Where Mentorship, Momentum, and Meaningful Work Propel Student Futures

At Minnetonka Public Schools in Minnesota, future readiness isn’t a buzzword; it’s a blueprint. Through nationally recognized innovation and deep community partnerships, Minnetonka has built a districtwide culture of excellence, relevance, and real-world learning. From immersive dual enrollment programs to personalized mentorships in high-demand fields, its high school students graduate equipped with the academic, professional, and navigational skills needed to thrive in college, career, and life.

Minnetonka Public Schools serves approximately 11,400 students and is home to Minnetonka High School (MHS), a public high school enrolling more than 3,600 students in grades 9–12. The high school boasts more than 1,900 AP test takers annually, with 88% scoring a 3 or higher. MHS has a graduation rate of 99%, far exceeding state and national averages. Roughly 87% of graduates are college-bound, a testament to their preparedness and postsecondary confidence.

Minnetonka Public Schools attracts more than 4,400 open-enrolled students annually; families choose the district because of its exceptional academic programming, innovation, and student support. The district is also home to one of Minnesota’s largest Language Immersion programs, with nearly half of its students enrolled in either Spanish Language Immersion or Mandarin Chinese Language Immersion.

Pillar 1: College and Career Advising and Navigation
Every Student, a Personalized Path

Minnetonka’s commitment to individualized pathways is evident through its robust advising systems and specialized signature programs. VANTAGE, the district’s hallmark experiential learning model, empowers sophomores, juniors, and seniors at Minnetonka High School to explore professional industries through rigorous interdisciplinary coursework, company-sponsored projects, and real-world coaching.

Every VANTAGE student, approximately 700 in total, is paired with a 1:1 professional mentor who meets with the student monthly throughout the academic year. The mentors serve as trusted advisors, coaching students on professionalism, project work, and future planning. The VANTAGE program includes 11 different strands, ranging from Public Policy, Global Business, Health Sciences, to Design + Marketing. With experiences such as project competitions, site visits, and expert guest instruction woven into the curriculum, students aren’t just preparing for the real world; they’re already living in it. More than 95% of VANTAGE alumni say the program helped to build their confidence for the future. Students outside of VANTAGE also benefit from a comprehensive college and career counseling program, which includes job shadows, resume workshops, and direct connections to industry and postsecondary partners.

Pillar 2: Dual Enrollment
Maximizing Opportunity Through College Credit Access

Minnetonka High School offers one of the most extensive and diverse dual enrollment portfolios in the state. Students have access to:

  • 29 AP courses with an 88% pass rate
  • 32 IB courses, including both the full Diploma Programme and IB Bilingual Diploma
  • College in the Schools (CIS/CITS) partnerships with the University of Minnesota Twin Cities and Duluth, taught on-site by MHS faculty
  • Postsecondary Enrollment Options (PSEO) for off-campus college coursework
  • Project Lead the Way (PLTW) engineering programs, offering dual credit with institutions across Minnesota
  • Concurrent Enrollment options delivered in collaboration with partner colleges

All told, Minnetonka students may graduate with a robust transcript that includes transferable credits and career-aligned exposure, reducing the time and cost of a degree while expanding future options.

Pillar 3: Work-Based Learning
From the Classroom to the Industry Floor

Minnetonka’s MOMENTUM program represents the district’s next generation of skilled trades and design education. With pathways in architecture, manufacturing, construction, engineering, and transportation (including aviation), MOMENTUM allows students to gain hands-on experience, explore industry certifications, and connect with trade professionals.

One of the newest opportunities is the Aviation Pathway, where students learn to fly using cutting-edge simulators and drone technologies. In partnership with Aloft Aviation, students even take part in Discovery Flights, piloting real aircraft alongside certified instructors. With a projected global need for 804,000 pilots by 2036, Minnetonka is helping students launch high-flying careers.

Students who complete advanced coursework in MOMENTUM become eligible for a Senior Capstone experience, often taking place off-site with local business partners. These work-based learning experiences not only strengthen student résumés but also accelerate job placement and apprenticeship opportunities. The district’s Trades Advisory Board, a network of local employers, helps shape curriculum, advises on hiring trends, and creates bridges between the classroom and the workforce.

Pillar 4: Industry-Recognized Credentials
Certifying Skills, Expanding Futures

MHS students in both VANTAGE and MOMENTUM programs may pursue industry-recognized credentials in areas such as drone operation, CAD, welding, manufacturing, and medical technology. Whether students choose to enter the workforce directly or pursue a two-or four-year degree, these credentials boost employability and serve as springboards to advancement. In fields such as aviation and the skilled trades, Minnetonka has created clear on-ramps to further training and employment. Employer-sponsored training programs, certification pipelines, and articulation agreements ensure students gain more than knowledge; they gain leverage.

Minnetonka Public Schools has created a future ready ecosystem where innovation meets intentionality. From 1:1 mentorship and interdisciplinary project work to dual enrollment, trade certifications, and global readiness, the district ensures each student has access to relevant and personalized pathways.

Their commitment to equity is evident in their outreach beyond district boundaries, their strategic advisory boards, and their deeply embedded student support systems. With over 3,500 students navigating these unique experiential learning opportunities in VANTAGE, dual enrollment, and MOMENTUM each year, and thousands of students choosing to open-enroll, Minnetonka proves what’s possible when systems are built around students instead of traditional structures.

Whether launching into aerospace, applying to a university, or stepping directly into skilled careers, Minnetonka graduates aren’t just ready for the future; they’re already shaping it.