For many families relocating to Edina, the school district is one of the first things they research—and one of the biggest reasons they ultimately decide to buy here. Known for academic excellence, outstanding extracurricular opportunities, and strong community support, Edina Public Schools continue to be a major factor in the city's long-term appeal.
Whether you're relocating from another state or moving within the Twin Cities, understanding the school district can help you narrow your home search and better understand the communities that make Edina one of Minnesota's most desirable places to live. Many buyers begin by researching the schools, then comparing neighborhoods that best fit their lifestyle, commute, and housing preferences.
If you're beginning your search, start by exploring Edina Homes for Sale and the complete collection of Edina Neighborhood Guides to learn more about the neighborhoods served by Edina Public Schools.
WHY HOMEBUYERS CHOOSE EDINA PUBLIC SCHOOLS
For many buyers, schools play a major role in choosing where to live. Edina Public Schools have earned a longstanding reputation for academic excellence, student achievement, dedicated educators, and a community that consistently supports public education.
The district serves approximately 8,500 students from kindergarten through high school while offering a wide range of academic programs, arts education, athletics, clubs, leadership opportunities, and extracurricular activities designed to help students succeed both inside and outside the classroom.
Beyond academics, the strength of the school district contributes to the long-term desirability of Edina's neighborhoods. Buyers often consider schools alongside parks, walkability, recreation, community amenities, and neighborhood character when deciding where to purchase a home.
SCHOOLS WITHIN EDINA PUBLIC SCHOOLS
Edina Public Schools include six elementary schools, two middle schools, and one high school. While each school serves a designated attendance area, all are part of one district committed to providing a consistently high-quality educational experience. To see which neighborhoods are served throughout the district, explore our Edina Neighborhood Guides.
Elementary Schools
Students begin their educational journey at one of Edina's six elementary schools, each offering a strong academic foundation, dedicated educators, and active parent involvement:
- Cornelia Elementary School
- Concord Elementary School
- Countryside Elementary School
- Creek Valley Elementary School
- Highlands Elementary School
- Normandale Elementary School
Five schools primarily serve neighborhood attendance areas, while three districtwide Choice Programs—French Immersion at Normandale Elementary, Continuous Progress (CP) at Highlands Elementary, and Spanish Dual Language at Countryside Elementary—provide additional educational pathways for families who apply through the district's kindergarten Choice Program lottery.
Families should verify attendance boundaries, enrollment options, and Choice Program availability directly with Edina Public Schools, as assignments and program details may change over time.
Middle Schools
Students continue their education at one of two middle schools:
Both schools build on the strong academic foundation established in elementary school while offering expanded opportunities in advanced coursework, athletics, performing arts, music, technology, student leadership, clubs, and enrichment activities. As students prepare for high school, they benefit from increased independence, a broader curriculum, and opportunities to explore new interests both inside and outside the classroom.
Edina High School
Edina High School serves students in grades 9–12 and is recognized throughout Minnesota for its academic excellence, Advanced Placement coursework, outstanding fine arts programs, and wide variety of extracurricular opportunities. Students benefit from a rigorous college-preparatory curriculum, award-winning music and theater programs, leadership organizations, and numerous clubs that encourage exploration both inside and outside the classroom.
Athletics are also an important part of the Edina High School experience. The Hornets have earned more state championships than any other high school athletic program in Minnesota, building a tradition of excellence across boys' and girls' sports that spans generations. From hockey, soccer, swimming, tennis, golf, and cross country to many other athletic programs, students have opportunities to compete at a high level while developing teamwork, leadership, sportsmanship, and school pride.
Together, the school's strong academics, nationally recognized arts programs, championship athletic tradition, and active student community create a well-rounded educational experience that continues to attract families to Edina.
CHOICE PROGRAMS
In addition to its traditional neighborhood schools, Edina Public Schools offer three districtwide Choice Programs that provide families with alternative educational pathways. Rather than being assigned solely through neighborhood attendance boundaries, families may apply for these programs through the district's kindergarten Choice Program lottery. Students who are selected continue in their chosen pathway as they progress through elementary, middle, and high school.
Continuous Progress (CP) Program
The Continuous Progress (CP) Program offers an alternative instructional model that emphasizes individualized learning and allows students to progress based on demonstrated mastery rather than moving at a traditional grade-level pace. Students learn in flexible instructional groups designed to meet their academic readiness while encouraging independence and collaboration.
