Minnesota private schools send 92 percent of their graduates to higher education or military service within a year of graduation. Anticipating a common criticism, the authors analyzed whether the success of Minnesota private schools was attributable to student admission policies more selective than those employed by public schools. They found that 98 percent of private schools do not use an entrance exam to limit access. By contrast, public schools in the state often use some form of entrance examination to assist in the academic placement of new students. Statewide, minority students represent nearly the same portion of the student population in private schools as in the state's public schools.
Tuition costs at Minnesota private schools are modest, according to the analysis.
Operating costs of private schools in Minnesota were found to be significantly lower than public school operating costs. Minnesota's private schools also save taxpayers money, note the authors. School Reform News School Reform News is a project of The Heartland Institute .