Learning Without Limits: Education Opportunities in Carver County

Families in Carver County are backed by robust and extensive educational and community support systems that enable residents to pursue their passions, learn about the world, and confidently enter the workforce. Educational opportunity creates community, leading the decision to ‘Choose Carver County’ an exceptional decision for all.  

Reputable Student and Adult Learning

Last year, Minnesota celebrated its highest graduation rate on record, and Carver County’s five high-performing school districts helped spur the state to this momentous achievement.

In classrooms throughout the county, students can access multiple offerings in modern learning environments that foster early interest in science, technology, engineering, arts, and mathematics. Perhaps most emblematic is the Central Public Schools’ recently renovated STEAM room, where early learners get hands-on learning experiences in these core subjects.

Districts prioritize Early Childhood Family Education, creating settings for developing minds to build social, emotional, physical, and pre-academic skills. Watertown Mayer Public School District further provides a nationally accredited and star-rated childcare program through Kids’ Company.

Each school district also offers plenty of opportunities for aspiring students to earn college credit, which can help them prepare for postsecondary education and give them the confidence and skills they need to tackle a college course load. 

Interest is fostered not only in postsecondary education but also in career development and technical education. Interactive learning in subjects such as automotive technology, construction technology, information technology, and more molds students into capable and competent community members ready to join the workforce in these essential industries. 

Adults can also continue learning! Southwest Metro and other districts support GED preparation, learning English as a second language, and family literacy. Waconia Public Schools and Eastern Carver County also offer adult enrichment programs, such as courses in first aid training, nutrition and fitness, and future financial planning.

For these reasons and more, it’s no wonder Niche ranked several Carver County school districts among the Top 40 in Minnesota. If none of these options are the right fit for your family, a variety of private school institutions are also available.

Easy Commute to College

Nearly 20 colleges and universities dot the Twin Cities metro area, and Carver County offers easy accessibility to continue postsecondary education. Minnesota Twin Cities and other prestigious public and private institutions are less than an hour away – just a clear and direct drive along 212. And for students living on campus, it’s far enough away for them to feel independent but not too far for the all-important laundry day, the necessary weekend study break, or simply just going home for the holidays. 

Additional Support

Carver County is also dedicated to extending a helping hand outside the classroom. The Carver County Resource Guide is an exhaustive directory of health resources provided in the county, including those providers who accept Medical Assistance and offer sliding fees to those under- or uninsured. A number of options related to dental care, medical care, parental assistance, mental health services, and more exist, with the information to quickly contact a preferred provider.

A Better Society (ABS) is a local nonprofit organization supporting collaborative community initiatives across the county. In the last decade, ABS has distributed more than 7,000 bikes to kids and adults in the Twin Cities region and overseas, collected and distributed large volumes of supplies to local school districts, and supported a sustainable Carver County. ABS continues to work with social entrepreneurs to make the community a better place.

It’s always exciting to learn in Carver County! To learn even more about the educational opportunities in the area, visit the Choose Carver County Education page.