2024 Best Charter Middle Schools in Minnesota

• Nova Classical Academy, MN•

• 6-12

• •
  Rating 3.71 out of 5  72 reviews

Senior: This school pushes you hard, and prepares you for higher education and an educated life. From Logic and Rhetoric to Latin and Ancient Lit., you receive a background steeped in classical knowledge. You will find a mind to comprehend, an ear to listen, and the learning to come up with solutions. The requirements are structured to simulate the difficulty of college, thereby most graduates claim that college was easier than high school! If you are not ready for the rigor, you may not be able to handle the heavy discussions and writing-intensive workload. However, if you are an individual, like me, who thrives beneath struggle and high expectations, this would be the place for you.... Read 72 reviews

• grade A+

• Students 508

• Student-teacher ratio 15:1

• Woodbury, MN•

• Public School•

• 6-12

• •
  Rating 4.03 out of 5  73 reviews

Junior: My experience at the Math and Science Academy has been a journey that has allowed me to learn a lot. The best part of my experience is the teachers, students, and advisors. The teachers take the time to make sure that the students have a good understanding of the material and are always available for help. The community is very diverse and allowed me to meet people who have the same background as me. The clubs offered here allowed me to build a better relationship with my community and gain soft skills that I can use in the future. The worst part of my experience was the amount of coursework we got because I came here during freshman year so I wasn't used to the large amount of coursework. Something I would like to see change is the size of the classrooms because there isn't enough room for all the students. I would also want the clubs and sports to be better supported because some of them don't have any buses, so many of us have to rely on parents or others to participate.... Read 73 reviews

• grade A+

• Students 553

• Student-teacher ratio 17:1

• St. Croix Preparatory Academy, MN•

• 5-8

• •
  Rating 5 out of 5  1 review

Middle School Student: I love that there is a classical education and students are encouraged to share their opinions and ideas. students are pushed to be the best. Teachers are fun but also get things done. There isn't much diversity which is something I would like to see change.... Read 1 review

• grade A

• Students 364

• Student-teacher ratio 24:1

• 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•

• 6-12

• •
  Rating 3.54 out of 5  83 reviews

Junior: I’ve been at Eagle Ridge since kindergarten. I’ve had some really amazing teachers that have encouraged me to do my best in school, challenge me to think for myself and explain how my thought process and/or opinions have been derived, and allow me to learn from my mistakes knowing they are part of the learning process. Eagle Ridge has been a great added influence on the development of my character because it mirrors what my parents are also teaching me-to strive for excellence, work hard with perseverance, be respectful, be an outstanding citizen, be honorable, and have integrity.... Read 83 reviews

• grade A

• Students 594

• Student-teacher ratio 14:1

• 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

• Minneapolis, MN•

• Public School•

• K-8

• •
  Rating 3 out of 5  1 review

• grade A

• Students 127

• Student-teacher ratio 13:1

• 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

• Seven Hills Preparatory Academy, MN•

• 6-8

• grade A minus

• Students 280

• Student-teacher ratio 15:1

• Savage, MN•

• Public School•

• K-8

• •
  Rating 4.35 out of 5  20 reviews

Parent: I can't speak highly enough of Aspen Academy! My Autistic son is 5 years old and can be a lot to handle at times. We transferred from Shakopee school district/Sun Path elementary as they were unable to meet his sensory needs and he was often dysregulated. Not to mention we were concerned for his safety as he became a flight risk! The staff at Aspen has been so helpful, patient, and kind! They try their best to meet his sensory needs and do a fantastic job coordinating with my son's healthcare providers while keeping me in the loop! There is a low student to teacher ratio which allows them to focus on the kid as an individual person rather than a whole body of kiddos. The facility is fenced in and somewhat hidden which prevents random people from accessing; ultimately keeping our kiddos safe! While my review is from the perspective of having a special needs child, I feel all children could benefit from the safe, structured, positive learning environment that Aspen Academy offers.... Read 20 reviews

• grade A minus

• Students 627

• Student-teacher ratio 7:1

• Lakes International Language Academy, MN•

• 6-12

• •
  Rating 4.22 out of 5  9 reviews

Alum: The best thing by far about this school is the language acquisition and the teachers. My experience here has taught me the importance of different cultures and the IB attributes. I would recommend sending a child to this school, although it will be a hard transition if they do not go there from kinder.... Read 9 reviews

