Minnehaha Academy is a traditional college preparatory school that offers pre-K to grade 12…read moreeducation. MA has two beautiful campuses on the bluffs of the Mississippi River with spacious grounds, with about 12 acres each. MA, like many east coast prep schools, was founded by Protestants from Europe. Opening in 1913, the school is affiliated with the Covenant Church (a historic branch the Lutheran Church that is now a separate denomination). MA has a strong commitment to faith with weekly chapel services and taking a traditional approach to teaching religion by having specific religious classes and bringing the topic of religion into other classes as well. This is done with other subjects as well, since many of the humanities and sciences overlap--for example you could have a discussion in history class about science or literature; in this way the student is able to understand the whole story from multiple angles and gain a deeper understanding of the world. The schools commitment to academics is extraordinary, boasting one of the best AP programs in the state, and if the class doesn't have an AP test then the school offers alternatives such as the College in the Schools program where students take a class from the University of Minnesota from one of their teachers and earn college credit. The school has also partnered with various scientific institutions to send a project to the International Space Station each year, joining only two other high schools in the nation that have this honor. The language department is also very excellent offering French, Latin, Spanish and Chinese; all of which start out at high school levels (open to middle school students) and go through college levels. The teachers are highly educated and care very deeply about the students and for many, remain mentors throughout their time at the Academy and their future. Most of the teachers hold masters or doctorate degrees in their area of study. The community of students is kind and caring for each other, and many long lasting friendships are formed. The school also has excellent food and offers breakfast and lunch. MA has a head and sous chef who create healthy and delicious meals and snacks for the students. Breakfast generally has cereal, scones, sandwiches, eggs, pancakes, bacon, et cetera. Lunch offers a salad bar, made to order options, homemade soups and various options including fresh carved pork, turkey, pastas and chicken. The chefs are friendly and take student suggestions seriously and work hard to make the best food possible. The school is also very devoted to the arts and has a entire fine arts center that includes a woodshop, dark room, art room, pottery studio, band room, orchestra room, private practice rooms, art gallery, scene shop, costume shop, concert hall/theater. The school features several performance ensembles including a Concert Band, Symphonic Wind Ensemble, String Orchestra, Symphony Orchestra, Men's Choir, Women's Chorale, Concert Choir and Madrigal singers. Each ensemble has earned top marks at state. The Symphonic Wind Ensemble and Concert Choir go on tour, alternating year to year. The tour locations have included: Prague, Slovakia, Salzburg, Sweden, Italy, Germany, Washington D.C., Chicago among other locations. In the year the ensembles are on break from the tour, they put on variety shows: the bands perform the pops concert and the choirs perform a medieval dinner. The school puts on three plays: musical, play and student run show; each has one various state and sometimes national awards. The school also has top notch athletic facilities including separate soccer and football fields, a full size ice arena, two full size gyms, wrestling room and a weight room. MA's athletic teams have won a combined 4 state championships in the past decade alone and provide very supportive C, JV, and Varsity teams. The school also has many organizations and academic teams. The Debate team, which I captained during my time is one of the state's best, being the only school to have a pair of debaters go to the varsity finals back to back (my partner and I), bringing home a state championship and a 2nd place trophy. The school also offers clubs centering around the environment, music, literature, journalism and writing. The school newspaper and yearbook have won various national awards for journalism, photography, layout, overall achievement, etc. MA really helps students achieve and builds a strong foundation for college through curriculum, advanced academics, supportive staff, and graduation requirements that are similar to most colleges. Many of the students attend private 4 year institutions including St. Olaf, Carlton, Harvard, Yale, Stanford, Boston College, Vanderbilt, University of Chicago, Northwestern and more. Minnehaha Academy has nurtured the minds of some of Minnesota's best students. MA goes farther than the other prep schools in Minnesota: it truly is the place where youth meet truth.

From the owner: The original incorporation from 1905 stated: "The purpose of this institution shall be to furnish…read moreyoung men and women with the essential elements of a liberal education, and to foster the development of character under the personal influence of Christian teachers." On Monday, Sept. 15, 1913, Minnehaha Academy welcomed its first class of high school students. Grades 7 and 8 were added in 1972. In 1981, the land for the South Campus was purchased and a chapel was erected. By 1982, the Lower School served students in Grades 1 through 5. Kindergarten was added in 1985 and preschool in 1995. Students graduate from Minnehaha Academy prepared to excel in any number of fields. Some of our alumni include inventors, a Supreme Court Justice, Authors, War Veterans, an Olympian, Musicians, and many others in notable careers.

Nice teachers, nice kids, nice principal. Besides the school goop they call "lunch" (aka why I…read morebring my own) this school has made an excellent comeback! I hope it doesn't change when the entire green central kids move over here.

This School has been the worst 3 Years experience, at a School in my life…read more Schools are supposed to take bullying and harassment seriously, and I feel like this school only makes excuses for those bad behavior rather than addressing it. Then we have the Dean that I cannot believe, has been there as long as he has. Josh is the absolute worst, he is very immature. He bullies, harasses and makes it insufferable at school. Im being told other children are being called names by the Dean (Josh), I don't think an adult presented in the school, should ever be speaking badly of a Middle School student at Sanford. I find the behavior of the staff, specifically the Dean (Josh), as well of students, who are not being punished while other students are unprofessional. Not only is it unprofessional, it also makes me worry to send my child every day. The amount of disrespect from staff is absurd, and after speaking with other parents and finding out, that we are not the only family dealing with so much, I would have assumed the school would take time to fix what they are failing at.

