This information was produced by the staff of the Belin-Blank International Center for Gifted Education and Talent Development (B-BC) at the University of Iowa (belinblank.org). The resources and information listed here are for informational purposes; there is no direct or implied endorsement by the B-BC. Services provided by the B-BC include programs for academically talented K-12 and college students, professional development for teachers, the Assessment and Counseling Clinic, the Acceleration Institute (accelerationinstitute.org), and graduate programs and research in gifted education.

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State Policies in Minnesota  

Minnesota does have a state acceleration policy.

Minnesota Statute Gifted and Talented states that school districts are required to adopt procedures for acceleration that are in accordance with the student’s motivation and ability level.

Grade-based Acceleration

Early entrance to kindergarten

State policy specifically permits early entrance to kindergarten. In general, students must be 5 years old on or before September 1.

Minnesota Statute 124D.02 gives local school boards the authority to establish an early admission policy for students younger than five to enroll in kindergarten. The policy must describe the evaluation process, and must be made available to parents in an accessible manner,

Early entrance to 1st grade

State policy specifically permits early entrance to 1st grade. In general, students must be 6 years old on or before September 1.

Minnesota Statute 120A.20(1)(b) gives local school boards the authority to establish a policy for early admission of selected pupils.

Whole-grade accelerationMinnesota Statute 120B.15 requires districts to adopt procedures for acceleration. While districts retain authority in using acceleration practices, the policy requirement could make districts more knowledgeable about acceleration practices and more receptive to using them.
Early high school graduationMinnesota has certain Graduation Requirements but Minnesota Statute 120B.07 states that if a student has met all the requirements, and has the approval of school officials and his/her parent or guardian, he or she can be permitted to graduate early.
Early entrance to collegeIf you know where to find this information, please e-mail us.

Content-based Acceleration

Dual or concurrent enrollment in community college, college, or universityState policy specifically permits dual enrollment in high school and college. State policy also allows students to receive high school credit for college courses. More information is available on the Minnesota Department of Education Early/Middle College Programsand Concurrent Enrollment pages.
Middle school students permitted dual or concurrent enrollment in high school

State policy specifically permits dual enrollment in middle and high school, and allows students to receive high school credit for courses taken in middle school.
Advanced Placement®State policy permits. More information is available on the Minnesota Department of Education Advanced Placement page, and the IB Programs
Talent Search

There is no in-state Talent Search for Minnesota, but gifted students in MN can participate in regional and national talent searches, including those offered by the University of Iowa Belin-Blank Center and the Northwestern University Center for Talent Development.

Credit by examination/proficiency-based promotion

State policy specifically permits proficiency-based promotion, and allows students to receive graduation credit for proficiency. Each LEA is responsible for determining methods of demonstrating proficiency and advancement options after proficiency, but offers recommendations for both.
Other forms of content-based acceleration

Typically left to LEAs to determine. If you know of state-level code, please e-mail us.

Additional Information

MDE Gifted

Minnesota Department of Education
Minnesota Council for the Gifted & Talented
Minnesota Educators of Gifted and Talented



The information presented on this page was compiled from a variety of resources, including the State of the States in Gifted Education 2020-2021 (a report by the Council of State Directors of Programs for the Gifted and the National Association for Gifted Children), Websites, professional literature, and personal communication. The Acceleration Institute has not verified the accuracy of this information and does not warrant its accuracy or fitness of use for any purpose. Users should verify information prior to taking any action. Furthermore, the appearance of selected programs and/or resources does not imply an endorsement or affiliation. Programs and resources are highlighted for informational purposes only.