Frequently Asked Questions

• How are individual needs of students met?
  Minnehaha Academy has a variety of students who are learning at different levels with different learning styles. Meeting the academic needs of these learners is one of our teachers' greatest challenges. Minnehaha teachers take this responsibility very seriously and work hard to provide a variety of learning experiences.
• What is covered in the Bible curriculum?
  Christian International Schools publishes the Bible curriculum that is used in the Lower School. It includes Bible stories from both the Old and New Testaments. The classroom teachers share the stories and help the students identify what they learn from each story that can be applied to their own lives. There is also memory work included. Students generally have devotions and prayer in their classrooms most days. Lower School students participate in Chapel once a week led by the Chaplain. These chapels include worship through music, scripture, prayer, and speakers.
• What are the hours of the school day?
  At the South Campus, the school hours are 8:45-3:05. At the Bloomington Campus, the school hours are 8:50-3:25.
• Do Lower School students go on field trips?
  Each grade level participates in at least 3 field trips during the school year. These field trips generally coordinate with curriculum. Trips may include visits to a wide variety of places such as the science museum, nature centers, the zoos, plays and concerts. Sometimes classes walk to Minnehaha park or go biking. The cost of field trips is covered by the student activity fee.
• How are students accommodated when they are enrolled and have not previously had exposure to a world language?
  Students have a world language three 25 minute periods per week. Our program includes both language instruction and study of culture. Our curriculum is designed in a way that new students are able to actively participate in the language classes.
• What are the homework expectations for Lower School students?
  We feel homework is important and should reinforce what is learned in school. Homework guidelines have been set for all classes as follows:
  Kindergarten: 30 minutes each week (appr. 1 project per week)
  First Grade: 25 minutes per night (being read to or reading
  and learning math facts)
  Second Grade: 30 minutes each night (spelling, math facts, reading)
  Third Grade: 30 minutes each night (spelling, math facts,
  reading)
  Fourth Grade: 45 minutes each night
  Fifth Grade: 60 minutes each night
  (The above numbers are average times. Some students will work faster or slower than others.)
  Since many of our students are involved in church activities on Wednesday nights, every effort is made to eliminate homework on Wednesday. However, teachers may give an assignment early in the week to be due on Thursday or Friday. Students need to realize that they may have to work a bit more on Monday or Tuesday to complete these assignments.
• What types of lunch programs are available to Lower School students?
  At the South Campus, students may purchase a hot lunch or bring a lunch from home. Costs are $2.75 for grades K-2 and $3.00 for grades 3-5. Preschoolers bring a cold lunch each day. Milk is included with a hot lunch, but can be purchased for $.40. Salad bar is available to grades 3-5. Soup and sandwiches are available each day as an alternate. At the Bloomington campus, hot lunches are provided by the Bloomington schools and delivered each day at a cost of $2.35. Students can also bring a cold lunch and can purchase milk for $.35.
• Is child care available before and after school?
  The before and after school child care program is called Fun and Friends. It is available at both the Bloomington and South Campus beginning at 7:00 a.m. and after school until 6:00 p.m. The program also runs during most of the non-school days. For detailed information about this program, please call Lisa Engelmeier, Director of Fun and Friends at 612-728-7745.
• Are there sports or extra music lessons available to Lower School students?
  Students can begin instruction in band or string instruments during the fifth grade year. In addition, students may take private Suzuki violin lessons and/or piano lessons during the school day given by a private instructor at an additional charge. Sports teams begin in 5th grade and are parent-run. These may include soccer, volleyball, and basketball.
• How often are report cards issued?
  Report cards are issued 3 times per year (December, March, and June). Parent conferences are scheduled twice a year (October and March) for Grades Preschool-5.
• How can parents be involved in school?
  Parents generally are very involved in school activities. Many parents volunteer to help in a variety of ways in the classroom, with field trips, or special projects. Some parents serve on the MAPT Board (Minnehaha Academy Parents Together). Parents also are asked to help with all-school fund raising activities such as the arena sale, non-public school marathon, or the auction.