Enrollment & Lottery Policy

Open Enrollment

Higher Ground Academy is a tuition-free public charter school open to all Minnesota families. Admission is not based on entrance exams, prior academic record, athletic ability, or place of residence. There are no application fees.

When Applications Exceed Seats

If applications exceed available seats, a fair lottery is conducted in accordance with Minnesota charter school law. Siblings of current students receive enrollment priority.

Lottery Process

The lottery is conducted publicly and families are welcome to attend. Applications received by the published deadline are entered into the lottery for the grade level requested. Applications received after the deadline are added to the waiting list in the order received.

Enrollment Preferences

Minnesota charter school law permits a limited set of enrollment preferences. Higher Ground Academy applies the following, in this order:

1. Siblings of currently enrolled students
2. Children of school employees, as permitted by statute
3. All other applicants, by lottery

Waiting List

Applicants not offered a seat through the lottery are placed on a waiting list in lottery order. Families are contacted as seats become available. Waiting lists do not carry over between school years — families must reapply each year.

Notification and Acceptance

Families are notified of lottery results in writing. Accepted families must confirm enrollment and submit required documents by the stated deadline to secure the seat. Seats not confirmed by the deadline may be offered to the next family on the waiting list.

Nondiscrimination

Higher Ground Academy does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, sex, disability, age, religion, or any other protected status in its programs, activities, or employment practices.