Hill Murray School

2625 LARPENTEUR AVE E

Saint Paul, MN 55109

16 Reviews

School District
Grade

6-12
Type

private

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Reviews

Submitted by student on February 08, 2024

My seven years of experience as a student at Hill-Murray School have been rewarding, challenging, inspiring, and overall life-changing. I feel more than prepared for college and beyond, especially knowing we are pushed to our full potential in all that we do as Pioneers. Our teachers, leadership/administration, involved community members, extracurricular programs, advanced classes, outstanding athletic events, and support from all ends have been incredibly transformational. #hmproud
Submitted by other on December 04, 2021

The quality of education is the sole reason Hill-Murray deserves any stars. Fantastic educators who genuinely care about their students' ability to grasp the subject material and their long-term success as individuals. That being said, the social experience as a student was horrific. Incredibly cliquey environment with bullying problems that did not waiver even as graduation approached. I was an anxious kid, and because of the small graduating class size it was extremely difficult to make friends once I’d been labeled as quiet and weird. After graduating from Hill-Murray I attended a Big 10 school and was able to make meaningful connections with friends I’m still close with nearly a decade later. I wasn’t the problem, but the lack of empathy from an environment full of spoiled rich kids certainly was.Having come from a family that could only afford Hill-Murray because my parents prioritized education above all else, I had difficulty relating to my peers. I’d overhear conversations about spring break in Cabo and skiing in Vail, and couldn’t help but feel alienated as I spent spring break in my basement. I lost friends because I couldn’t afford to hang out with them. If you’re not wealthy—if Hill-Murray is the one thing you’re splurging on because you’re “trying to give your kid the best education possible”—you’re doing your child a disservice by enrolling them there. Try telling another Hill-Murray parent that sending your kid to a coffee shop or restaurant with $10 every day after school isn’t in the budget and see if your kid ever gets another invite.If your child has any sort of social shortcomings or mental health issues such as depression or anxiety, I'd advise you to send them to public school. They'll have a much larger class size in which to find friends, and your money will be better spent on tutoring and therapy than the cost of Hill-Murray's tuition and even more therapy.However, if your household income is north of $500K/year and your priority is a “Catholic education,” your kid will fit right in! As long as they’re white, at least (but you’re considering a private Catholic school in Minnesota, so they probably are). The student demographics section denotes HM is 93% white, which was in line with my experience. Despite being advertised as a private Catholic school, it’s actually a four-year networking event for the teenagers of Minnesota’s wealthiest families. It just happens to include mandatory religion courses and occasional Mass.
Submitted by parent on October 22, 2020

We have two of our children at Hill Murray. Both attended an area public school before making the switch. Both of my children wanted to attend a smaller school. From the day they arrived at Hill Murray, they felt welcome. The school encourages inclusion of everyone into groups, activities, athletics. My younger son said it like this: "at ______ school, I would have been laughed at and called a nerd if I wanted to be part of theater or choir". He is flourishing in these programs while still playing his favorite sports at school. He has no fear of being harassed for participating in said programs, as its applauded at Hill Murray. In addition, the academics at Hill Murray are top notch. The college prep they do with your student is phenomenal!
Submitted by parent on October 20, 2020

We have had 3 students attend Hill-Murray. Each student has had a unique and good experience. As in all things in life, what we put into our experience, reflects what we get out. Two of our students have graduated and have been well prepared for their next steps. One is in college and the other is in community college and working. Both are successful. We still have one student at Hill and we are thankful that she is having the opportunity to be in class growing academically, socially, and spiritually!
Submitted by parent on September 01, 2020

Our kids have had a wonderful experience at Hill Murray. Caring teachers, strong leadership and so much opportunity to learn and grow academically, socially and athletically.
Submitted by parent on November 16, 2017

Great marketing and promise of an inclusive and welcoming community. Reality is that communication is terrible overall and kids are left to their own devises to try and navigate a highly political environment. Very stereotypical of a catholic private school. Save your money and attend one of the great public schools in Minnesota. The academics here are consistently outranked by other schools in the area.
Submitted by other on March 26, 2017