• grade A minus

• Students 588

• Student-teacher ratio 10:1

• Northfield, MN•

• Public School•

• 6-12

• •
  Rating 4.64 out of 5  11 reviews

Parent: Arcadia has a faculty that is unparalleled. Every student feels seen, heard and understood. Individual skills and talents are honored and celebrated. Students work collaboratively and seem comfortable working with each other and staff. There does seem to be a certain social culture that is pervasive at Arcadia and I keep holding out hope that the kids will become more socially outgoing. They are truly remarkable students with brilliant ideas and energy, I'd love to see an aura of brightness there... Read 11 reviews

• grade A minus

• Students 127

• Student-teacher ratio 13:1

• Spectrum High School, MN•

• 7-8

• grade A minus

• Students 277

• Student-teacher ratio 31:1

• Spectrum High School, MN•

• 6

• •
  Rating 3.5 out of 5  2 reviews

Alum: I loved attending middle school here. The community was nothing like what I had experienced before, and it convinced me to come out of my shell. The people are amazing, the environment is one of learning and friendly competition, and it specializes in college readiness. There are not many activities or resources, as it is a small school, but the activities that are present are very well put on and the resources are quite useful. It has an extremely safe environment.... Read 2 reviews

• grade A minus

• Students 122

• Student-teacher ratio 16:1

• 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

• Parnassus Preparatory Charter School, MN•

• 5-8

• •
  Rating 3 out of 5  1 review

• grade B+

• Students 488

• Student-teacher ratio 18:1

• 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

• Saint Paul, MN•

• Public School•

• 5-8

• •
  Rating 4 out of 5  3 reviews

Niche User: Laura Jeffrey Academy is a tremendous school with a learner-centered focus and a positive environment for all students. The STEM focus works throughout the curriculum and the girl-focused environment lets girls be themselves, as smart and geeky as they want to be, without being self-conscious. The boys, and there are boys at the school, clearly feel like they belong as well and are learning positive messages about how to respectful to everyone in society.... Read 3 reviews

• grade B+

• Students 57

• Student-teacher ratio 4:1

• Avalon School, MN•

• 6-8

• grade B

• Students 72

• Student-teacher ratio 18:1

• Kaleidoscope Charter School, MN•

• 6-8

• grade B

• Students 106

• Student-teacher ratio 9:1

• Art & Science Academy, MN•

• 5-8

• •
  Rating 2 out of 5  1 review

• grade B

• Students 136

• Student-teacher ratio 12:1

• Bloomington, MN•

• Online School•

• 6-12

• •
  Rating 4.68 out of 5  25 reviews

Parent: Bluesky is a fantastic school! My daughter has been attending since 8th grade is now in her senior year and has almost straight As for her entire high school career. The counselors are nothing short of amazing and supportive and the teachers are excellent resources, guides and instructors. She has completely excelled at Bluesky and we are so grateful that we found it. After receiving feedback about adding activities for kids to participate in, they added a whole variety of them. My daughter appreciates the academic challenge, but also being able to work at her own pace and style. It's truly a great school... Read 25 reviews

• grade B

• Students 610

• Student-teacher ratio 16:1

• 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

• Cyber Village Academy, MN•

• 6-12

• •
  Rating 4.17 out of 5  30 reviews

Parent: Just love, love, love this school! It has been so very good for my child, who has thrived at CVA. I would highly recommend it for any family who can work with or need a flexible schedule. I love that students in the Fusion program (Grades K-12) come to campus 3 days a week for a traditional class schedule and then have a choice on the remaining two days to either work from home or come to school. The teachers and paraprofessionals are stellar! Kind, fun, patient and extremely competent. Their creativity and compassion is key! And for children who do not wish to be on campus, there is the fully online PASCAL program (Grades K-12). The support, attention and opportunities students get at CVA are so unique - not just academics, but the various creative pursuits, the robotics program, various afterschool clubs, and the delightful, big playground! If you want your child to have a caring, fun community around them each day, CVA is it!... Read 30 reviews

• grade B

• Students 256

• Student-teacher ratio 10:1