Twin Cities Schools Emphasize Knowledge as Power

The Twin Cities are home to well-ranked, research-driven schools

Photo by the Blake School

During his inaugural speech, Gov. Tim Walz pledged to make Minnesota the “Education State.” Education, he said, “is the great equalizer of society. Education unleashes untapped potential…It conjures the magic of promising beginnings and the grace of second chances.”

Based on various rankings, Minnesota educators are clearly doing something right.

In personal finance site WalletHub’s 2019 “Most & Least Educated States in America,” Minnesota came in at No. 6, combining quality of education—according to metrics for public schools and public universities—and educational attainment, based on percentage of residents with diplomas.

Minnesota students have the second-highest math test scores in the U.S. and are tied with Wisconsin for the highest median SAT score. According to the study, “For a growing number of Americans, a good education is the ticket to a better future. … Generally, the higher the level of education one completes, the higher their income potential and the lower their chances of unemployment become.”

According to a study by U.S. News & World Report, Minnesota ranked No. 12 in preK-12 education. When added to our high rankings in environment (No. 3), opportunity (3), health care (10), low crime rates and economic prosperity, this leads Minnesota to a bronze finish—No. 3—as a “best state” overall.

View our guides to Twin Cities public schools, private schools, and colleges and universities, and find even more schools in your area by searching our education directory.