Minneapolis Schools (Waite Park, Northrop: 2010, house, neighborhood)

[ajo]

We are in the process of looking to buy a house in Minneapolis (not definite yet). We have 2 school aged kids, and I was reading the MPS website today and saw that there is potential for redistricting/closing schools. Just wondered if anyone had any knowledge about which schools will be closed. We really would NOT want to make an effort to get our kids into a school only to have it close one year later. We are most interested in NE Mpls at this time.

Also, any insights into Waite Park versus Pratt, and options other than Northeast Middle School? We would prefer to stay public as our finances are limited as of now.

[mplsmom]

Not sure if you're still interested, it's been a while since you posted your question. Both Waite Park and Pratt are great schools. Unfortunately, Pratt is on the list for closing in the fall of 2010. The families are rallying and they have a good story to tell, they may very well be successful in convincing the board to keep it open. The best way to get a feeling for it is to tour the schools, not always an option but good if you can.

Northeast Middle School was not a great place for a number of years but it has made really good progress in the last 5-10 years. Lots more Northeast families are sending their kids there and I've been hearing tons of good stuff about it (my kids are too young yet). Don't write it off too soon, especially if the information you're getting is based on older experiences or perceptions, it has pretty strong families and programs (it's an IB school). Definitely not perfect but middle school is messed up age no matter where kids are.

[Slig]

Minneapolis District Proposes Closing 4 Schools - wcco.com

The schools that were proposed to close are Pratt Community School, Longfellow Community School, Northrop Urban Environmental School and Folwell Middle School.

[uptown_urbanist]

There are some current magnet programs that will possibly be closed, too - the schools themselves will remain open, but will possibly convert to neighborhood schools.

The current plan, reported by MPR:

Split city into three zones, with a community school and 3-5 magnets in each. End open areas
Reduce magnet schools from 16-11 (Cityview Performing Arts; Kenwood Performing Arts; Northrop Urban Environmental; Park View Montessori; Pilsbury M/S/T all revert to regular community schools)
Close Pratt, Longfellow, and Northrop Schools
Move Northrop program to Folwell Middle School
Close Brown Institute Building, move Anishinabe Academy to Sullivan School
Consider building additions at Hiawatha and Lake Nokomis Keewaydin
Only provide busing for students attending schools in their home area (does not apply to ELL, special education students, Hmong Academy, or Anishnabe Academy)
To read the entire plan, click here

[Kebinminn]

I know nothing of Pratt but a good friends daughter goes to Waite Park and she's thrilled with it.

[Aylalou]

Depends on the school. One never knows with budget cuts which school will close.

[kuan]

Originally Posted by Aylalou

Depends on the school. One never knows with budget cuts which school will close.

Normally the ones that they're talking about closing will be the ones they close. Yeah, you can attend the board meetings, try to reason with them until you're hoarse, they will nod and say "yeah yeah, we understand" but then those schools will close anyway.