Main Content

A Guide to the Twin Cities’ School Districts

Children raising hands as their teacher choosing one of them

Did you know that Minnesota is the third best state to live in overall, according to U.S. News and World Report?

It’s ranked in the 20th percentile for education in the United States, and the Twin Cities are home to some of the best public schools in the state.

If you’re looking to get settled in Minneapolis or St. Paul, whether you have kids or expect to in the future, school districts are likely a top consideration in determining the best location for your family.

Here’s our guide to the best school districts in the Twin Cities!

Minnetonka Public School District

Minnetonka Public School District serves 10,586 students in 12 different PK, K – 12 schools in Minnetonka, Minnesota.

The school’s statement: “The mission of the Minnetonka School District is to ensure all students envision and pursue their highest aspirations while serving the greater good. In a community that transcends traditional definitions of excellence, we use learning and teaching as tools to value and nurture each person, inspire in everyone a passion to excel with confidence and hope, and instill expectations that stimulate extraordinary achievement in the classroom and in life.”

  • #1 Best Place to Teach in Minnesota (Niche)
  • #1 District with the Best Teachers in Minnesota (Niche)
  • #1 Best School District for Athletes in Minnesota (Niche)
  • The percentage of students who scored at or above proficiency levels on the state reading/language arts assessment test: 81%
  • The percentage of students who scored at or above proficiency levels on the state math assessment test: 80%
  • Graduation rate: 97%
  • Average SAT score: 1360
  • Average ACT score: 29
  • Student-teacher ratio, 17:1
  • Expenses per student: $14,495

Wayzata Public School District

Wayzata Public School District serves 11,370 students in 13 different PK, K – 12 schools in Wayzata, Minnesota.

The school’s statement: “Each of our students is on a unique and wonderful educational journey – and we do everything we can to help them embrace and nurture the possibilities.”

  • #2 Best School District in Minnesota (Niche)
  • #3 Best Place to Teach in Minnesota (Niche)
  • #3 Best School District for Athletes in Minnesota (Niche)
  • The percentage of students who scored at or above proficiency levels on the state reading/language arts assessment test: 81%
  • The percentage of students who scored at or above proficiency levels on the state math assessment test: 80%
  • Graduation rate: 95%
  • Average SAT score: 1380
  • Average ACT score: 29
  • Student-teacher ratio, 17:1
  • Expenses per student: $16,476

Eden Prairie Public School District

Eden Prairie Public School District serves 9,008 students in 10 different PK, K – 12 schools in Eden Prairie, Minnesota.

The school’s statement: “Our Mission is to inspire each student to learn continuously so they are empowered to reach personal fulfillment and contribute purposefully to our ever-changing world.”

  • #2 Best Places to Teach in Minnesota (Niche)
  • #3 Best School Districts in Minnesota (Niche)
  • #4 District with the Best Teachers in Minnesota (Niche)
  • The percentage of students who scored at or above proficiency levels on the state reading/language arts assessment test: 74%
  • The percentage of students who scored at or above proficiency levels on the state math assessment test: 70%
  • Graduation rate: 87%
  • Average SAT score: 1370
  • Average ACT score: 28
  • Student-teacher ratio, 16:1
  • Expenses per student: $13,876

Edina Public School District

Edina Public School District serves 8,627 students in 12 different PK, K – 12 schools in Edina, Minnesota.

The school’s statement: “The mission of the Edina Public Schools, working in partnership with the family and the community, is to educate all individuals to be responsible, lifelong learners who possess the skills, knowledge, creativity, sense of self-worth, and ethical values necessary to thrive in a rapidly changing, culturally diverse, global society.”

  • #4 Best School District in Minnesota (Niche)
  • #8 Best Places to Teach in Minnesota (Niche)
  • #8 District with the Best Teachers in Minnesota (Niche)
  • The percentage of students who scored at or above proficiency levels on the state reading/language arts assessment test: 80%
  • The percentage of students who scored at or above proficiency levels on the state math assessment test: 79%
  • Graduation rate: 96%
  • Average SAT score: 1370
  • Average ACT score: 29
  • Student-teacher ratio, 17:1
  • Expenses per student: $14,183

Orono Public School District

Edina Public School District serves 2,836 students in 4 different PK, K – 12 schools in Long Lake, Minnesota.

The school’s statement: “Our teachers are committed to individualizing instruction for each learner. This personalization can take many forms, such as differentiation, formative assessment or intervention. Armed with data analysis skills, assisted by technology and supported by their Professional Learning Communities, our teachers are motivating students to new levels of achievement.”

  • #2 District with the Best Teachers in Minnesota
  • #4 Best Places to Teach in Minnesota
  • #5 Safest School Districts in Minnesota
  • The percentage of students who scored at or above proficiency levels on the state reading/language arts assessment test: 79%
  • The percentage of students who scored at or above proficiency levels on the state math assessment test: 74%
  • Graduation rate: 96%
  • Average SAT score: 1370
  • Average ACT score: 28
  • Student-teacher ratio, 19:1
  • Expenses per student: $13,733

Ready to find your dream home in the Twin Cities? Click here to search through our current listings, and to get in touch with one of our real estate agents now!