2014-2015 Statewide Census of Private Education (SCOPE)
The Minnesota Independent School Forum (MINNDEPENDENT) contracted with Wilder Research to conduct a study of private K-12 education in Minnesota, referred to as the Statewide Census of Private Education (SCOPE). The Minnesota Independent School Forum conducted prior SCOPE surveys in 2000, 2002, 2003, and 2012.
The purpose of the study is to provide a comprehensive statewide portrait of private K-12 schools to increase understanding of the reach and impact of private education in Minnesota. It also provides information about changes since the prior study in 2012 (covering the 2010-11 academic year) as well as comparisons with Minnesota public schools. The study was developed for use by funders, educators, advocacy organizations, and others interested in the education of children in Minnesota.
As a part of 2014-15 SCOPE study, Wilder Research conducted a comprehensive statewide survey of private schools, which is supplemented by data from the Minnesota Department of Education. The survey was conducted during April and May of 2016 and gathered data on the 2014-15 school year. Topics include school characteristics and programs, enrollment, student characteristics, high school graduation requirements and graduation rates, school staffing, and school finances, as well as schools’ perceptions of a few relevant policy items.
MINNDEPENDENT and Wilder Research offer sincere thanks to the schools who completed the survey.