Start by reviewing data from the Minnesota Department of Education and the Saint Paul Public Schools (SPPS) website, where you can find school performance reports, test scores, graduation rates, and enrollment information. Compare schools based on academic outcomes, student-to-teacher ratios, available programs such as Advanced Placement or language immersion, and support services like counseling and special education. It is also helpful to read school accountability reports, visit school websites for mission statements and curriculum details, and schedule school tours or open house visits to see classrooms, meet staff, and understand the school culture firsthand. Finally, consider independent reviews and feedback from families in your neighborhood to gain additional perspectives.

Focus on both academic and non-academic elements. Academically, look at state assessment scores, graduation and college-readiness rates, course offerings, and access to enrichment programs such as STEM, arts, and world languages. Non-academic factors include school safety, building condition, class sizes, availability of extracurricular activities, after-school care options, and transportation routes for your address. You should also evaluate how well the school’s educational philosophy aligns with your child’s learning style and needs, including options for gifted education, English language learner support, and special education services. Proximity to home and overall community engagement, such as active parent-teacher organizations, are also important considerations.

Saint Paul offers a variety of specialized and magnet school options within the public system. These may include schools focused on science, technology, engineering and math, performing and visual arts, language immersion, International Baccalaureate programs, and career and technical education pathways at the secondary level. Information about specific magnet programs, eligibility criteria, and application deadlines is typically available on the Saint Paul Public Schools website and through the district’s student placement office. Families should review each magnet school’s theme, entrance requirements, transportation options, and program structure to determine whether it is a good fit for their child’s interests and long-term goals.

Saint Paul uses attendance areas or zones to determine a student’s default neighborhood school, but the district also offers choice and placement options. Families can use the school finder or boundary lookup tools on the Saint Paul Public Schools website to identify the schools associated with their home address. To enroll, parents typically submit an application or registration form, along with proof of residency and required student records. For magnet and specialty programs, there may be a separate application process and specific timelines, sometimes involving a placement lottery if demand exceeds available seats. It is important to review district enrollment guides each year to understand current policies, deadlines, and transportation eligibility rules.

Reliable information starts with official sources such as the Minnesota Report Card, the Minnesota Department of Education, and the Saint Paul Public Schools district website, which publish performance data, accountability ratings, and detailed school profiles. You can supplement this with third-party school comparison platforms that aggregate test scores, demographic information, and user reviews, keeping in mind that online ratings may reflect personal experiences and may not capture the full picture. Local community organizations, neighborhood councils, and parent groups in Saint Paul can provide additional insight into school climate, communication practices, and family engagement. Whenever possible, schedule school visits, attend information nights, and speak directly with administrators and teachers to verify what you read online and assess whether a school aligns with your expectations.