Minnehaha Academy-Lower & Middle

4200 West River Parkway

Minneapolis, MN 55406

14 Reviews

School District
Grade

PK, K-8
Type

private

Find Homes for Sale in this School Zone

Reviews

Submitted by parent on November 06, 2024

As a parent and employee at Minnehaha Academy, I cannot say enough good things about this school. Both of my children started attending Minnehaha in preschool and now that they are in middle school and upper elementary grades, I can see how the teachers and their experiences have shaped them into the people they are becoming. My children are excited to go to school each day to see their teachers, connect with friends, and participate in all of the activities that the school provides. My middle schooler participates in a variety of extra-curricular activities - the Leadership Institute, Jazz Band, Theater, and Lego League. Because of these offerings and the welcoming and encouraging environment that the teachers provide he has blossomed in confidence and has many areas of interest that he is curious to explore. My child in elementary school enjoys learning and is encouraged by teachers to do her best. The teachers also do an excellent job of giving her assignments and work that meet her at her level, so she can grow and learn at a pace that works for her. As an employee, I am thrilled to work with colleagues who love what they do and strive to do their best every day. Minnehaha is a blessing for my children and our family.
Submitted by parent on December 07, 2023

We only wish now that we would have sent our children to Minnehaha Academy earlier.We removed our 2 children, one in lower school, one in middle school from an "elite" east St Paul private school that boasts of traits that it absolutely does not warrant, and is run first as a business and second as a social justice hub, and then as a school. The education is clunky, with multiple gaps and inconsistent.We started the search for our next school, having never thought to need to move.First for our lower school child, we needed a place where she could thrive, that would spark her curiosity, not dampen her thoughts, but encourage them. Then for our middle schooler, we wanted a place that he could also thrive, and feel safe to explore the origins of conflicts (rather than being indoctrinated without chance to discuss). We found 3 schools, and with the shadow days that revealed bullying that went unchecked in one school, and lack of respect for the teachers in the other, Minnehaha academy came out top.The first few weeks were rocky, learning a new system, carrying the baggage of the old school trauma and more.However, this year, our first full year at Minnehaha academy, we continue to be taken aback by the wonderful teachers, so dedicated to their profession, the educational experience, the fact that middle school has a full-time inhouse wonderful Ed.D counsellor who helps every step of the way with emotional growth of each student. In lower school, our daughter has a math specialist to continue to nurture her love of math that was quashed previously, has opportunities galore for fun and learning.At a time of year where private schools are vying for prospective families to visit, selling their students achievements, our school is humble, continuing the beautiful work of community, volunteering, caring without boasting. It is just infused into Minnehaha Academy alongside the fantastic academics. I will say that the building looks older, but I have come to not care at all. What goes on in the school is priceless, and though upper school is still a year or so away, having visited all around town, IMO the Upper school at Minnehaha is the best around, a wonderful environment for the students to continue their love of learning and sense of self/community. Thank you Minnehaha Academy for allowing us to join. We just wish we had done it years previously!
Submitted by parent on October 14, 2022

As the parent of a Lower School child with some mild issues that require a special education IEP, we have found Minnehaha Academy to be a good landing place for our son.Why we continue to choose Minnehaha Academy in terms of…. What we see in our son:1. He wants to go to school every day.2. He is challenged. 3. He feels excited about learning. What we see in the academics:1. School can at times be challenging but it is not overwhelming.2. There is very little busywork. Homework feels intentional.3. There are unique opportunities to encourage students to think outside of the box. We especially love the school’s Innovation Lab, a course all students take throughout their Lower School years. What we see in the teachers:1. Teachers seem genuinely happy to be here and excited to be teaching.2. Teachers work to find creative ways to engage kids in subjects that could otherwise feel dull at times.3. Teachers are willing to put in extra time when students need it.What we see in the community:1. There is a strong community culture of warmth towards one another.2. There is community willingness to accept “quirkiness” or kids who just kind of march to the beat of a different drummer.3. There is an overall community spirit of helping one another to become “the best version” of themselves.A note regarding the SPED side of things:As a college prep school, MA doesn’t have a specific special education department focused on students with some of the more significant learning disabilities. However, we know families here who have students with dyslexia, ADHD, and many other common struggles who work with the MA Learning Specialists. In our case, a SPED teacher from Minneapolis Public Schools comes weekly to work with my son on specific issues related to a specific disability. Eventually he will likely be phased out of having a district SPED teacher come and will be able to work with the MA Learning Specialists for remaining services.That said, our experience with having a SPED teacher come weekly to work with him has been positive and his teachers have been proactive about implementing the IEP and recommended accommodations. Overall, we love the school and most of all love to see how our son has blossomed here, academically and socially. We definitely recommend it.
Submitted by parent on June 13, 2020

