MN Enrollment Options

optionsMINNESOTA ENROLLMENT

OPTIONS PROGRAMS

Learners in Minnesota have several enrollment option programs which allow them to choose the school or education program they wish to attend.

POSTSECONDARY ENROLLMENT OPTIONS (PSEO) is a program that allows 10th-, 11th- and 12th-grade students to earn both high school and college credit while still in high school, through enrollment in and successful completion of college-level, nonsectarian courses at eligible participating postsecondary institutions. Most PSEO courses are offered on the campus of the postsecondary institution; some courses are offered online. Each participating college or university sets its own requirements for enrollment into the PSEO courses. Eleventh and 12th-grade students may take PSEO courses on a full- or part-time basis; 10th graders may take one career/technical PSEO course. If they earn at least a grade C in that class, they may take additional PSEO courses.

There is no charge to PSEO students for tuition, books or fees for items that are required to participate in a course. Students must meet the PSEO residency and eligibility requirements and abide by participation limits specified in Minnesota Statutes, section 124D.09. Funds are available to help pay transportation expenses for qualifying students to participate in PSEO courses on college campuses. Schools must provide information to all students in grades 8-11 and their families by March 1, every year. Students must notify their school by May 30 if they want to participate in PSEO for the following school year. For current information about the PSEO program, visit the Minnesota Department of Education’s Postsecondary Enrollment Options (PSEO) webpage. 

OPEN ENROLLMENT program allows students kindergarten through 12th grade the opportunity to apply to attend a school outside the district in which they live.  Applications are due in the nonresident district before January 15, except for those choosing to enter or leave districts with desegregation plans.

HIGH SCHOOL GRADUATION INCENTIVES program is designed for students who are not likely to graduate or who have dropped out of school before getting their diplomas.  These learners may choose from a variety of education options to complete the requirements needed to graduate.

DIPLOMA OPPORTUNITIES FOR ADULTS AGED 21 AND OVER encourages those who have not completed high school to return to get their diplomas.  Qualifying learners have up to two years of free state aid to finish their requirements.  Many of the same education programs under High School Graduation Incentives are available to these adults.

AREA LEARNING CENTERS offer personalized education programs, year round, day and evening to accommodate the needs of learners.  A wide variety of courses, leading to diplomas, are taught using alternative methods of instruction.  Additional services are provided to assure each learner’s success.  Learners aged 12 through adult may attend.

PUBLIC OR PRIVATE ALTERNATIVE PROGRAMS personalize the education of learners at risk of not completing high school.  Classes are taught using alternative methods and flexible scheduling.  These programs are offered during the typical school day and year.

EDUCATION PROGRAMS FOR PREGNANT MINORS AND MINOR PARENTS are designed to encourage parenting and pregnant teens to continue their education and receive their high school diplomas.  A variety of education options are available.  Child care and transportation may be arranged.

FOR MORE INFORMATION see a principal or counselor of a school or the school district office.  OR call the MN Department of Education: (651) 582-8200.