Secondary EducationAcademy of Holy Angels
Year founded: 1931
Enrollment: 850
Student-faculty ratio: 1:13
Unique programs offered: Writing Across the Curriculum, 12 AP courses, Theater School within general curriculum
Areas of academic distinction: One of seven schools in Minnesota to receive college preparatory accreditation from the North Central Association of Colleges and Schools.
Little-known fact about the school: Celebrating 75 years at our current location during 2006-07. Founded 130 years ago.
We encourage our students to … live spiritually, to lead responsibly, to act justly, to serve selflessly, and to excel intellectually
Tuition: $9,300
Contact info: 6600 Nicollet Ave. South, Richfield, MN 55423 • 612-798-2600
Breck School
Year founded: 1886
Enrollment: 1,200
Student-faculty ratio Lower School: 1:6.8
Student-faculty ratio Middle School: 1:8.2
Student-faculty ratio Upper School: 1:8.6
Unique programs offered: Mandarin Chinese (K-12), Science Research Program, History Research Program. Beginning this school year, each student in grades 4-12 will be assigned a laptop computer.
Areas of academic distinction: Breck offers Advanced Placement (AP) and honors courses.
We encourage our students to … (1) let Breck help them find a college whose culture is compatible with his or her needs, interests and abilities; (2) develop his or her unique talents and potential; and (3) live as global citizens in our world with a deep sense of social responsibility.
Tuition: $17,495
Contact info: 123 Ottawa Ave. North, Minneapolis, MN 55422 • 763-381-8100
The International School of Minnesota
Year founded: 1985
Enrollment: 525
Student-faculty ratio: 1:20
Unique programs offered: All students are enrolled in French or Spanish classes and are taught daily by native speakers from PS through Advanced Placement; exchange programs to Mexico, France, and our sister school in Bath, England.
Areas of academic distinction: More math and science offerings than any other Twin Cities high school including post-AP courses. Nearly 50 percent of students taking AP courses earn AP Scholar distinction. The national average is 17 percent.
Little-known fact about the school: Member of the SABIS® School Network with 41 member schools located around the world. The newest member school will open in Min Hang, China in 2007.
Tuition: Pre-5th = $12,450 • 6th-8th = $12,850 • 9th-12th = $13,150
Contact info: 6385 Beach Road, Eden Prairie, MN 55344 • 952-918-1840
Main Street School of Performing Arts
www.performing-arts-school.org
Year founded: 2003
Enrollment: 200
Student-faculty ratio: 1:26
Unique programs offered: Specialized classed in dance (ballet and modern focus), music ( vocal and instrumental ensemble program), theatre
Areas of academic distinction: AP program including courses in biology, calculus, chemistry, literature, and history
Little-known fact about the school: We are a public school open to any student with an interest in dance, music, or theatre and a desire to be challenged academically and artistically.
We encourage our students to … strive for excellence without excuses. We also ask our students to create, question, and contribute positively.
Tuition: Free
Contact info: 1320 Mainstreet, Hopkins, MN 55343 • 952-224-1340
Minnehaha Academy
Year founded: 1913
Enrollment: 1,200 (pre-K through 12)
Student-faculty ratio: 12:1
Areas of academic distinction: We offer 17 AP courses in our Upper School.
Little-known fact about the school: In the 2005-2006 school year, Minnehaha Academy was the only school in Minnesota to have two seniors with perfect scores on the national college entrance exams – one earning a perfect score on the SAT, the other on the ACT.
We encourage our students to … excel to their full potential in and out of the classroom while developing their character and faith.
Full-time tuition: $9,970-$11,775
North Campus (9–12) 3100 West River Parkway, Minneapolis • 612–729–8321
South Campus (Pre-K–8) 4200 West River Parkway, Minneapolis • 612-721-3359
Bloomington Campus (K-5) 10150 Xerxes Avenue, Bloomington • 952-806-0066
Hill Murray School
Year founded: Formed in 1971 when Hill High School and Archbishop Murray Memorial High School merged
Enrollment: 980 (7-12)
Student-faculty ratio: 14:1
Unique programs offered: Outstanding theater, Artist in Residence, 10,000 hours of community service annually, exceptional athletics
Areas of academic distinction: We are one of only 19 Minnesota high schools accredited as college preparatory.
