Relocating looking for magnet and IB schools (Minneapolis, St. Paul: neighborhood, middle school)

[German-girl]

I am in the process of relocating to the greater Minneapolis area. Can anyone recommend good magnet (math and science) and/or IB (International Baccalaureate) schools? I have two boys, entering 4th and 6th grades. Depending on the school i would look for locations to live - preferably with some nature around. Thanks for any suggestions.

[uptown_urbanist]

There are multiple options around, so you'll be able to factor in other things, too - commute to work, budget, preference for neighborhood, etc. Southwest High School in Minneapolis has a great IB reputation. Whittier elementary in Minneapolis is a pre-IB magnet, but only serves up to 5th grade; the parents I know like it. I don't know if Anthony middle school is technically a pre-IB school, but they feed into SW for high school. But there are many other solid schools out there, too, including those offering IB. Not sure if Uptown/Kenwood/SW Minneapolis is what you're looking for, nature-wise, but proximity to the lakes is really nice.

If looking for more of a suburban location, I'd factor job proximity into the equation; if working in Minneapolis or a western suburb, for example, you presumably wouldn't choose to move to the eastern suburbs of St. Paul.

[ellysbelly]

There's no shortage of nature around, even within Minneapolis and St Paul themselves-- one of the many reasons that the Twin Cities is a great place to live.

If you share your budget, your needs (size of home, # of bedrooms, style/age of home, size of lot, etc), and your job location-- and your max commute (in time) that will help us help to narrow down some options for you.

[German-girl]

Thanks for the suggestions - i will look into the South West Highschool - that sounds really promising!