SECONDARY EDUCATION
When choosing the best K-12 school for your child, the options can be overwhelming. Public, private, or charter? Look to see if the school has a solid reputation, established procedures and rules, and an invigorating curriculum. Do the programs encourage independence and creativity? Last but not least, visit the school and watch the other children in class. This will be the best way to tell if you can envision your child thriving in that learning environment.
ANOKA-HENNEPIN SCHOOL DISTRICT 11
Total enrollment: 40,100
How is your district distinctive? Our annual statistically-valid random survey of the community indicated that 98 percent of respondents feel Anoka-Hennepin Schools are safe. All elementary schools have specialists who teach art, music, physical education and media. We offer many after-school activities at all levels, with before and after-school child care available for all elementary students. All of our high schools offer a full range of Advanced Placement courses plus College in the Schools courses that allow students to earn college credit.
www.anoka.k12.mn.us
THE BLAKE SCHOOL
Total enrollment: 1,380 (preK-12)
Average Class size: 16
2009-10 tuition: Varies by division/grade. Lower school starts at $13,000; middle school at $21,000; and upper school at $21,600.
How is your school distinctive? We offer a rigorous academic program, intentional work around diversity and pluralism, three stunning campuses, expert teachers, a robust need-based financial aid program, student support services, and amazing alumni. Annually, 20-25 percent of our students are officially recognized by the National Merit program. Our graduates attend some of the most selective, challenging colleges and universities worldwide.
www.blakeschool.org
BRECK SCHOOL
Total enrollment: 1,200
Average Class size: 18
2009-10 tuition: Tuition (including mandatory fees) ranges from $15,740-$22,825.
Signature academics: Minnesota’s first K-12 Chinese curriculum and advanced research opportunities in both science and history.
How is your school distinctive? Breck is big enough to offer a wide array of classes and activities, but small enough so that every student is known; a school with a long and proud history, but deeply committed to curricular and technological innovation; a school that’s academically rigorous but filled with joy. www.breckschool.org
CEDARCREST ACADEMY
Total enrollment: 180
2009-10 tuition: K-8 full day: $6,750;
PreK-3 T/Th half day: $2,100; PreK-3 T/Th full day: $2,800; PreK-4 MWF half days: $3,400; PreK-4 MWF full day: $4,200; PreK-4 M-F half day: $5,300; PreK-4 M-F full day: $6,500
How is your school distinctive? Small classes, all day PreK and kindergarten, single gender classroom instruction, and uniforms.
One more thing: We are dedicated to educating the whole child and to giving each student the depth of character, academics and moral purpose needed to become true leaders in society.
www.cedarcrest.org
HILL-MURRAY SCHOOL
Total enrollment: 950
2009-10 tuition: $8,950 (7-8); $10,100 (9-12)
Strongest programs: Hill-Murray’s overall academic program has been recognized by the ACT for its rigor and for preparing its students for college, stating that the school “has proven… that rigorous content can be taught to students,” and that (Hill-Murray) “is clearly a leader in preparing all high school students for postsecondary education.”
One more thing: We offer a wide range of co-curricular activities, including 25 varsity sports for men and women, an award-winning theatre program, and a full range of other activities.
www.hill-murray.org
INTERNATIONAL SCHOOL OF MN
Total enrollment: 588
2009-10 tuition: Ranges from $8,500-$14,900
Signature programs: World Language: Spanish and French are taught daily from preschool on by native speakers. Chinese is offered as an elective.
Our students are… a mini United Nations. Primarily our families are from the U.S., however, we attract a large group of families from around the world.
How is your school distinctive? Academic achievement: ISM students consistently achieve a 50 percent AP Scholar rate compared to an 18 percent national average.
www.ism-sabis.net
MARANATHA CHRISTIAN ACADEMY
Total enrollment: 685 (preK-12)
Average Class size: 19
2009-10 tuition: Ranges from $3,900-$7,776 (PreK: $3,900-$6,924; Elementary: $7,152; Secondary: $7,776)
How is your school distinctive? A diverse student-body representing 58 municipalities and 65 area churches, with 24 percent students of color. A solid foundation of core subjects, plus numerous electives, enabling each student to explore their interests and develop their God-given potential. Faith and learning integration.