Little-known fact about the school: Our students come from 156 different elementary and middle schools.
We encourage our students to … be excellent in all that they do, use their individual talents, serve others, and grow in their faith.
Tuition (2006-07): Middle school (7-8): $7,650
High school (9-12): $8,800
Contact info: 2625 Larpenteur Ave. East, Maplewood, MN 55109 • 651-777-1376
Saint Alphonsus Parish School
Year founded: 1951
Enrollment: Around 300 (K-8)
Class size: Limited to 25 students
Unique programs offered: Liturgy, band, student council, chorus, yearbook, extracurricular sports.
Areas of academic distinction: Technology is integrated into the curriculum at all grade levels.
Little-known facts about the school: Extended childcare (Third Base) offered after school. Accredited by Minnesota Nonpublic School Accrediting Association. Served by the Redemptorist community of clergy.
We provide … a ministry that fosters growth in the Catholic faith through three dimensions: believing (mind), doing (will), and trusting (heart).
Tuition: $3,140 (parishioner); $4,250 (non-parishioner)
Contact info: 7031 Halifax Avenue, Brooklyn Center, MN 55429 • 763-561-5101
Mounds Park Academy
Year founded: 1982
Enrollment: 700
Student-faculty ratio: 17:1
Unique programs offered: Daily world languages, drama and physical education beginning in kindergarten, an upper school laptop program, and a Mandarin Chinese language and culture studies program.
Areas of academic distinction: Pre K-12 college preparatory, liberal arts school whose highlights include an Honors math and science program and an award-winning speech and debate program.
Little-known fact about the school: Beginning our 25th year, MPA has just completed a major expansion project which has increased the physical space of the school by 50 percent. MPA was also the first school in the state of Minnesota to start a student laptop program.
We encourage our students to … explore many different areas.
Tuition: The range (it is different for Lower School, Middle School, and Upper School) is $11,500-17,500.
Contact info: 2051 Larpenteur Avenue East, St. Paul, MN 55109 • 651-777-2555
Minnetonka Public Schools
Number of schools: School District 276 includes six elementary schools, two middle schools, one high school, and a birth-to-5 Early Childhood Family Education Program serving families in ten communities
Enrollment: Approximately 7,700 in grades K-12
Unique programs offered: 18 AP courses for college credit; prestigious International Baccalaureate Diploma Programme
Areas of academic distinction: Received 2005 AASA President’s National Award for Vision and Leadership in Technology; six Minnetonka schools earned Minnesota 5-Star Honors for outstanding performance on state tests in reading and math; named one of “Eight School Districts in America to Watch” by the National School Boards Association
We enourage our students to … pursue their highest aspirations and exceed their own expectations.
St. Paul Academy and Summit School
Year founded: St. Paul Academy and Summit School was created in 1969 by the merger of two schools: St. Paul Academy, founded for boys in 1900, and Summit School, founded for girls in 1917.
Enrollment: 900 (K-12)
Student-faculty ratio: 19:1
Unique programs offered: Mandarin Chinese, laptop program for grades 7-12, a four semester-away program
Little-known fact about the school: We use the Harkness method in the Upper School, a discussion-based, seminar-style classroom experience with 15 students or fewer that support a collective learning community in which everyone’s ideas are valued.
We encourage our students to … be independent lifelong learners and leaders who are able to work and play across cultural and geographic boundaries with compassion, creativity, and wisdom.
