For many Minneapolis families – especially those navigating a new city, a new school system, or both – choosing the right school for their child can feel overwhelming.
On Saturday, January 10, the Minneapolis School Finder Fair – co-hosted by Great MN Schools and Minneapolis Public Schools – aims to make that process easier by bringing Minneapolis schools together under one roof. The free event, running from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., is designed to help families explore their options, ask questions directly to school leaders, and make informed decisions about where to enroll their children for the 2026-2027 school year.
What to Expect at the School Fair
The Minneapolis School Finder Fair creates a rare opportunity to compare schools side-by-side and get answers directly from the people who run them. Families can meet with representatives from schools of all types, learn about specialized programs, get help understanding the placement timeline and application process, and connect with community resource organizations.
In order to make this event as accessible as possible, services also include:
- Free childcare during the event so parents can focus on conversations with school representatives
- Multi-lingual support navigating the Fair
- Free food for attendees
- Free Parking at Minneapolis College
Understanding Minneapolis School Options
Minneapolis offers families a range of educational options. While every family is guaranteed a spot at their address-based community school, they can also explore other pathways:
Minneapolis Public School magnet programs offer citywide enrollment with specialized programming in areas like STEM, arts, language immersion and Montessori education.
Public charter schools are free public schools that operate independently, often with unique educational philosophies or focuses. Minneapolis is home to numerous charter schools serving diverse communities.
Private schools provide another option for families, though these typically require tuition. Many private schools offer financial aid or sliding scale tuition to make education more accessible.
How to Pick a School
Beyond a convenient location, it can be hard to know what to look for when picking a school. Should you prioritize location and transportation? Class size? After-school programs? The answer depends on your child’s unique needs and your family’s values.
Based on input from parents and community partners, Great MN Schools created theMinneapolis School Finder to provide more transparent, accessible information about school quality across the city. The tool includes data on academics, school culture, extracurricular offerings, and more – all in one place.
Available online in English, Spanish, and Somali, the Minneapolis School Finder helps families compare options and identify schools that align with their child’s learning style and interests. The site also includes practical guidance in our Steps To Pick a School Tool that provides questions to ask during school visits and what to look for when touring campuses.
Some factors to consider include:
- Your child’s learning style and interests
- School culture and values alignment
- Academic approach and support services
- Language support and cultural responsiveness
But online research is the first step. Meeting school leaders face-to-face, visiting schools, and talking with other parents can reveal whether a school truly feels like the right fit – which is exactly what the School Finder Fair offers.
Important Enrollment Deadlines to Know
The School Finder Fair comes at a critical time in the school enrollment calendar. Families attending the Fair will have nearly a month to make their school selections before the February deadline, giving them time to visit schools in person, attend open houses, and weigh their options.
January 10, 2026: School Finder Fair at Minneapolis College
February 9, 2026: Deadline for best chance of getting your first choice MPS school
April 1, 2026: Deadline for second MPS school request lottery (for magnet school requests only)
Note: Charter and private schools have their own enrollment timelines. Ask representatives at the fair or check individual school websites for specific deadlines.
Plan Your Visit
Whether you’re exploring schools for the first time or considering a change for your child, the School Finder Fair offers a streamlined way to gather information, ask questions, and connect with schools that align with your family’s priorities – all in one afternoon.
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: Multilingual support, childcare, food, and parking
More information:MinneapolisSchoolFinder.org
