Minnesota

Minnesota Association Of Charter Schools: www.mncharterschools.org 174 Charter Schools Contact: Eugene Piccolo eugene@mncharterschools.org 651-789-3090

Minnesota was the first state to enact a charter school law in the early 1990s. Its current law allows more entities than any other state to authorize public charter schools, i.e., school districts, public and private colleges and universities, and certain foundations. The Audubon Center of the Northwoods has authorized most green charter schools in Minnesota. Minnesota has been a leader, also, in adopting other school reform initiatives including public school open enrollment, postsecondary options and new enabling legislation giving school districts greater authority to innovate. Education / Evolving, UM Center for School Change, and EdVisions Schools are key organizations that have had a significant impact in causing school reforms to occur in Minnesota. With its leadership in environmental education over many years, it is not surprising that the state is home to several green charter schools. The Minnesota Charter Schools Association is partnering with GCSNet to help grow green charter schools in the state.

NEW GREEN CHARTER SCHOOLS

New Visions Academy: www.nevisionsacademy.org

Pillager Area Charter School: www.mncharterschools.org

Northern Light Community School: www.nlcschool.org

Bright Water Montessori: www.brightwatermontessori.org

Math & Science Academy: www.mnmsa.org

Natural Science Academy: www.naturalscienceacademy.org

Paideia Academy: www.paideiaacademy.org

Crosslake Community School: www.crosslakekids.org

Blake School: www.blakeschool.org

High School For Recording Arts: www.hsra.org

College Prep Elementary: www.cpe-k6.org