Tuition (2006-07): $18,750 – $20,370
Contact info: 1712 Randolph Avenue, St. Paul, MN • 651-698-2451
Colleges/Universities
College of Saint Benedict
Year founded: 1913
Undergraduate enrollment: 2,045
Student-faculty ratio: 13:1
Number of major study fields: 36
Number of minor study fields: 32
Areas of academic distinction: International education and environmental studies are signature academic programs at the College of Saint Benedict and Saint John’s University. Both reflect the institutions’ commitment to interdisciplinary education. CSB/SJU is ranked third among baccalaureate institutions in study abroad participation. The schools are unique in that all international study programs are faculty led. More than one-third of CSB/SJU faculty have led such programs abroad and thereby created at home a campus culture that values intellectual preparation for global enterprise and leadership.
Little-known fact about the school: CSB/SJU is the only liberal arts institution with a dean of international and experiential education. By combining all experiential learning programs—study abroad, undergraduate research, service learning, and internships—under one umbrella, CSB/SJU effectively integrates the global features of these programs.
We encourage our students to … apply clear thinking and communication skills to the fundamental questions of the human condition to enable them to cultivate the habit of promoting the common good.
Tuition (2006-07): $24,448
Contact info: Office of Admission, PO Box 7155, Collegeville, MN 56321 • 1-800-544-1489/ 320-363-2196
College of St. Scholastica
Year founded: 1912
Undergraduate enrollment: 2,613
Graduate enrollment: 625
Student-faculty ratio: 13:1
Number of undergraduate degrees offered: 35
Number of areas of study: 37
Number of graduate degrees offered: 10
Areas of academic distinction: Nursing, management, health information management, computer science and information systems, physical therapy, occupational therapy, educational media and technology, exercise physiology.
Little-known fact about the school: Ten percent of St. Scholastica’s student body is international – this year more of our students come from Nepal than from Iowa.
We encourage our students to … take lifelong inspiration from our Benedictine Catholic heritage.
Tuition: $23,434
Contact info: 1200 Kenwood Avenue, Duluth, MN 55811-4199 • 1-800-477-5444
Concordia University, St. Paul
Year founded: 1893
Undergraduate enrollment: 1,736*
Graduate enrollment: 333* (*as of Fall ’05 student census)
Student-faculty ratio: 14:1
Number of undergraduate degrees offered: 35 Bachelor of Arts majors; 4 Bachelor of Business Administration majors. Certificate programs also available through School of Continuing Studies.
Number of areas of study: 83 majors, minors, and pre-professional programs in undergraduate and graduate programs
Number of graduate degrees offered: 8 Master of Arts majors; 1 Master of Business Administration
Areas of academic distinction: Concordia University, St. Paul has just launched a Master of Business Administration program geared toward working adults who want to advance in their field. The Smart Degree for Emerging Leaders, the Concordia MBA is an online program that can be completed in 22 months. Concordia University, St. Paul was the first university in Minnesota to offer an accelerated degree-completion program that has helped thousands of busy adults with some previous college credit to complete their bachelor’s degree and achieve new career goals.
Little-known fact about the school: Concordia University, St. Paul is one of 10 colleges and universities owned and operated by the Lutheran Church-Missouri Synod (LCMS). We are not, however, affiliated with Concordia College-Moorhead, which is operated by the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America (ELCA).
Random fact: Concordia is the third most common college name in the U.S.
We encourage our students to … to become life-long learners with a spirit of inquiry, a thirst for knowledge, and a readiness to serve God and humanity. We help students to prepare to succeed by encouraging them to make the most of the Concordia Advantage. More than high quality academics, small class sizes or accessible technology, the Concordia Advantage lies in the meaningful relationships students develop – with classmates, professors, the community and the world.
Tuition: Undergraduate Traditional: $22,378; w/ room and board $28,978
Undergraduate Accelerated Degree Completion: $368-$375 per credit. Programs range from 40 to 60 credits.
Graduate Programs: $415-$460 per credit. Programs range from 40 to 60 credits.
Contact info: 275 Syndicate Street North, St. Paul, MN 55104 • 651-641-8230/ 1-800-333-4705
Gustavus Adolphus College
Year founded: 1862
Undergraduate enrollment: 2,570
Student-faculty ratio: 17:1
Number of undergraduate degrees offered: All students who graduate from Gustavus receive a Bachelor of Arts (B.A.) degree with 75 majors from which to choose.
