These Are The Top Charter Schools In MN: Niche

MINNESOTA — In 1991, Minnesota passed the first charter school law in the nation. The measure allowed for the creation of independent public schools that could operate with more flexibility than traditional public schools, but still held accountable for student achievement.

A year later, in the fall of 1992, the City Academy in St. Paul became the first charter school in the U.S. to open.

More than 30 years later, the state is now home to 281 charter schools educating a total of 66,595 students, according to PublicCharters.org.

Niche.com ranked Minnesota's charter schools based on several factors, including academics, diversity, teachers, college prep, sports, and more.

Nova Classical Academy was given the top slot in Niche's rankings. Here's how it was graded:

• Academics grade — A
• Diversity grade — A minus
• Teacher grade — A+
• College Prep grade — A
• Clubs & Activities grade — C
• Administration grade — B
• Sports grade — B
• Food grade — B minus
• Resources & Facilities — C+

Find the top 10 charter schools in Minnesota, according to Niche:

1. Nova Classical Academy Upper School (St. Paul)
2. Math & Science Academy (St. Paul)
3. St. Croix Preparatory Academy Upper School (Stillwater)
4. Great River School (St. Paul)
5. SAGE Academy Charter School (Brooklyn Park)
6. Eagle Ridge Academy (Minnetonka)
7. Saint Paul Conservatory for Performing Artists (St. Paul)
8. Harbor City International School (Duluth)
9. Lakes International Language Academy - Upper School (Forest Lake)
10. Arcadia Charter School (Northfield)

See the entire ranking here.