Families interested in the CP Program apply through the district's kindergarten Choice Program lottery. Students who are admitted continue in the CP pathway throughout their elementary and middle school years before transitioning to Edina High School.
French Immersion Program
The French Immersion Program, based at Normandale Elementary School, is another highly sought-after Choice Program. Students begin learning core academic subjects in French during elementary school while developing bilingual language skills and cultural awareness.
Like the CP Program, admission is through the district's kindergarten Choice Program lottery. Students continue their French Immersion education through middle school and have opportunities to continue French language coursework and advanced study at Edina High School.
Because enrollment procedures, lottery timelines, and program availability may change over time, families should verify current information directly with Edina Public Schools.
Spanish Dual Language Program
The Spanish Dual Language Program, based at Countryside Elementary School, is Edina's newest districtwide Choice Program. The program brings together native English speakers and native Spanish speakers in a two-way immersion environment where students become bilingual and biliterate while following the same rigorous academic curriculum as other Edina students.
Like the district's other Choice Programs, admission is through the kindergarten Choice Program lottery. Students develop proficiency in both English and Spanish while building cross-cultural understanding and preparing for continued world language opportunities in middle school and high school.
ACADEMICS, ACTIVITIES & STUDENT OPPORTUNITIES
Edina Public Schools provide students with opportunities that extend well beyond the classroom.
Students have access to Advanced Placement coursework, STEM education, performing arts, music, world language instruction, athletics, robotics, student government, clubs, leadership development, volunteer opportunities, and numerous enrichment programs that prepare students for college and future careers.
The district's emphasis on innovation, creativity, critical thinking, and lifelong learning continues to make Edina one of the Twin Cities' most sought-after communities for families.
A COMMUNITY THAT VALUES EDUCATION
One of the defining characteristics of Edina Public Schools extends well beyond academics.
Parents, volunteers, PTO organizations, local businesses, and nonprofit partners all contribute to supporting students and teachers throughout the district. Organizations such as the Edina Education Fund provide classroom grants, technology initiatives, innovative programming, and educational resources that enhance learning opportunities across the district.
This strong partnership between schools and the community reflects one of Edina's greatest strengths—a city where education remains a shared priority.
WHY THE SCHOOL DISTRICT MATTERS WHEN BUYING A HOME
School districts often influence much more than education. They can shape neighborhood demand, long-term property values, community identity, and overall quality of life.
Many buyers begin their home search by identifying neighborhoods served by Edina Public Schools before comparing home styles, lot sizes, parks, commute times, recreation, and nearby amenities. Whether you're looking for a walkable neighborhood, a larger luxury home, or convenient access to schools and parks, understanding how Edina's neighborhoods fit your family's lifestyle can make the home-buying process much easier.
For many families, exceptional schools are one of the primary reasons they choose to call Edina home, alongside its beautiful neighborhoods, parks, and strong sense of community.
As a longtime Edina resident, real estate advisor, and parent of four children who attended Edina Public Schools, Josh Sprague offers both professional expertise and firsthandinsight into the community. For nearly three decades, he has helped buyers navigate the Edina housing market while providing insight into the neighborhoods, schools, parks, and lifestyle that make Edina one of the Twin Cities' most desirable places to live. If you're considering a move to Edina and would like personalized guidance on neighborhoods, school boundaries, or finding the right home for your family, schedule a consultation with Josh.
EXPLORE MORE ABOUT EDINA
Planning a move to Edina? These additional resources can help you learn more about the local housing market, neighborhoods, and lifestyle:
- Browse Edina Homes for Sale to see current listings throughout the community.
- Explore Edina Neighborhood Guides to compare all 45 Edina neighborhoods.
- View the Edina Real Estate Market Snapshot for the latest market trends and insights.
- Discover the Country Club Neighborhood and its historic homes and walkable streets.
- Learn about Minnehaha Woods, one of Edina's most charming neighborhoods.
- Explore Parkwood Knolls, known for its large lots and luxury homes.
Together, these resources provide a deeper understanding of Edina's neighborhoods, market trends, schools, and lifestyle while helping buyers find the community that best fits their goals.