Number of areas of study: 27 academic departments
Areas of academic distinction: Study-abroad programs in more than 40 countries; the college ranks among the Top 20 U.S. bachelor’s institutions in number of students studying abroad with an average of 50 percent of graduates having studied abroad. The internationally recognized Nobel Conference, an annual event that has brought more than 50 Nobel laureates to campus since its inception in 1965 and attracts more than 5,000 people each year. Other unique events include Building Bridges, a conference focused on diversity issues, and the MAYDAY! Peace Conference, held annually in the spring.
Little-known fact about the school: Gustavus ranks 10th out of 435 competing NCAA Division III institutions in the National Association of Collegiate Directors of Athletics (NACDA) and the United States Sports Academy (USSA) Director’s Cup. The Gustavus Dining Service is ranked 16th among all colleges for “Best On-Campus Food” by the Princeton Review. Gustavus Dining Service is and has always been self-operated, making it among one in 10 American colleges and universities to do so.
We encourage our students to … leave the college prepared for lives of leadership, service and lifelong learning.
Contact info: Gustavus Adolphus College, 800 West College Avenue, St. Peter, MN 56082 • 507-933-8000
Hamline University
Year founded: 1854
Undergraduate enrollment: 1,950
Law/Graduate enrollment: 2,500
Student-faculty ratio: 13:1
Fields of study: Bachelors degree in 37 major fields. Hamline’s College of Liberal Arts also offers 4 certificates, pre-professional programs and teacher licensure.
Number of graduate degrees offered: Hamline’s School of Law and Graduate Schools of Management, Education and Liberal Studies offer the JD, two doctoral programs, 11 masters degrees, and an array of certificates and licensure. Beginning in January, the Graduate School of Liberal Studies will offer Hamline’s newest masters degree–a MFA in Writing for Children and Young Adults.
Areas of academic distinction: Undergraduate research, liberal arts curriculum, study abroad opportunities.
Little-known fact about the school: The first intercollegiate basketball game ever played was at Hamline in 1895 vs. the University of Minnesota’s School of Agriculture.
We encourage our students to … engage in the greater community to apply their classroom learning. Undergraduate research, internships, and study abroad opportunities all help develop these important connections and help students set long-term goals.
Tuition: Undergraduate Tuition: $24,586
Contact info: 1536 Hewitt Avenue MS-C1930, Saint Paul, MN 55104-1284 • 651-523-2207/ 1-800-753-9753
Minnesota State Colleges and Universities
Year founded: 1995
Graduates per year: 32,000
Number of institutions: 25 colleges and 7 universities
Students served per year: 369,000 in both credit and noncredit courses
Number of undergraduates: We educate 61 percent of the state’s undergraduates
Number of areas of study: More than 3,500 degree, certificate, and diploma programs
Little-known facts about Minnesota State Colleges and Universities: • Nearly 42,000 students a year are educated through Minnesota Online at www.minnesotaonline.org • Career education is provided to 6,000 employers and 141,000 employees each year. • More than 86 percent of graduates are placed in jobs related to their field of study. • We serve more students of color than any other higher education provider in Minnesota—26,500 in 2005.
By the numbers: MnSCU educate more than half of the state’s new teaching graduates; 78 percent of the state’s new nursing graduates; 92 percent of the state’s law enforcement officers; 48 percent of the state’s new business graduates; 91 percent of the state’s new graduates in construction trades
Average in-state tuition: $4,282 for state colleges and $5,656 for universities
Contact info: 651-296-8012/ 1-888-MnSCU-4-U (667-2848)
North Dakota State University
Year founded: 1890
Student-faculty ratio: 19:1
Number of majors offered: More than 100 with 56 options
Number of graduate degrees offered: 55 master’s programs, 41 doctoral programs, 7 certificate programs, educational specialist degree
Areas of academic distinction: Information systems, technology transfer, economic development, and lifelong learning.
