting point. By gathering information, building relationships, and asking questions in one afternoon, parents can move forward with greater clarity and confidence.
Minneapolis School Finder Fair
When: Saturday, January 10, 2026, 10 a.m.–2 p.m.
Where: Minneapolis College, 1501 Hennepin Avenue, Minneapolis
Cost: Free
Services: Childcare, food, parking, multilingual support
More information: MinneapolisSchoolFinder.org