Important Update: 2026-27 Middle School Assignments for School of Engineering and Arts Students

Dear School of Engineering and Arts (SEA) families, 

We are writing to share an important update about middle school assignments for magnet programming students for the 2026-27 school year.

Last month, the School Board approved facility and program adjustments as part of the district’s Statutory Operating Debt (SOD) plan, including the discontinuation of middle school magnet programming at FAIR School Crystal. As a result, fifth grade SEA students will attend their boundary middle school for sixth grade.

• SEA students will be assigned to either Plymouth Middle School (PMS) or Sandburg Middle School (SMS) based on their home attendance boundary. See the new middle school attendance boundaries for the 2026-27 school year on our enrollment page.
• Students who are open-enrolled to attend SEA will be assigned to PMS. Families who prefer SMS may apply through the district’s Enrollment Options (in-district transfer) process.
• In-district transportation will be provided to students’ assigned boundary school.
• Families of current 5th grade students who want their child to attend a middle school other than their assigned school for 6th grade in 2026-27 must submit an in-district transfer application no later than the end of the day on Tuesday, Feb. 24, 2026. After this date, transfer requests will not be accepted for the first semester of the 2026-27 school year.

We recognize that this is difficult news and that changes affect students, families, and daily routines. Out of respect for our families, we want to share this information well in advance, so you have time to plan and make informed school choice decisions.

Why the district is making this change

As Rdale stabilizes financially through the district’s SOD plan, we are also redesigning learning structures to ensure students across the district experience consistent, high-quality opportunities.

Beginning next year, the district will operate two middle schools. This transition allows the district to strengthen programming and create greater consistency across the two remaining middle schools—PMS and SMS.

Rather than reducing opportunity, this approach is designed to remove access gaps and bring innovative programming to more students across the district. This work also supports strengthened and consistent programming at both middle school sites, including:

• Offering Spanish Immersion at both middle schools starting in 2026-27
• Expanding Stages Theatre programming at both sites
• Integrated curriculum and a hands-on approach to learning, aligned with district instructional priorities
• Leveraging the expertise of FAIR educators and leaders to support program expansion and instructional design
• Ensuring a guaranteed and viable experience for all students

We’re here to support you

We know this change may feel difficult or confusing, and we appreciate your time as you review your family’s options for next year. Additional communication and support will be provided as families plan for the 2026-27 school year.

For more information about enrollment options, please visit rdale.org/enroll. If you have questions or need assistance reviewing your options, please contact our Enrollment Center at 763-504-8080 or enrollment@rdale.org.

Thank you for your partnership and for being part of the SEA community.

Sincerely,

Kristen Hoheisel

Chief Financial Officer

Robbinsdale Area Schools