Little-known fact about the school: NDSU is home to the state’s first full NCAA Division I athletic program.
We encourage our students to … derive strength and vitality from each other and from the diverse communities we serve, participate in valuable decisions, and value cooperation for the common good.
Tuition: $5,142
Contact info: Office of Admission, Box 5454, Fargo, ND 58105 • 1-800-488-NDSU/701-231-8802
Saint John’s University
Year founded: 1857
Undergraduate enrollment: 1,875
Graduate enrollment: 121
Student-faculty ratio: 13:1
Number of major study fields: 36
Number of minor study fields: 32
Number of graduate degrees offered: 5
Areas of academic distinction: Environmental studies in four academic divisions. Campus locations amid 3,200 acres of woods, lakes and prairie provide an engaging learning environment that inspires a commitment to environmental stewardship.
We encourage our students to … apply clear thinking and communication skills to the fundamental questions of the human condition to enable them to cultivate the habit of promoting the common good.
Tuition (2006-07): $24,448
Contact info: Office of Admission, PO Box 7155, Collegeville, MN 56321 • 1-800-544-1489/ 320-363-2196
Saint Mary’s University of Minnesota
Year founded: 1912 (University); 1984 (SGPP)
Enrollment: 3,900
Number of graduate degrees offered: 32
Undergraduate degrees offered: 10 (bachelor of science)
Areas of academic distinction: Education, health and human services, management and technology.
Little-known fact about the school: The School of Graduate and Professional Programs (SGPP) is part of Saint Mary’s University in Winona, Minnesota. The school also offers degree programs in Minneapolis, Apple Valley, Rochester, Plymouth, and St. Cloud.
We encourage our students to … to become lifelong learners and use their knowledge to lead ethical lives of service and leadership.
Tuition: (SGPP only) Undergrad: $285/credit; Graduate: $285-345/ credit
Contact info: 2500 Park Avenue, Minneapolis, MN 55404 • 866-437-2788
St. Cloud State University
Year founded: 1869
Undergraduate enrollment: 14,500
Graduate enrollment: 1,500
Student-faculty ratio: 17:1
Number of undergraduate degrees offered: Over 120
Number of areas of study: 175 majors, minors and pre-professional programs
Number of graduate degrees offered: More than 50
Areas of academic distinction: SCSU offers a global perspective, essential to life and success in the 21st century, in virtually every field taught. As part of that global focus, St. Cloud State has a strong international program with 40 semester-long and short term study abroad programs in 20 countries around the world.
We encourage our students to … get a remarkable education by taking advantage of caring, expert faculty, opportunities for hands-on experience and research alongside professors, study abroad programs, and all the support systems we offer students eager to learn.
In-state tuition: 2006-07 undergraduate tuition, full time, is $5,045 per year
Out-of-state tuition: 2006-07 undergraduate out-of-state tuition, full time, is $10,332
Contact info: 720 Fourth Avenue South, St. Cloud, MN 56301 • 1-877-654-7278
St. Olaf College
Year founded: 1874
Undergraduate enrollment: Full-time enrollment for 2005–06: 3,005. Part-time enrollment: 53.
Student-faculty ratio: 12.5:1
Number of undergraduate degrees offered: We offer a Bachelor of Arts and a Bachelor of Music, with four different emphases in the music degree: church music, music education, performance and theory-composition.
Number of areas of study: 45 majors and 14 concentrations
Areas of academic distinction: Science and mathematics, international study, religion and theology, music.
Little-known fact about the school: With 27 sports, we offer more sports than any other college in the Minnesota Intercollegiate Athletic Conference.
We encourage our students to … become knowledgeable and responsible citizens of the world.
Tuition: $28,200. Room and board is $7,400. Total comp fee is $35,600 for the 2006-07 academic year.
