In 1988, it was the first state to enact statewide open enrollment for all students.
All districts are open to any student in the state as long as space is available.
The High School Graduation Incentives Program allows these students to attend either a public school or one of several private schools operating under contract with the school districts. Because state revenues follow students, families can select schools designed to deal with their children's specific problems. In 1991, Minnesota broke new ground by passing the Charter Schools Act, which permits teachers to create and operate new public schools. Supporters of school choice in Minnesota see this type of institution bridging the gap between public and private schools. The original legislation provided for only eight charter schools, but the legislature has voted to expand its charter school law, making it easier for schools to obtain charter status and removing any cap on the number allowed.