One more thing: In this tough economy, more and more families are beginning to see Maranatha as a high-quality alternative to higher-tuition private schools.
www.maranathaacademy.com
MINNEHAHA ACADEMY
Total enrollment: 1,203 (preK-12)
Average Class size: 18
2009-10 tuition: Ranges from $11,720-$13,875
Most unique programs: Classroom technology – interactive whiteboards at all age levels; award-winning AP program covering 21 subject exams; June Term – a five-day cultural immersion experience; Senior Capstone – senior level course examining important matters that integrate academics with faith.
How is your school distinctive? 2007-09: Chosen as the top school in Minnesota for our Advanced Placement Math and Science Program.
www.minnehahaacademy.net
MINNETONKA PUBLIC SCHOOLS
Total enrollment: 8,100
How is your school District distinctive? Minnetonka Public School District is nationally recognized as a district of choice and a leader in using technology as an accelerator of learning in every classroom. Technology in the hands of master teachers yields impressive results. With an average ACT score of 25.5, Minnetonka’s Class of 2009 had a 99 percent graduation rate and 92 percent are headed to college. With high expectations from parents and teachers, coupled with outstanding community support, our district is focused on world-class, child-centered excellence.
www.minnetonka.k12.mn.us
NEW LIFE ACADEMY
Total enrollment: 650
2009-10 tuition: preK: $2,796; Kindergarten ranges from $4,140-$6,248; 1-6: $6,864; 7-12: $7,428
Signature programs: Spiritual growth and development are an integral part of every class. Students take Bible courses throughout the elementary and secondary grades and participate in weekly chapel services.
How is your school distinctive? We are best known for reinforcing Godly character throughout all aspects of the student experience—in the classroom, in activities and athletics, and on the stage.
www.newlifeacademy.org
SHATTUCK – ST. MARY’S SCHOOL
Total enrollment: 434 (6-12)
Average Class size: 12
2009-10 tuition: Boarding: $36,950; day: $23,950
Signature programs: Our Centers of Excellence programs include The Pre-Conservatory Strings Program (for students interested in pursuing their passion for music); The Center for Academic Achievement offering an Academic Skills Program to provide students with learning difficulties the necessary strategies and skills they need to succeed; and The Honors Program offering a unique academic experience for a selective group of students.
Our students are… from 39 states and 17 countries. They are all college-bound.
www.s-sm.org
ST. PAUL ACADEMY & SUMMIT SCHOOL
Total enrollment: 870 • Average Class size: 15
2009-10 tuition: Lower school: $20,620;
Middle school: $21,520; upper school: $22,410
Signature programs: Interdisciplinary thematic units (K-5); developmental design (6-8); strong advisory program (6-12); journalism, debate, Spanish (K-12); Chinese, German, and French (6-12).
How is your school distinctive? We are best known for a strong liberal arts curriculum coupled with many extra-curricular activities. We have a well-trained and experienced faculty: our 102 teachers average 21 years of teaching at SPA and 75 percent have advanced degrees.
www.spa.edu
THE TESSERACT SCHOOL
Total enrollment: 157
Average Class size: About 10
2009-10 tuition: K-6: $13,920
Signature programs: Morning Meeting, integrated technology, community projects, and multi-age learning in Buddy Groups.
How is your school distinctive? We have a small student-teacher ratio, we are student-centered rather than teacher-centered, and our students learn real life aptitude skills. In addition, many students test above and beyond the standards (many of our sixth graders, for instance, leave at an 11th grade Spanish level). We have weekly director-to-parent and teacher to-parent-communication.
www.tesseract.pvt.k12.mn.us
COLLEGES, UNIVERSITIES & INSTITUTIONS
The process of comparing colleges, universities, and institutes can be daunting. Start out by narrowing down your list of “dream schools” to under ten (don’t forget to choose a few schools you have a good chance of getting into plus one school where you know you’ll be accepted). Try to visit these campuses when classes are in session. A campus visit will answer more questions than a brochure ever could. On the tour, ask questions. Take notes. Find out what the school offers beyond academics. Do you like the vibe of the campus? Do you think it will match your personality? Don’t take this decision lightly. This is where you will spend a large chunk of time after high school, where you will learn the skills necessary to excel in your chosen career, and where you will build lasting friendships. You are about to embark on the journey of a lifetime. Good luck!