My child has been in MA since Kindergarten. If I were a parent, I would wait to come to MA in highschool. This is where the school excels and where it is worth the money.
Submitted by parent on January 07, 2016

The faculty and staff were so welcoming to my son as he was adjusting to being in a new school. The other day he said, " I think my teachers really like me!" That is heart warming!
Submitted by parent on March 19, 2014

Minnehaha Academy South Campus is a wonderful place for kids to learn and blossom! Your student will have great teachers, great classmates, and great administration. Great extracurricular opportunities too!
Submitted by teacher on October 28, 2013

The school feels like a small town close-knit community, with all of the amenities and resources of a large metropolitan area. This learning community really focuses on educating the whole child - academically, artistically, spiritually, athletically. It is definitely worth a checking out!
Submitted by other on September 13, 2013

I am a graduate of Minnehaha and let me tell you how thankful I am to have been part of the Minnehaha community! As a student, I took things for granted, but I now see how fortunate I was to have attended. The teachers and administration are extremely caring. The environment is warm and inviting. The students are wonderful. Most of my lifelong friends are from my time at Minnehaha. I'd recommend it to anyone!
Submitted by teacher on September 13, 2013

Coming from a public school, Minnehaha is a wonderful change of pace. Students and teachers alike are happy to be here! There are wonderful positive vibes and everyone is so respectful. I'd recommend this school to parents, students, and other teachers.
Submitted by parent on September 13, 2013

Minnehaha is a top notch school. Great athletics, arts, and most importantly, academics. It is a wonderful Christian environment and the diversity is increasing! I'd recommend Minnehaha to anyone and everyone.
Submitted by other on August 15, 2013

I have been going to Minnehaha since preschool and now will be starting high school. Its a wonderful place in general! Great academics, small classes and up to date on technology however, the administration has recently let go of some of the best teachers there and has had trouble finding certain teachers to fit certain positions. Also its a very Caucasian heavy school. Its difficult to find almost any diversity among teachers. The religious aspect is something to consider as well. I am from a very liberal home and the religion at Minnehaha seems to almost be their way or the highway. Every class has to have some sort of religious angle. Finally the homework load dramatically increases in middle school. I remember nights where I would be up until midnight or later working to get everything done. It does help you get ready for both high school and the real world. All in all Minnehaha is a great place to go, just make sure that if you are unhappy with something, you have to keep telling people to change or make it better.
Submitted by parent on April 05, 2013

Minnehaha Academy has been our kids' school since they were kindergartners. Clearly we have been more than impressed with the entire program - as our oldest will graduate this year. The culture from the beginning has been one of excellence - from the curriculum to the teachers, specialists, arts and sports programs...it has been an environment where our kids have been able to excel and grow academically, spiritually and as individuals. They have made life-long friends and become solid young people. It's a terrific school for families looking for the hard-to-find combo of challenging academics , opportunities to lead and participate in high-level sports and arts programs AND all this taught with a Christian foundation.
Submitted by parent on February 01, 2013

Impressive Christian school that supports a child's faith while not compromising strong academics. The elementary curriulum is challenging and teachers know just how to meet their students at the level they are at. Making for a comfortable growth that brings success to each student. Students have a strong Bible and academic core,with specialists in languages, music, and art. Social studies lessons promote historic accuracy and cultural understanding (not revised history). My child's teacher is caring and intelligent. Extended day, busing and tuition assitance are available options. We appreciate the school's commitment to developing children academically and spiritually. I highly recommend this school and for interested families to contact the school for a tour.
Submitted by parent on January 21, 2013

Fantastic 2 day preschool program! My 3 yr old daughter absolutely loves attending school at Minnehaha. The teacher is exceptional. The curiculum is solid. My daughter has engaging hands on activities that help her explore themes and concepts in all core subjects and the arts. During the Alaska unit in January she will even get to go on a dog sled ride at the school! I encouage all interested famillies to plan a visit. It has been a wonderful introduction to school for my preschooler.