Independent School District 196 is a state and nationally recognized K-12 public school district located in the south suburban Twin Cities, conveniently accessible to both Minneapolis and St. Paul.

Also known as the Rosemount-Apple Valley-Eagan School District, District 196 serves approximately 28,300 students in grades Early Childhood-12 and is Minnesota's fourth largest school district. The 110 square mile district boundary includes all or part of seven cities - Rosemount, Apple Valley, Eagan, Burnsville, Coates, Inver Grove Heights and Lakeville - and rural Empire and Vermillion townships.

District 196 has 18 elementary schools (grades k-5), six middle schools (grades 6-8), four high schools (grades 9-12), the School of Environmental Studies optional high school (grades 11-12), the Area Learning Center alternative high school (grades 9-12) and Dakota Ridge special education school (grades k-12). (School attendance boundary maps and address search)

District 196 has six National Blue Ribbon Schools of Excellence and numerous state and nationally recognized programs in academics, the arts and athletics.

For the 13th consecutive year, District 196 was recognized among the nation's top school districts as having the qualities parents want most. (What Parents Want Award)