Skip To Main Content

Explore your enrollment options

Young student pointing at a projected screen while giving a presentation in class

Most students attend the school assigned to their home address, but Anoka-Hennepin Schools offers several enrollment options that provide flexibility for families — both inside and outside the district.

Not sure which one applies to your situation? We’re here to help. Learn more below or contact Application and Connection Services (ACS)  for support.

Phone: 763-506-1030 
Email enrollmentoptions@ahschools.us.

Option 1: Open enrollment (out-of-district)

Open enrollment (out-of-district)

Most Anoka-Hennepin schools are available to students from outside the district through Minnesota's open enrollment program.

  • The application period is Dec. 1 through Jan. 15 each year, but Anoka-Hennepin accepts open enrollment applications year-round.
  • The district will continue to accept applications after the deadline and review them within 90 days per state statute.
  • Students applying for the current school year may be enrolled once their application has been reviewed, based on space availability and starting with the new trimester.
  • Open enrollment approval guarantees a space in the Anoka-Hennepin School District through graduation.
  • Open enrollment is a commitment to another school district, not necessarily the choice of school in that district. If space is not available in the chosen school, the district will offer another school within the district.

Open enrollment application

Applications for open enrollment are accepted year-round and may be submitted by mail, email, or fax:

Option 2: In-district transfer

In-district transfer (change assigned school)

An in-district transfer is for a student who resides in the Anoka-Hennepin School District and wants to transfer to a different Anoka-Hennepin school from their regularly assigned school. For example, if a Blaine High School student wants to attend Coon Rapids High School, the parent or guardian must request an in-district transfer.

Request a transfer

Applications are accepted from Dec. 1 to mid-June for the next school year.

The process ends after the third and final lottery round. We do not accept applications after this date.

If you apply by Jan. 15 for the first-round priority lottery, you will get your enrollment decision by early February.

Option 3: Specialty schools and magnet programs

Anoka-Hennepin offers several specialty and magnet programs with unique academic themes or instructional models, including:

  • Science, Technology, Engineering and Math (STEM)
  • Arts integration and performance
  • International Baccalaureate (IB) programming
  • College of Engineering, Math and Science (CEMS)
  • Biomedical Science and Engineering

Admission may involve a separate application or lottery. Visit your school’s website or contact us for more information.

Option 4: Online courses for high school students

Students in grades 9–12 can take online courses through their high school. All classes meet state and district graduation requirements, and students can still graduate from their traditional high school.

  • Free of charge, flexible scheduling.
  • Offered by licensed Anoka-Hennepin teachers.
  • Computers available for all students who need.
  • Students remain part of the district community.

How to enroll: Students should connect with their high school counselor to apply for and enroll in online classes.

Need help? Staff at the Anoka-Hennepin Secondary Technical Education Program (STEP) can provide support. Call 763-433-4040 with questions.

Option 5: Alternative high school and support programs

Students who need a different environment or extra support may benefit from one of our alternative programs, including:

  • Sandburg Regional High School: Alternative high school setting serving students in tenth-twelfth grade who are credit deficient. Staff specialize in credit recovery with a rigorous diploma program. In order to maintain small class sizes, this program serves a maximum of 300 students.
     
  • Anoka-Hennepin Technical High School: Provides support for students in an alternative high school setting for students past their graduation year who are interested in completing credits to receive their high school diploma. The program is located at Anoka Technical College.
     
  • Compass: This is an Anoka-Hennepin program designed to help meet the unique learning and behavior needs of students from across our district. The goals of the programs are to facilitate students’ academic progress, to provide support and guidance, and to increase students’ social-emotional skills to help set them up for success. Anoka-Henepin Compass Programs provides specialized support for students in grades 6-12, addressing their unique learning and behavioral needs. Our core mission is to facilitate academic progress, offer comprehensive guidance, and enhance character development skills, ultimately preparing students for success. 

Still not sure which option applies?

Contact us or visit our FAQs to learn more about eligibility, deadlines, and placement decisions.

enrollmentoptions@ahschools.us
763-506-HELP (4357)