District 196 at a Glance

Independent School District 196 is a state and nationally recognized E-12 public school district located in the south suburban Twin Cities, conveniently accessible to both Minneapolis and St. Paul.

Also known as the Rosemount-Apple Valley-Eagan School District, District 196 serves approximately 28,000 students in early childhood programs through 12th grade and is Minnesota's fourth largest school district. The 110 square mile district boundary includes all or part of seven cities - Rosemount, Apple Valley, Eagan, Burnsville, Coates, Inver Grove Heights and Lakeville - and rural Empire and Vermillion townships.

District 196 has 18 elementary schools (grades K-5), including three elementary magnet schools that focus on arts and science, international studies, and STEM (science, technology, engineering and math); six middle schools (grades 6-8); four high schools (grades 9-12); an optional School of Environmental Studies at the Minnesota Zoo for juniors and seniors; an Area Learning Center alternative high school for those more successful in a non-traditional setting; a K-12 special education school for students with emotional and behavioral disabilities (Dakota Ridge), and a special education school serving young adults ages 18-21 (Transition Plus and Pathway). (School attendance area maps and address search)

Schools use varied instructional models, but a rigorous program-evaluation process provides a comprehensive curriculum and essentially the same basic learning opportunities districtwide. Each school has programs for special education, students at risk and gifted students. Each school has at least one computer lab, email and Internet access, and a computer in almost every classroom.

Elementary schools are organized traditionally, teaching methods are traditional and texts are adopted districtwide. Middle schools have an eight-period day and an academic house structure. High schools offer 24 AP courses, many electives and a variety of opportunities to participate in athletics and fine and performing arts.

District 196 has high academic standards and expectations, and a record of outstanding student achievement in and out of the classroom. The district has a comprehensive curriculum, outstanding teachers, supportive communities and a high level of parent involvement. District 196 has six National Blue Ribbon Schools of Excellence as named by the U.S. Department of Education and numerous state and nationally recognized programs in academics, the arts and athletics.

For 15 consecutive years, District 196 has been recognized among the nation's top school districts as having the qualities parents want most (What Parents Want Award) and for the past two years District 196 has been named a Gold Medal School District in Expansion Management Magazine’s annual Education Quotient report.

Our Mission
Educating our students to reach their full potential.

Our Beliefs

• Set and maintain high academic standards
• Meet the needs of all learners
• Prepare students to be contributing members of a diverse society
• Promote lifelong learning
• Provide a safe, respectful, positive learning environment
• Work in partnership with families and the community
• Manage our resources

District Demographics

• Total population – 150,298
• Total households – 53,523
• 40.68% of households have preschool and/or school-aged children
• 26.01% of residents are under age 18

Student Demographics

• Students of Color – District 196, 23.29%; Minnesota, 24.34%
• Free or reduced-price meals – District 196, 15.57%; Minnesota, 32.73%
• English Language Learners – District 196, 4.75%; Minnesota, 7.63%

For information on enrolling your child in a District 196 school, click here.