ACADEMICS / PUBLIC EDUCATION SYSTEM
Minnesota Public Schools
Children attending kindergarten must be at least five years old on or before September 1 of the enrollment year, although some schools allow assessment for admission of those whose birthdays fall between September 2 and December 31. Verification of required immunizations must be provided prior to a child’s entrance into school. Completion of the Early Childhood Developmental Screening process is also required before a child can enter kindergarten. Contact your local school office to make an appointment. Other documents and records that you will need to register for the first time include proof of residency in the form of a rental agreement, utility bill, or mortgage papers; your child’s legal birth certificate; your child’s social security number; custody or guardian papers if applicable; transcripts or contact information from the school previously attended. For answers to your specific questions, contact:
Minnesota Department of Education (MDE)
651-582-8200
http://education.state.mn.us/mde/index.html
MDE Academic Standards
651-582-8749
http://education.state.mn.us/MDE/fam/stds
MDE Assessment & Testing
http://education.state.mn.us/MDE/fam/tests/index.htm
MDE Gifted & Talented Education
651-582-8786
http://education.state.mn.us/MDE/fam/gifted
MDE School Improvement
651-582-8427
http://education.state.mn.us/MDE/dse/cimp
MDE School Report Cards Helpline
http://rc.education.state.mn.us
Minnesota Immunization Program
Minnesota Department of Health
651-201-5503
800-657-3970
https://www.health.state.mn.us/immunize
Minnesota School Choice
Minnesota is an open-enrollment state: Students can select the public school they would like to attend, and parents can choose the best academic setting for their children. This progressive is highly regarded nationwide and has been used as a model by other states. Alternative schools and charter schools within the public school system add to the choices of educational environments and approaches. The following organization maintains an Enrollment Options Hot Line and other information that enable parents to make informed decisions:
School Choice & Innovation
651-582-8579
http://education.state.mn.us/MDE/dse/fsce/mod/choice/index.htm
Charter Schools
651-789-3090
www.mncharterschools.org
Alternative Schools
www.maapmn.org
Wisconsin Public Schools
Parents of students who are enrolling for the first time in a Wisconsin school should bring proof of their current address in the form of a rent receipt, mortgage papers, a lease, or utility bill. The child’s legal birth certificate and social security number as well as physician-signed immunization records are also required. Children who are registering for kindergarten must be at least five years old by September 1 of the current enrollment year, although some districts also offer four-year-old kindergarten. The state’s open enrollment program allows students in five-year-old kindergarten through 12th grade to attend schools in districts other than the one in which they live. To be eligible for this program, parents must submit application forms to the nonresident school district during a three-week period in February. For complete information on public education in Wisconsin or answers to specific questions, contact:
Wisconsin Department of Public Instruction
Madison 608-266-3390
Toll free 800-441-4563
www.dpi.state.wi.us