*Tuition, unless otherwise noted, is undergraduate resident tuition
ART INSTITUTES INTERNATIONAL MN
Total enrollment: 1,872 (Oct. 2008)
2009-10 tuition: $22,416 (per academic year at 16 credits/quarter)
Most popular majors: Interior design, photography, culinary arts & hospitality management, advertising & graphic design, and web design & interactive media.
Our students are …creative, competitive, and open to new ideas. They place great value on an education that prepares them for a challenging career and a lifetime of personal and professional opportunity.
One more thing: Earlier this year, we added a bachelor’s degree in digital film and video production.
www.artinstitutes.edu
COLLEGE OF ST. SCHOLASTICA
Total enrollment: 3,593
Average Class size: 22
2009-10 tuition: $27,114
Strongest programs/majors: We are known for our strength in health sciences with a solid foundation in the liberal arts. Our nursing program is the second-largest in the state. Our Health Informatics and Information Management department leads the nation in integrating the electronic health record into not only the HIM curriculum, but across health science curricula. Our education and management programs, undergraduate and graduate, are widely acknowledged for sending alumni into successful careers and leadership positions.
www.css.edu
CONCORDIA COLLEGE IN MOORHEAD
Total enrollment: 2,823
Average Class size: 24
2009-10 tuition: $25,550
Most popular majors: Business, biology/pre-med, communication, education and Spanish.
How is your school distinctive? Concordia College and Concordia Language Villages are recognized leaders in global education—K-16 and beyond. Program distinction in music and the sciences, including an 88 percent medical school acceptance rate, help define our stellar academic reputation. The new Concordia College School of Business features a dynamic blend of liberal arts learning and globally immersive business education.
www.cord.edu
GUSTAVUS ADOLPHUS COLLEGE
Total enrollment: 2,628
Average Class size: 15
2009-10 tuition: Tuition $31,460 (room: $5,000, board: $2,900, fees: $650) Total: $40,010
Most popular majors: Biology, communication studies, political science, psychology, and management.
How is your school distinctive? Commitment to service is an integral part of the Gustavus experience. More than 40 percent of students volunteer their time at the Gustavus Community Service Center.
One more thing: Each year, we host the Nobel Conference. The 2009 Nobel Conference, Oct. 6-7, marks the 45th anniversary.
www.gustavus.edu
LUTHER COLLEGE
Total enrollment: 2,423
Average Class size: 20
2009-10 tuition: $37,520 (includes room and board)
Most popular majors: Biology, business management, elementary education, music, and nursing.
How is your school distinctive? Before graduation, over 80 percent of our students will have studied abroad. Many students choose to go overseas during January term, a one-month interim semester.
One more thing: Students attend Luther not just to gain a highly competitive education, but also to be a member of a community of faith and learning that will impact the rest of their lives.
www.luther.edu
NORTHLAND COLLEGE
Total enrollment: 700 • 2009-10 tuition: $24,021
Our students are… very much concerned about the environment and sustainability.
How is your school distinctive? Our long-standing environmental mission makes us different from just about everyone. All of our students, whether majoring in business, education, or more traditional programs, take the same liberal arts courses as students majoring in environmental chemistry or natural resources. Together, students from different majors may travel around Lake Superior to study its watershed or explore sustainability in our food supply.
www.northland.edu
NORTH DAKOTA STATE UNIVERSITY
Total enrollment: 13,229
2009-10 tuition: $5,448
Most popular majors: With more than 100 majors, NDSU offers a wide variety of programs that cover everything from architecture, pharmacy, food science and engineering to business, biotechnology, music and interior design.
How is your school distinctive? We are an accredited four-year Division I University with more than 13,000 students from 47 states and 67 countries, creating a diverse population. We are a great size school for students who want to be part of a large campus without feeling lost in the crowd.
www.ndsu.edu
SAINT MARY’S UNIVERSITY OF MN
Total enrollment: 5,611 (1,413 undergraduates in Winona and 4,198 in the Schools of Graduate and Professional Programs at varying locations, including Winona and the Twin Cities)
Average Class size: 22
2009-10 undergraduate tuition: $25,100
Most popular majors: Business, science, education, music and psychology.
Our students are… active, involved, motivated, and friendly.
How is your school distinctive? As a Lasallian Catholic school, we offer our students a personalized education, coupled with practical real-life experiences. Here people are compassionate in their dealings with others, dedicated to the advancement of knowledge, and appreciative of art and culture. We offer small class sizes, personal attention from professors and engaging interaction with peers, challenging students to be their very best. Students at Saint Mary’s participate in athletics, arts, music, and theatre, and volunteering.
