Overview

Since 1989, the Minnesota Student Survey (MSS) has been administered every three years to students across Minnesota. All types of school districts are invited to participate, including regular public school districts, charter schools, tribal schools, nonpublic schools, alternative learning centers and juvenile correctional facilities. From 1989 through 2010, students in grades six, nine and 12 participated in the survey. In 2013, the grade levels changed to grades five, eight, nine and 11.

The MSS is the most consistent source of data about the health and well-being of Minnesota's students for the past 30 years. This survey asks students about their activities, opinions, behaviors and experiences. Students respond to questions on school climate, bullying, out-of-school activities, health and nutrition, emotional and mental health, relationships, substance use and more. Questions about sexual behaviors are asked only of ninth and grade 11 students. All responses are anonymous.

The MSS is voluntary on the part of the school districts. In 2019, over 81 percent of regular public school districts chose to participate in the survey. In addition, parents or guardians may opt their child out of the survey, and students may choose not to participate. If students take the survey, they may skip any question or stop at any point.

View the MSS FAQ document for more information on the survey.

View the 2022 Minnesota Student Survey Timeline

Minnesota Student Survey Data

Online interactive reports

State, county and school district results for 2013, 2016 and 2019 are available in online interactive reports.

PDF reports

State, county and school district results for 2013, 2016 and 2019 are available in downloadable PDF tables.

Data requests

Individual-level data files may be requested in order to conduct additional statistical analysis. The requestor must complete the MSS Data Request Form and User Agreement.