Contact info: 1520 St. Olaf Avenue, Northfield, MN 55057 • 507-646-3032
University of Minnesota Morris
Year founded: 1960
Undergraduate enrollment: 1800
Student-faculty ratio: 13:1
Number of undergraduate degrees offered: 30 (all bachelor of arts)
Number of areas of study: 30
Areas of academic distinction: Pre-med, biology, chemistry, psychology, music, education, business
Little-known fact about the school: Wind power supplies over 60 percent of UMM’s electricity needs, and that amount will only increase. The first large-scale wind research turbine ever constructed at a U.S. public university is located at the University of Minnesota’s West Central Research and Outreach Center, near Morris.
We encourage our students to … become active participants in their learning through classroom discussion and engagement with professors, research, and study abroad opportunities.
Tuition: Tuition + fees = $10,312
Contact info: 600 East 4th Street, Morris, MN 56267 • 888-UMM-EDUC
University of St. Thomas
Year founded: 1885
Undergraduate enrollment: 5,584
Graduate enrollment: 5,057
Student-faculty ratio: 14:1
Number of undergraduate degrees offered: Five degrees
Number of areas of study: 96 majors
Number of graduate degrees offered: 46 degree programs; 39 master’s; two education specialist; one juris doctor; and four doctorate
Areas of academic distinction: business, biology, journalism, education, psychology, sociology
Little-known fact about the school: A misfired musket at Fort Snelling 159 years ago figured prominently in the founding of the University of St. Thomas at the western end of Summit Avenue in St. Paul.
On a warm July day in 1847, a young Irish immigrant named William Finn accidentally shot his hand while completing guard duty at the frontier fort. In part because of his injury, Finn was allowed to select a quarter section of land near the fort when he was discharged a year later.
Finn explored the unsettled countryside and selected a choice tract called Shadow Falls, named for a small waterfall that still tumbles down the city’s river bluff. Finn farmed the land and prospered. As he neared retirement, he wanted his land to serve a charitable purpose and transferred the property to the church. In 1885, just a stone’s throw from the original Finn farmhouse, Archbishop John Ireland opened what is now the University of St. Thomas.
We encourage our students to … think for themselves while thinking of others.
Tuition: $22,880 (undergraduate)
Contact info: 2115 Summit Avenue, St. Paul, MN 55105 • 651-962-5000 / 800-328-6819
The Midwest has a broad variety of schools and educational institutions. Options – whether public, private, specialty or religious schools – abound. The Minnesota Department of Education offers this list of 10 things you should look for when selecting a school:
- High expectations
- A great principal
- A vibrant parent-teacher organization
- Children are neither invisible nor scared to be at the school
- Families like yours are welcome, and their concerns are acknowledged
- You are satisfied with the school’s academic performance
- Your gut reaction is, “This is the school for my child”
(Source: Minnesota Department of Education, Office of Choice and Innovation)
Academy of Holy Angels
www.ahastars.org
Breck School
www.breckschool.org
The International School of Minnesota
www.ism-sabis.net
Main Street School of Performing Arts
www.performing-arts-school.org
Minnehaha Academy
www.minnehahaacademy.net
Hill Murray School
www.hill-murray.org
Saint Alphonsus Parish School
www.stalsmn.org
Mounds Park Academy
www.moundsparkacademy.org
Minnetonka Public Schools
www.minnetonka.k12.mn.us
St. Paul Academy and Summit School
www.spa.edu
College of Saint Benedict
www.csbsju.edu
College of St. Scholastica
www.css.edu
Concordia University, St. Paul
www.csp.edu
Gustavus Adolphus College
www.gustavus.edu
Hamline University
www.hamline.edu
Minnesota State Colleges and Universities
www.mnscu.edu
North Dakota State University
www.ndsu.edu
Saint John’s University
www.csbsju.edu
Saint Mary’s University of Minnesota
www.smumn.edu
St. Cloud State University
www.stcloudstate.edu
St. Olaf College
www.stolaf.edu
University of Minnesota Morris
www.morris.umn.edu
University of St. Thomas
www.stthomas.edu