Events

We host events that connect, teach, and expand our network of people passionate about providing excellent and equitable education for all Minneapolis students.

Upcoming Events

The Spark: 10 Years of Igniting Opportunity for Minneapolis Students

Thursday, September 24th, 2026
5:30-8:30pm

Education is what ignites a life — and a city. For ten years, Great MN Schools has worked to ensure every student in Minneapolis has access to a great school that prepares them to thrive in their lives, careers and community. The Spark is a celebration of our journey, progress, and impact.

This is an evening that reflects the full arc of our story: celebrating how far we’ve come, clear-eyed about how far we have yet to go, and energized by the relationships in the room that make the difference.

We hope you’ll be a part of it.​​

Buy Your Ticket

Past Events

MN Literacy Day

Tuesday, April 21st, 2026
9:30-11:00am

Every child deserves to learn to read, and you can help make that happen. Join families, students, educators, and advocates at the Minnesota State Capitol to stand up for strong implementation of the READ Act.

This is your chance to see democracy in action, make your voice heard, and show lawmakers that literacy is a priority for Minnesota kids.

Learn More

2026 School Finder Fair

Saturday, January 10
10am-12pm

Your student has a bright future. A great school makes it possible. Find that school that meets your child’s individual needs. Join us on January 11th at the Minneapolis School Finder Fair!

Explore the Minneapolis School Finder
2025 Annual Meeting: Supporting Schools Inside & Out

October 22
8:30-10:30

At this year’s Annual Meeting, we heard from Doug McCurry, founder of Achievement First, one of the highest-performing charter networks in the country, who knows firsthand that school and student success isn’t magic. Instead it is the consistent execution of proven practices. Practices that Great MN Schools’ school improvement approach was built on. 

If you missed it, read our CEO Jen Stern’s recap to understand what it will take to support student success in every Minneapolis classroom.

2024 Annual Meeting Igniting Change: 5 Years of Good to Great

December 5
4:30-6:30

Join us for an evening of celebration and reflection as we commemorate five impactful years of the ‘Good to Great’ strategy, a transformative journey that has helped schools and students thrive across Minneapolis.

Summer Gathering

Wednesday, June 26, 2024
5-7pm

Join us for a casual celebration of all the families, educators, and community advocates who make sure all of our students are getting the education they deserve!

Come together to feel the collective power of all the incredibly important work you are doing for kids and families in Minneapolis.

Share successes from the past year and hopes for the next. Connect with old friends and make new ones.

Hope to see you there!

MN Literacy Day

Wednesday, April 17th, 2024
9:45-11:00am

We look forward to gathering at the Minnesota State Capitol Rotunda and having our voices heard to support strong implementation of The READ Act!

Lets work together towards closing the achievement gap and providing all students with an equitable education.

Learn More

Minneapolis School Finder Fair

Finding the right school for your child is one of the first and most critical decisions families can make during their K-12 education journey. Great MN Schools has long sought to make the school choice process more informed through our Minneapolis School Finder guide. In 2023, we enhanced the process by hosting the first in person Minneapolis School Finder Fair.

At the event, district, charter, and independent schools from across the city came together to support families. Attendees have the chance to meet representatives from each school, ask questions, and get a feel for the school.

Explore the Minneapolis School Finder

Turning the Page on the Reading Wars

Date: November 2, 8:30-10:30am
Location: The Machine Shop

Join Great MN Schools and the Minnesota Literacy Coalition this November for a conversation with Emily Hanford and Kareem Weaver, two leaders who have changed the national conversation on literacy. Please join us as they sit together and share their unique approaches to this important opportunity to ensure every child in our nation gets the instruction and support needed to learn to read.

Watch the Recording

School Leader Open House

Date: September 27, 4:30-6:30pm
Location: The Lynhall

Please join us to celebrate the start of the school year together, learn about what Great MN Schools has in store for schools this year, and connect with other leaders working hard everyday for students in our city.

All school leaders are welcome – principals, talent leads, culture leads, etc!

Minnesota Literacy Coalition Convening

Date: October 5, 9:00-11:00am
Location: Urban Research and Outreach-Engagement Center

  • Reconnect with like-minded coalition members who are passionate about literacy
  • Hear updates and progress from Action Teams 
  • Learn more about the passing of The Read Act
  • Help shape what’s next for the Minnesota Literacy Coalition
Learn more