2024 Best Charter Elementary Schools in Minnesota

• St. Croix Preparatory Academy, MN•

• K-4

• •
  Rating 3.25 out of 5  8 reviews

Parent: We have absolutely loved SCPA since day 1. Our children are now in the 7th and 4th grades. Teachers are awesome. K-12 together in one building makes for wonderful interactions between upper and lower school students and a fun and inclusive school environment. The school does not shy away from challenging it's students which is the number one reason that we chose this school for our children. They instill the importance of accountability at a very young age while also focusing on strong character traits & leadership. And try not to mistake the fact that they get homework in elementary school for it being an uncaring environment. Our children have always felt well loved by their teachers - even my rambunctious, sometimes in trouble, hard to sit still 4th grade boy! He needs boundaries & guidance and has been given that by each of his teachers in a caring & effective way. We have never felt intimidated by the staff or administration. In fact we are thankful that they run a tight ship!... Read 8 reviews

• grade A+

• Students 449

• Student-teacher ratio 18:1

• Cologne Academy, MN•

• K-8

• •
  Rating 4.79 out of 5  28 reviews

Parent: My children attended Cologne Academy all the way from Kindergarten through 8th grade. It was a wonderful experience that left them well-prepared for high school. I also happen to be a staff member at Cologne Academy, and I have been there for 13 years. The administration is supportive of staff and holds us to high standards. Communication between the school and families is frequent and transparent. As a former parent and current teacher at Cologne Academy, I would not hesitate to recommend CA to anyone!... Read 28 reviews

• grade A

• Students 732

• Student-teacher ratio 14:1

• Eagle Ridge Academy Charter School, MN•

• K-5

• •
  Rating 4 out of 5  1 review

Parent: The academics are very good, my son was behind and they have specialists that are great. They also have an elementary school counselor - and that is key at this age. I continue to read the student to teacher ratio is 1:16. that is NOT true, nor has it been true for several years. My child is in a 1st grade class that is 24 students to 1 teacher. That is TOO large!... Read 1 review

• grade A

• Students 819

• Student-teacher ratio 15:1

• Nova Classical Academy, MN•

• K-5

• •
  Rating 3.24 out of 5  17 reviews

Parent: My daughter was a transfer student from another charter school. The previous school she went to wanted to put her in special education. I disagreed with this and turned that down. So when my daughter was accepted into nova we were thrilled. The new way she is being taught at nova is so much better she is no where near needing special ed. We love the curriculum at this school and are thankful to get in. She adjusted well to the new school and we are thankful... Read 17 reviews

• grade A

• Students 476

• Student-teacher ratio 20:1

• Edina, MN•

• Public School•

• PK, K-6

• •
  Rating 5 out of 5  7 reviews

Parent: ISLA has been such an incredible school for our children. Our kids love going to school, the staff is incredibly loving, nurturing and skilled. I’m so impressed with the IB curriculum and the reflection on being an engaged and caring global citizen. I also am so impressed with how strong my daughters’ Spanish has become! What a gift it is to have the ability to communicate in two languages. Also, I have loved the community. People care about each other and the well being of each other’s kids. The leadership it ISLA is beyond impressive and really cares about parent engagement and feedback. I feel like the school really cares about the whole family. I am so incredibly grateful for this strong academic opportunity for my kids.... Read 7 reviews

• grade A

• Students 380

• Student-teacher ratio 17:1

• Minneapolis, MN•

• Public School•

• K-8

• •
  Rating 3.69 out of 5  16 reviews

Parent: This school is truly remarkable! The leadership team leads by example and deeply cares for the students. Teachers from diverse backgrounds collaborate seamlessly and contribute a wide range of perspectives to the school community. I was highly impressed by the active involvement of parents and the effective communication. They consistently strive for improvement, even though all aspects are already excellent!... Read 16 reviews

• grade A

• Students 838

• Student-teacher ratio 12:1

• Monticello, MN•

• Public School•

• K-6

• grade A

• Students 139

• Student-teacher ratio 11:1

• Minneapolis, MN•

• Public School•

• K-8

• •
  Rating 3 out of 5  1 review

• grade A

• Students 127

• Student-teacher ratio 13:1

• Seven Hills Preparatory Academy, MN•

• K-5

• grade A

• Students 543

• Student-teacher ratio 12:1

• Ham Lake, MN•

• Public School•

• K-8

• •
  Rating 3.24 out of 5  17 reviews

Alum: My childhood school, was here from K-5th and had the best experience ever! Great teachers, facilities, curriculum and opportunities. Absolutely would recommend.... Read 17 reviews

• grade A minus

• Students 918

• Student-teacher ratio 15:1

• Northfield, MN•

• Public School•

• K-5

• grade A minus

• Students 178

• Student-teacher ratio 13:1

• Savage, MN•

• Public School•

• K-8

• •
  Rating 4.28 out of 5  18 reviews

Works Here: I really enjoyed working for Aspen - the staff were super accommodating, the parents go above and beyond! If you decide to work here or send your students, know that it is super welcoming, safe, and educational. An aspect that I really liked was that they did not have 1:1 technology, and that they pushed brain breaks, going outside, being face to face with fellow students and that there was so much support for not only struggling learners, but also excelling learners. Another cool thing that I thought makes Aspen stand out: the After school activities; there are so many cool clubs that students can sign up for and be apart of.... Read 18 reviews