Even if I gave you a 1 in reality you deserve a zero. Never in my life have I seen a school that…read moredoesn't care about their students. I was a student and I've witnessed the stuff that happens here like bullying, weapons brought to school, and students life in danger because the staff don't care enough to take the time to listen to their students and have a dialogue to support them. I really hope that this school gets shutdown fast because instead of progressing you are going downhill.

Outstanding education. Benilde prepares students well for College/University. We've prioritized…read moretuition payments over other things in order to have the opportunity for a Catholic education

As far as academics, the subject matters seem right on track with other schools and maybe even a…read morebit more homework which we are fine with. However, there seems to be an excessive amount of subs. Currently out of 8 daily classes, one of my kids has 3 subs. 37% of her classes are taught by teachers who don't know the kids, are not respected by the kids, and cannot coax the best out of the kids. One earlier sub actually hit a child which was brought to the admin by students. Teachers often cross teach and sometimes not to much success. I am a better math teacher than one of my kids current teachers. However, in the high school there are some stellar teachers. All of the teachers could use lessons in human behavior. The goal is always to how do I teach to many different kids on many different levels, not just how do I get through the day? There are lots of sports and clubs to choose from but like all schools if your child wants to participate they can, if they want to get lost in the fray, they can get lost in the fray. The biggest issue we have had is unresponsiveness from the administration. I have several children at BSM and, like life, there have been issues. I always try to address them to the Jr. High principal but have ended up contacting parents directly because sadly, nothing gets done and you do not get the courtesy of a follow up call. Bad situations continue to be bad, get worse and then months later there you are calling parents directly anyway whereas if it was taken care of immediately perhaps the poor behavior could have been corrected immediately. All schools have their issues but I do not know if I would choose this school again. They are very supportive of the kids that will be successful wherever they go and because it's easy to support those kids. The kids that could use more support, encouragement, direction, mentoring, etc. are on their own. The combination of a parent/school support system can elevate kids who are short on confidence and if I could choose again I would interview all administration with a more objective eye and choose better.

My opinion on this school is I really feel that the principals & teachers here doesn't want…read morechildren of color to succeed whatsoever!! Instead of giving my child the support/help he needs, the easiest solution for them was to suspend him. I can't even count on my hands how many times they've suspended my child!! I can honestly say since he's been transferred to a different school he's been a whole lot happier & he's doing better academically. I don't recommend any parent to send their child here!!

This school has not suited my son well who is on an iep. After meeting with his iep team they seem…read moreto let the kids run the class. I'm so let down with these last 3 years. If you want my honest opinion Minnesota public schools fudge their test scores to score in the top 10 of the United States. Don't send your kids to this school if they have a learning disability

Such a frustrating orientation day. One would think they do this every year that clear instructions…read morewould be posted. Wrong directions to auditorium posted and being sent back n forth to tables. No team work. And there all educated hmmm

Southwest was an excellent school for high school. It really made a difference in how I turned out…read moreand was much improved from my middle school. They have so many wide programs in theater, arts, baccalaureate. The school is very diverse and allows students to interact with all kinds of students from different ethnic backgrounds. They always encourage students to come from abroad, so you'll have the chance to meet with people from around the world. They offer PSEO, so you can go to Normandale and get credit for high school and college (although most classes only transfer to U of M and not all private schools accept - look into it). Great neighborhood. Great after school programs. Great teachers. Just awesome!

Teachers are very impressive! Thank you for motivating and challenging our kids. Go Tigers!!read more

I was sexually harassed my sophomore year and they didn't do anything about it. I also got hit by…read morean Apple during lunch time because there was a food fight, they found the guy responsible but nothing was done about it. Principals and administration doesn't care about the students.

What a great service for the East Side Community. My friends and I got together to do a fundraiser…read moreevent for the hurricane victims and local charities/programs in Minnesota. We collected a lot of items from friends and donated them to 3 locations. We picked this service because of program they provided for all ages: child care, youth program, adult day program and other great services. I spoke to a staff named Laura, she was very helpful and nice to me. She explained to me what items they were looking for and when I arrived she was very warmed and welcoming. She had a male staff helped me carry water and some clothes from my car. I would recommend this place for friends or family looking for programs to assist them in realizing the quality of life.

From the owner: Since 1915, ESNS has served immigrant, refugee & low income individuals & families. The North East…read moreNeighborhood House is the successor to Immanuel Sunday School Mission, an organization established by the Open Door Congregational Church during the 1880s. Between 1900 & 1914 the mission was renamed Drummond Hall. That building was remodeled and on 1/20/1915 the North East Neighborhood House was formally opened at 1429 2nd St. NE. In a few years the activities of the settlement had outgrown its temporary building, & in 1919 the North East Neighborhood House was permanently located at 1929 2nd St. NE. In 1963 the North East Neighborhood House merged with the Margaret Barry House, a settlement in NE Mpls founded in 1912 by the Mpls League of Catholic Women. This new organization, known as East Side Neighborhood Service, reflected the organization's broadened mission of providing services to the entire East Mpls community. By 2003, the agency was known as East Side Neighborhood Services

my child was abused she came home with turtle bites and whip marks. She also was missing a leg and…read morehad food poisoning from the chicken tika masala

Minnetonka is world class. You can actually have a public school with updated technology, Chinese…read moreand Spanish immersion, great sports and arts and all you have to do is publicly and privately FUND it. Taxes in Minnetonka are high but this is why... world class education. We have lived in Boulder, Co where the schools are pretty sub-par and nobody seems to know it. We have lived in Singapore where you can pay 40k per year for an education that is comparable to this.