One more thing: We’re most known for our caring atmosphere and close-knit community, where teachers know students’ names and stay connected long after graduation.
www.smumn.edu
SAINT MARY’S UNIVERSITY OF MN SCHOOLS OF GRADUATE AND PROFESSIONAL PROGRAMS
Total enrollment: 4,300
Average Class size: 15
2009-10 tuition: Tuition varies by program and degree level.
Five most popular programs: MBA,M.A. in education, M.S. in project management, bachelor completion degrees for adults, B.S. in nursing.
Our students are… diverse with respect to age range, professional experience, and ethnicity.
How is your school distinctive? Saint Mary’s University of Minnesota’s Schools of Graduate and Professional Programs exists to provide highly personal, ethical, professional and innovative education to adult learners in the Catholic Lasallian tradition. We deliver access to higher learning that provides career and life-enhancing experiences to our students in locations convenient to work and family responsibilities. Our tuition is competitive, offering an excellent value for a great investment.
One more thing: In order to prepare for Saint Mary’s University of Minnesota’s Schools of Graduate and Professional Programs, obtain all transcripts from previous coursework.
www.smumn.edu
SINTE GLESKA UNIVERSITY
How is your school distinctive? The very essence of Sinte Gleska University stems from our location on the Rosebud Reservation. From the beginning, the founders of our University sought to establish a tribal higher education institution based on the philosophy of tribal control and tribal self-determination. An important premise of this philosophy was to effect change for our tribal nation. Today, in the 21st century, we remain committed to our earliest purposes: to preserve and teach Lakota culture, history and language, and to promote innovative and effective strategies to address the myriad of social and economic concerns confronting the Sicangu Lakota Oyate.
What is your future vision? We are currently in the process of a next stage of plans to realize additional facilities construction at the SGU Antelope Lake Campus in order to consolidate Administrative Offices in Mission, South Dakota, for the benefit of students, staff and faculty. Another key dimension in the upcoming years involves the creation of the Scott Bordeaux Leadership Institute as designed to facilitate a process for strengthening our tribal nation through both national and international initiatives.
Our students… act and behave with ultimate respect, harmony, peace and friendship.
www.sintegleska.edu
ST. CLOUD STATE UNIVERSITY
Total full-time enrollment: 16,921
Average class size: 28
2009-10 tuition: $6,330
Most popular majors: Mass communications, management, marketing, elementary education, and accounting.
Our student body is… diverse, with students from every corner of Minnesota, nearly every state in the nation, and more than 80 countries.
How is your school distinctive? We offer the advantages of a large university (more than 200 programs, a top-notch faculty, and a large, vibrant community), but in a smaller, more personal setting—all at a great value. At our school, you can conduct real research with real instructors who know you by name. Join our nationally recognized Honors Program, where you’ll enjoy small, intellectually challenging classes with professors who believe in teaching first.
One more thing: Our graduates are critical thinkers who’ve looked at the world from new perspectives, assuring their success in a world of economic competition and cultural differences.
www.stcloudstate.edu
TWIN CITIES ADULT EDUCATION ALLIANCE
Who we are: The Twin Cities Adult Education Alliance (TCAEA) is an alliance of colleges and universities that offers educational opportunities for working adults in the Twin Cities metro area. Established in 2002 as a non-profit organization, The Twin Cities Adult Education Alliance brings together public and private colleges and universities from across the Twin Cities metro area.
Our purpose… is to help you reach your educational goals. Whether you are an adult looking for more information about adult-friendly learning opportunities in the Twin Cities, or an employer who recognizes the value of a well-educated work force, we can help.
We collaborate with… business, industry, and local community organizations offering services that encourage, promote, and provide continuing education opportunities for working adults. All TCAEA member schools are accredited through the Higher Learning Commission of the North Central Association of Colleges and Schools.
One more thing: The TCAEA awards up to four scholarships each year to adult learners who are pursuing degrees in the Twin Cities metro area. If a company hosts an education fair, their employees are eligible to apply for these scholarships.
www.tcaea.org
UNIVERSITY OF MN – CROOKSTON
Total enrollment: 1,207
2009-10 tuition: $10,006 tuition and fees (annual flat rate for 13+ credits), which includes the technology fee that provides each student with a leased laptop computer and software.
