About

Our Story

Minnesota Kids Rise is a statewide initiative that builds trust and pride in public schools by sharing real stories, local context, and clear information about how students and communities grow and succeed.

We recognize that people hear mixed messages about public schools, so we provide a balanced, nonpartisan view that highlights what is working, where improvement is happening, and what it means for students.

Led by a coalition of education organizations with the support of private businesses, non-profits, and Minnesotans, this effort brings together trusted voices and accessible data so Minnesotans can evaluate their schools with confidence.

At its core, this work is grounded in a simple belief: when students are supported and schools are strong, communities thrive.

Our Values

  • We are grounded in community
    We recognize the power of community and the role public schools play in communities across our state. We focus on what matters most to students and the people who support them every day.
  • We keep students at the center
    Every story, data point, and conversation comes back to two central questions. Do we believe that each Minnesota kid deserves access to a quality public education? How can we work together as a state to help Minnesota kids rise?
  • We focus both on what is working and
also on what is improving
    We highlight progress while recognizing areas where work continues. Both are part of the full picture.
  • We lead with trust and transparency
    We provide clear, factual information and acknowledge both strengths and challenges. We aim to build understanding, not confusion.
  • We bring people together
    We believe strong public schools connect communities. We are fully non-partisan and use a shared purpose to build understanding across perspectives. We believe a quality public education and educated graduates is central to the future success of Minnesota.

How This Work is Funded

Minnesota Kids Rise is a non-profit organization supported through a combination of organizational support and financial contributions from education and community organizations, private businesses, non-profits, and private citizens across Minnesota. This work is designed to serve the public by providing clear, accessible information about Minnesota’s public schools. It is not funded to promote a specific district, policy position, or political perspective.

Our goal is to ensure Minnesotans have access to trustworthy, balanced information so they can make informed decisions and feel confident in their understanding of public education.
We are committed to transparency in how this work is supported and carried out.

Partners + Contributors

Minnesota Kids Rise is made possible through collaboration with organizations that are deeply connected to Minnesota’s schools and communities.

These partners bring expertise, local perspective, and a shared commitment to supporting students across the state. Together, they help ensure that this work reflects real experiences, real communities, and real outcomes.

Learn More

Looking for tools, information, or ways to share this work?

Minnesota Kids Rise offers resources designed to help community leaders, educators, and advocates share clear, credible information about public schools.

Explore materials that are easy to use, locally relevant, and built to support conversations in your community.

Explore Public Resources