I've been a parent of Hill-Murray students for the past seven years. The faculty and staff deliver on their promise every day that your child will be known, loved and respected. There are no other schools in this area that can tailor the academic and social experience to the needs of your student. The result of the academic rigor and co-curricular diversity are empowered graduates who are citizens of the world and who are motivated to take the next step on their life journey. Many graduates go to top colleges and excel. Almost 100% of graduates go on to four year universities. This is where good kids and good students become our future.
Submitted by parent on February 21, 2017

Hill-Murray School provides the best well-rounded experience for our children and we highly recommend the school. The importance of the rigorous curriculum, faith-based education, sports, clubs and service all contribute to building the whole student to become responsible leaders in the community. Hill-Murray provides a challenging and safe environment where all kids are "known, respected and loved".
Submitted by parent on July 30, 2014

Such a great school and the total package, definitely worth my money. The only problem is some teachers in the science department, they don't fulfill what I thought would be a helpful and unique learning style. My child always complained that her earth science teacher would not being willing to help and seemed very disorganized. My child was right. When I went to conferences, he had not a single interest in my child's education, he only spoke about his life before teaching and for a few minutes or so about how my child was doing. After talking with a few other parents, it seems my child and I weren't the only ones who weren't too fond of him.
Submitted by parent on June 11, 2014

As a parent of a recent graduate I have nothing but praise for Hill-Murray. The curriculum is rigorous and students are definitely challenged. Contrary to some perceptions, hockey is not the center of the universe at Hill. I am not the parent of a hockey player and I never once felt that this was the case. There are so many opportunities for students to shine and find their niche. The theatre department is top-notch, the ministry and service opportunities are fantastic and the teachers and staff and hard-working and dedicated. The families are committed and the alumni are very supportive of the school. Our experience has been wonderful and we love Hill- Murray.
Submitted by teacher on May 31, 2014

I taught in the public schools for several yrs before HM. I had hoped that students would be more eager to learn than in my former (inner-city school.) I had hoped that we would be able to really delve into the content and have a great time learning. However, students (at least in my content area) are literally a year behind my former students. And they seem stunned when I give them homework over the weekend. (Usually it's not more than 20min. worth of work. I discovered a lot of gaps in knowledge that they should have learned. I've brought up my concerns to other colleges and admin, but no one seems very concerned about that. I feel it's a huge disservice to students to not teach them more quality content, and not to help them reach their full potential. For the most part staff is nice, and some of the kids are nice too, but I'm disappointed. I had hoped for a more educational environment. I truly feel that the school is more concerned with maintaining a good hockey team than academics (esp. considering they cancel full days of class to go to games). I can only speak for my department/subject though. I hope other departments are more rigorous.
Submitted by other on September 17, 2013

I am a recent alum from Hill and I am very proud to say that my future is brighter than I ever imagined. I am currently working on my studies in Germany and I feel very prepared but I miss the dedication that my old teachers had! I will never forget at graduation, walking out to be greeted by all my teachers since middle school. I felt so emotional, Hill-Murray is a very special place! Hill-Murray will always be my second home!!!!
Submitted by parent on September 17, 2013

Great experience overall. Great extracurriculars that offer something for every child - not just the athletes. Giving back to the community is not only lip service, it is a graduation requirement. It is faith-based Catholic, but positive and welcoming to all. The school continues to move forward through improvements to buildings and investment in science and technology.
Submitted by other on September 17, 2013

Hill-Murray is beyond exceptional in preparing students for life after high school. Being in college now, I feel incredibly prepared in all course subjects, as well as prepared to live life away from home. Hill-Murray teachers really care about the well-being of their students and are extremely dedicated to their work. I will forever love Hill-Murray!
Submitted by other on February 10, 2013

This is my first year at Hill-Murray. I was instantly welcomed upon coming to Hill. The students, and staff make you feel right at home. Not only are the sports here outstanding, but the teachers dedication to teach. Academically, Hill-Murray has taught and prepared me for the future. I wouldn't want to go anywhere else! It is a great school.
Submitted by parent on January 21, 2013

Excellent school! We have one there now and will have 2 more, I wish my oldest would have gone, hind sight :(