Schools & Education
Mission Support Group
168 Missile Avenue
Minot AFB, ND 58705
Phone 701-723-1447
Phone (DSN) 312-453-1447
Mon - Fri 7:30 a.m. - 4:30 p.m.
Sat and Sun - closed
The Minot AFB School Liaison Officer (SLO) and Family Readiness staff can assist with issues related to the educational needs of those relocating to or from this area. The SLO improves transitional support for school children of Minot AFB personnel by advocating for military children, increasing awareness of the unique needs of military children, establishing partnerships between the base and local schools, and providing a process to address and resolve military-specific education issues (i.e. registration, graduation, and immunization requirements, etc.). Education in our community is a top priority.
There are no DoD schools at Minot AFB. The Minot Public School system operates the public schools that the base children will be attending. The Minot Public School District has 11 elementary schools located in Minot and two on base. There are two middle schools in Minot and one on base. There is one high school on two campuses: Central Campus (for grades 9 and 10) and Minot High School (for grades 11 and 12). Minot Public Schools also offers an Adult Learning Center, Head Start program and an alternative school. Other school districts within a short 10-30 mile commute from Minot AFB are Glenburn, Sawyer, Des Lacs/Burlington and Surrey.
Busing
Base children are bused 13 miles to Minot to attend Central campus, Magic City campus, and the two altenative schools Central Plus and Souris River throughout the academic year. Base children are bused to Dakota, North Plains, and Memorial during the winter months. The buses run from November through March. Exact dates are always posted ahead of time.
Busing is provided for Preschool, Head Start, and special needs.
For families living in Minot the only bus service is for Preschool, special needs, and shuttles between Central and Magic City campuses. The city bus provides transportation at designated stops throughout the city. Route maps, rates and other general information can be found online. Monthly passes can be purchased for a student rate.
Private Schools
Bishop Ryan Catholic School is a K-12 and Our Redeemer's is a K-12 Christian school.
Homeschooling
Parents may also select to participate in Home Schooling. Ask your SLO for the North Dakota requirements.
School Year
All Public Schools have a 9 month school year. The school year begins before Labor Day and ends around Memorial Day.
Age Requirements
Age requirements for North Dakota Public Schools by State Law. If a child has not attended school before, parents must bring a birth certificate, or other proof of age, and shot records to the school at registration time.
- Kindergarten: Child must be 5 years old by 1 August of the school year.
- First Grade: Child must be 6 years old by 1 August of the school year.
School Statistics
Enrollment for the district averages 6,600 students and has a 14:1 student teacher ratio. The graduation rates for the public and private schools are 90% and 100% respectively, far above the national rate of 71%. Between 70 - 85% of public school graduates continue their education and 90% of those that graduate from the private Bishop Ryan High School continue on. There is one computer for every two students in the Minot school system. The Minot Public School District consistently scores above the state and national averages in the North Dakota Assessment and the American College Test (ACT).
Adult Education
The focal point for all education programs at Minot AFB is the Base Training and Education Services Center (BTES). Professional guidance counselors are available on a walk in basis, Monday through Friday, 1000-1500. Complete testing facilities are available, to include CLEP, DANTES, ACT/PEP, GRE, SAT/ACT, and some specialized tests. Information pertaining to financial aid is available to all personnel, and tuition assistance is authorized for active duty personnel. Out-of-state tuition exemption applies for all military personnel and their families.
Homes Near Base
