FAQ

In the 2021-2022 school year, we had approximately 865 students in grades PK–12.

Minnehaha Academy is committed to class size levels where teachers can teach and learners can learn. There is clear evidence that a teacher’s ability and effectiveness are the most influential determinants of student achievement. To ensure that students make steady academic progress, Minnehaha Academy is committed to hiring high-quality subject-matter experts who provide exemplary instructional programs.

Minnehaha Academy considers student demographic information, grade level, and subject matter when making class size decisions.

Minnehaha Academy uses a formula recommended from the National Association of Independent Schools to show average class size. In PreK-Grade 5, the total number of students in each core classroom is divided by the total number of classroom teachers. In Grades 6-12, the cumulative total number of students in all sections is divided by the total number of sections.

Based on this formula, average class sizes over the past few years:

• 6:1 student ratio for preschool
• 18 for kindergarten
• 20 for grades 1–5
• 18 for grades 6–8
• 20 for grades 9–12

Minnehaha Academy desires to reflect the body of Christ. Our school board has set the goal that our student body would statistically match or exceed the racial diversity of the seven county Twin Cities metro area. Students of color make up 38% of our student body. We continue to seek a balanced representation of students from many cultures.

No, however all Minnehaha students take a Bible class each year and attend weekly Chapel as part of our commitment to our mission to provide high quality education integrating Christian faith and learning. Our community represents over 30 faith denominations and about 85% of our families would consider themselves Christians. 

No, students do not have uniforms. We do ask that our students are appropriately dressed for a Christian school setting.

Upper (High) School: 8:25 a.m. to 2:50 p.m.
Lower (Elementary) and Middle School: 8:35 a.m. to 3:10 p.m.

The admission process ideally begins in the fall of the academic year prior to desired enrollment.   Applications for the first round of admission decisions must be completed by mid December for the upcoming school year. Applications received after January are evaluated on a rolling basis, with qualified students accepted for enrollment until the grade level is filled. A campus visit and a tour can be scheduled at any time during the admission process. For students applying for Grades 2nd - 8th grade, we require exam results to help us in course placement. 

Minnehaha Academy is an academically rigorous private school providing high quality education integrating Christian faith and learning for students from preschool through high school. The application process is open to everyone, and we welcome students of all backgrounds. We believe all people are equal under God, and we are committed to the cultivation of a caring community. Families that apply to Minnehaha Academy are not required to sign a statement of faith.

Minnehaha Academy is a ministry of the Northwest Conference* of the Evangelical Covenant Church. We believe the Bible to be the true Word of God and students will hear the message of the Gospel. Students are required to take a Bible class each year and attend weekly Chapel. We provide the opportunity for students to discover and cultivate their relationship with Jesus Christ as they engage in experiences that integrate Christian faith and learning.

*The Northwest Conference comprises over 140 Covenant Churches and five Bible camps in Minnesota, the Dakotas and western Wisconsin.

The rate varies by preschool program and grade level. See our listing of tuition rates.

Yes. Demonstrated economic need is the major criterion for receiving financial aid.

Yes. Students must be three or four years old by Sept 1 for the preschool program. The preschool emphasizes social development and readiness activities both as preparation for kindergarten and as the foundation for future learning. We offer full and part time options for preschoolers during the school year. Before and after care is also available for an additional fee. 

Yes. Minnehaha offers full day kindergarten programs at our Lower School. Kindergarten applicants must be five years old by the first day of school. Like all Lower School students, our kindergarteners benefit from our Lower School specialists in music, art, foreign language, computers, library science, and physical education.

Minnehaha Academy’s Fine Arts program has long been recognized as one of the best in the state. We have over 20 performing groups at every age and experience level. Students in Middle School and Upper School can select organized athletics and activities including 26 varsity sports (13 for boys, 13 for girls), drama, band, string groups, and vocal groups.

Yes.

The before and after school child care program in the Lower School is called Fun & Friends. It is available at the Lower School beginning at 7 a.m. and after school until 6 p.m. The program also runs during most of the non-school days. Preschool options are available from 8:00 a.m. till 6 p.m.

In addition, for Middle School students, the Yellow Lounge runs from 3:10-6:00 on school days and all day on release days.

For detailed information about these programs, please call (612) 728-7745.

Minnehaha offers transportation for kindergarten through grade 12 students. Transportation is available for families in St. Paul and the suburbs. Minneapolis transportation routes are also available. For more information, visit our Transportation page.