Most popular majors: Business, natural resources, equine science, agronomy, and information technology.
Our students are… from more than 20 countries and 35 states. Most have chosen to attend because of the small, personalized campus atmosphere, the distinctive degree programs, and the strong reputation of the University of Minnesota.
How is your school distinctive? Students receive personalized attention from dedicated faculty members who serve as true mentors. Our technology-driven, career-oriented approach gives students an employment edge. Applied internships and undergraduate research opportunities provide additional value and experience.
One more thing: New academic degree programs in biology, communication, criminal justice, health sciences, and organizational psychology offer more program options than ever before. Four degree programs are also available entirely online.
www.umcrookston.edu
UNIVERSITY OF MN – DULUTH
Total enrollment: 11,366
Average Class size: 87 percent of courses enroll 40 or fewer students.
2009-10 tuition: 13-credit band = $4,415 + fees (resident) and $5,415 + fees (non-resident)
Most popular majors: Business, biology, psychology, elementary/middle school education, criminology.
How is your school distinctive? We overlook beautiful Lake Superior, and most of our campus buildings are interconnected by heated concourses.
One more thing: UMD faculty are encouraged to participate in research and scholarly activities as part of their institutional mission of research, teaching, and public service. These activities enhance their ability and capacity to deliver high quality instruction to their students. Research expenditures, supported by external funds for 2006-07, exceeded $20.8 million.
www.d.umn.edu
UNIVERSITY OF NORTH DAKOTA
Total enrollment: 12,748
most popular undergrad majors: Aviation, nursing, engineering, and communication. Undergraduate education is offered in 202 fields of study and 2,938 courses.
Our students are…bright, energetic, eager to learn, and part of a remarkable sense of family.
about our graduate program: Graduate education is offered in 83 programs, including professional programs in law (J.D.) and medicine (M.D.). Graduate and professional enrollment for fall 2008 was 2,619.
One more thing: The University of North Dakota is the state’s most comprehensive intensive research university and the primary center for professional education and training. Since 2001, the University has received $647.2 million for sponsored programs from internal and external sources. In fiscal year 2008, $98.69 million was received for projects in such areas as neuroscience, ground water cleanup, spacesuit technology, high-tech coatings, and alternative fuels. Our economic impact on the state and region is nearly $1 billion a year.
www.Go.und.edu
UNIVERSITY OF ST. THOMAS
Total enrollment: 10,963 (Undergrad [6,164] + grad [4,799]) based on fall 2008 headcount
Average Class size: 21 (undergraduate)
Fall 2008 tuition: $28,944 (tuition only, based on a total of eight 4-credit undergraduate courses). Graduate tuition is set by each graduate program, school or college.
Most popular undergraduate majors: Business/management/marketing; social science; communication; philosophy/religious studies; and education (based on 2007-2008 graduates as reported in Spring 2009 US News.) We offer 96 undergraduate majors and 58 minors.
How is your school distinctive? Because of our tradition of student-centered experience, we offer an intimate small-college feel while providing an education that benefits from a larger, university structure.
One more thing: St. Thomas is ranked by the Institute of International Education in the top five nationally for the percent of undergraduates studying abroad (60.5 percent in 2007) in the doctoral category; more than 1,000 students participate in 100 programs available in more than 40 countries.
www.stthomas.edu
UNIVERSITY OF WI – STOUT
Total enrollment: 8,811
2009-10 tuition: Resident full-time undergraduate = $7,583 (based on 30 credits, fall 07 rate schedule) + $5,170 for double room and most popular meal plan. *UW-Stout is a participating school in the Midwest Student Exchange Program (MSEP). Residents from Kansas, Michigan, Missouri, Nebraska and North Dakota may qualify for reduced tuition.
most popular majors: Business, art, construction, retail merchandising and management, hotel, restaurant and tourism management.
Our students are…eager and energetic. They participate in professional, academic, service and social organizations and have wonderful job opportunities upon graduation.
How is your school distinctive? UW-Stout, Wisconsin’s Polytechnic University, was the first university to receive the Malcolm Baldrige National Quality Award, recognition for our long history of performance excellence in higher education. Involvement and innovation typify a way of life for students attending our school. Since our founding in 1891, students from around the world have been drawn to our campus.
www.uwstout.edu
