FAQs

1. How can I apply?

Our enrollment process is simple: fill out the application on our website, and if there are spaces available, your child is admitted! Visit our Enrollment page for more details about this year's deadlines and to fill out the form. Once your application has been processed, you will be given the full enrollment packet. 

If we receive more applicants than we have room for, we will enter all applicants into a random lottery. More details on the lottery process can be found here!

2. Is Irrawaddy Academy a public school?

Yes! Irrawaddy Academy is a public school in St.Paul, Minnesota. Families do not pay tuition and enrollment is based on available space in each grade, not on test scores or application materials.

3. Is Irrawaddy Academy free?

Yes! Irrawaddy Academy is a free, public charter school. We are called a "charter" school because a group of people (our Board) came together and decided that they wanted to create a new school, and the agreement with the Minnesota Department of Education to provide excellent education to all is called a charter. 

4. Is Irrawaddy only for particular ethnic groups?

No! We are open to all students of every race, ethnicity, gender, and ability. We do not discriminate, and our enrollment is based on available space, not on any other factor. 

5. Is Irrawaddy open to children with special needs?

Absolutely! We ensure that all students with Individualized Education Plans (IEPs) receive the services they need, and we have a process in place for identifying students with special needs and developing IEPs according to Minnesota law. Students with special needs are welcome at Irrawaddy Academy. 

6. What happens after my child finishes 4th grade?

Irrawaddy Academy will be adding at least one grade level each year, so next year we will have grades kindergarten through fifth grade, and the year after that we will add sixth grade, and so on! Students who complete fourth grade in 2025-26 will move on to Irrawaddy's fifth grade in 2026-27!

7. When will Irrawaddy open?

Irrawaddy Academy will open in Fall 2025! 

Applications open on February, 2025 and families will receive the full enrollment packet in March. 

8. Will Irrawaddy provide free and reduced-price lunches?

Yes! Our food service works the same as other public schools in Minnesota. We will have breakfast and lunch available every day, and students who are eligible for free and reduced-price meals will receive breakfast and lunch for free or at the same reduced price as other public schools in Minnesota. 

9. Will Irrawaddy provide free buses?

Yes! Students who live 1 mile or more away from Irrawaddy Academy will be able to take a bus at no cost to their family.