News & Events

The Minnesota Department of Education (MDE) annually designates selected charter schools as High-Quality based on school performance.  To be considered for High-Quality designation, charter schools must meet current qualification targets of the MDE High-Quality Charter School Comprehensive Performance Framework. To receive a High-Quality designation, charter schools must meet performance benchmarks in math, reading, and science proficiency; math and reading growth; and graduation rates (for high schools).  In addition, charter schools must meet financial and compliance benchmarks established by the state.

In 2024, the MDE designated only 17 of Minnesota’s 181 charter schools as High-Quality (or 9.3% of all Minnesota charter schools), while 36.3% of Friends of Education schools (4 of 11) are designated as High-Quality.  Friends of Education schools comprise 23.5% of the designated High-Quality Charter Schools (4 of 17).  

Friends of Education congratulates its schools on receiving this selective and well-deserved recognition:

Aspen Academy

Parnassus Preparatory School

Seven Hills Preparatory Academy

Yinghua Academy