Banaadir Elementary is a tuition-free public charter school located at – 1800 NE 2nd Street, Minneapolis, MN 55418 -, in the Northeast Minneapolis neighborhood. It serves students in kindergarten through 5th grade (K–5).

Banaadir Elementary is part of Minnesota Transitions Charter School (MTCS), a K–12 charter school district based in Minneapolis with over 25 years of experience. The school was developed with direct input from educators, parents, and community leaders in Minnesota’s Somali and East African community. That partnership shapes the school’s culture, programs, and approach to every student — and is one of the things that makes Banaadir Elementary one of the most distinctive elementary options in the Twin Cities.

Students who complete Banaadir Elementary can continue their education at Banaadir Academy (grades 6–12), providing a connected K–12 pathway within the same community-rooted school family.

Banaadir Elementary is tuition-free and open to all Minnesota students in kindergarten through 5th grade.

A Culturally Affirming Learning Environment

Banaadir Elementary was developed with Minnesota’s Somali and East African community at the center. The school’s culture, values, and approach to learning reflect that foundation — treating students’ backgrounds, home languages, and family traditions as assets rather than obstacles. Families who have felt unseen or underserved in other school settings often find that Banaadir Elementary feels different from the moment they walk in.

A Dedicated English Language Learner Program

Banaadir Elementary offers a dedicated English Language Learner (ELL) program designed to help students develop both academic language skills and English proficiency. Rather than pulling students out of the mainstream, the ELL program is integrated into the school’s approach — supporting students so they can succeed in all subject areas while building their English skills. This is especially valuable for families where English is a second language or for students who are new to the country.

A Small, Safe, and Caring Environment

At Banaadir Elementary, students are not numbers. Small class sizes mean teachers know every child — their strengths, their challenges, and what makes them light up. The school maintains a safe, structured environment where students and families are welcomed, respected, and supported.

A Clear K–12 Pathway

Students who complete kindergarten through 5th grade at Banaadir Elementary can continue directly to Banaadir Academy for grades 6–12. This connected pathway means families don’t have to start over — the relationships, the culture, and the support system continue all the way through high school.

Academics Built Around the Whole Child

Banaadir Elementary students are guided toward becoming responsible, competent, and prepared lifelong learners — and conscientious citizens. Academics are rigorous and aligned to Minnesota state standards, while the school’s community-rooted culture ensures students feel motivated, supported, and seen.

Banaadir Elementary was developed with deep involvement from Minnesota’s Somali and East African community — one of the largest Somali communities in the United States. That community partnership shaped the school’s name, its values, its staffing approach, and its commitment to treating cultural identity as a foundation for learning rather than something to be left at the door.

The school’s motto — **academics. culture. community.** — reflects this foundation. It is also what makes Banaadir Elementary welcoming to any family looking for a school that takes culture seriously, supports multilingual learners, and builds genuine community around its students.

Enrollment is open to all Minnesota students in kindergarten through 5th grade, regardless of background.

Frequently Asked Questions About Banaadir Elementary