• grade A minus

• Students 627

• Student-teacher ratio 7:1

• Seven Hills Preparatory Academy, MN•

• K-5

• grade A minus

• Students 293

• Student-teacher ratio 15:1

• Houston, MN•

• Public School•

• K-5

• grade A minus

• Students 103

• Student-teacher ratio 10:1

• Nerstrand, MN•

• Public School•

• K-5

• grade A minus

• Students 121

• Student-teacher ratio 12:1

• Lakes International Language Academy, MN•

• PK, K

• grade B+

• Students 234

• Student-teacher ratio 20:1

• Winona, MN•

• Public School•

• K-8

• •
  Rating 4.33 out of 5  3 reviews

Parent: We have had four kids go to this school, three of whom have graduated and gone on to do very well in high school and college. They loved their experience, and we have enjoyed both the Montessori teaching approach as well as the strong sense of community. Kids here are very kind and respectful -- they are trained to help one another and to collaborate on an almost daily basis in the classroom, which is good preparation for working with others in real life. Kids spend up to three years with a single teacher, which helps teachers get to know the kids at a deep level. All teachers have their regular state certification as well as their Montessori certification, which means they have an extra two years of training. As a public charter school, it's governed by a local, on-site board composed of teachers and parents, which means the leadership is well informed about what the needs of the school are.... Read 3 reviews

• grade B+

• Students 213

• Student-teacher ratio 9:1

• Chaska, MN•

• Public School•

• 1-8

• grade B+

• Students 193

• Student-teacher ratio 16:1

• Saint Paul, MN•

• Public School•

• K-8

• •
  Rating 4.67 out of 5  3 reviews

Parent: Great school. Great teachers. My kid’s German is as good as a native speaker! Many before and after school activity spots to help with parent work schedules. Independent bussing schedule so the school has the same start and end time for both elementary and middle school. Amazing after school enrichment activities like lego league, wood working, chess club, music lessons, and so much more. Great sport offerings as well, cross country, track, basketball, nordic skiing, soccer, volleyball and futsal.... Read 3 reviews

• grade B+

• Students 593

• Student-teacher ratio 11:1

• Parnassus Preparatory Charter School, MN•

• K-4

• •
  Rating 3.5 out of 5  2 reviews

Parent: Excellent Teachers who encourage students to move ahead academically. Teachers respond to emails and are always eager to hear from parents. The student population is very diverse which has its own pros and cons.... Read 2 reviews

• grade B+

• Students 649

• Student-teacher ratio 19:1

• Duluth, MN•

• Public School•

• PK, K-6

• •
  Rating 5 out of 5  1 review

Sophomore: I love it here! I love the students and the faculty. It is such a comfortable space for me to learn. I have been so grateful to be able to continue my education here. The teachers are always willing to go above and beyond for students.... Read 1 review

• grade B

• Students 357

• Student-teacher ratio 14:1

• Edina, MN•

• Public School•

• K-8

• •
  Rating 3.5 out of 5  8 reviews

Works Here: I am a current teacher here at Agamim, this school makes sure that no child is left behind. The staff here at Agamim strive to get to know all the students, this allows for the school to feel that it is a family. Students academic needs and social emotional needs are made sure to be met. The learning experience here at Agamim is rigorous and ensures students are getting the education they need to become an impactful American citizen. Here are Agamim the staff had a great last year of building a community and relationships with one another, this impacts the students in a way that they know their teachers support one another, which helps the students feel that they are in a loved and safe environment.... Read 8 reviews

• grade B

• Students 279

• Student-teacher ratio 16:1

• North Lakes Academy, MN•

• K-5

• •
  Rating 5 out of 5  5 reviews

Parent: We are having a great experience at NLA with both our kids. Our son was in the first kindergarten class to start at the elementary building. The classes are small and the staff know both of my kids even after they move on to the next grade. There is definitely a family atmosphere at this school along with high expectations of the kids. Staff is good at communicating with parents throughout the school year. My kids have also enjoyed the variety of extracurricular clubs that the staff put forth each quarter. We really appreciate the investment in the students from everyone at NLA.... Read 5 reviews

• grade B

• Students 242

• Student-teacher ratio 14:1

• Level Up Academy, MN•

• K-5

• grade B

• Students 105

• Student-teacher ratio 13:1

• PACT Charter School, MN•

• K-5

• •
  Rating 3.6 out of 5  10 reviews

Parent: We got into PACT in 2018 and right away we could see a huge improvement from the elementary public school we came from and PACT. The teachers really go above and beyond to ensure my daughters are getting all the help they need. I love the emphasis on character building as well as academics. The small school feel as well as being able to be involved in my kids education is so important for our family. We have also made some great friendships with other students and parents. We genuinely love this community. Highly recommend PACT!... Read 10 reviews

• grade B

• Students 507

• Student-teacher ratio 19:1