Student Life

Minnehaha Academy serves approximately 865 students in grades PreK–12.

Class sizes are intentionally designed to support meaningful relationships, active learning, and personal attention from teachers. While sizes vary by grade level and subject, average class sizes are:

• Preschool: 6:1 student-to-teacher ratio

• Kindergarten: ~18 students

• Grades 1–5: ~20 students

• Grades 6–8: ~18 students

• Grades 9–12: ~20 students

These averages reflect Minnehaha’s commitment to creating classroom environments where students are known, supported, and challenged. Smaller class sizes allow teachers to engage students more deeply, adapt instruction to individual needs, and build strong relationships that shape daily student life, while still offering robust classroom dialogue and opportunities.

Minnehaha Academy is a diverse community that seeks to reflect the body of Christ. Students of color make up approximately 38% of our student body, and our school continues to pursue a student population that reflects—or exceeds—the racial diversity of the seven-county Twin Cities metro area.

Diversity at Minnehaha is experienced daily through relationships, classrooms, and community life. Students learn alongside peers from many cultural backgrounds, gaining perspective, empathy, and a deeper understanding of one another in a community grounded in dignity and respect.

No. Minnehaha Academy is a Christian school, but students come from a range of faith backgrounds. About 85% of our families identify as Christian, and our community represents more than 30 Christian denominations, along with families who are exploring faith or hold different beliefs.

As part of our mission, all students take a Bible class each year and attend weekly chapel. These shared experiences are designed to support thoughtful reflection, moral formation, and engagement with Christian faith as it is integrated into learning and daily life—within a community that values respect, openness, and care for one another.

No. Minnehaha Academy does not require students to wear uniforms.

Students are expected to dress appropriately for a Christian school setting, guided by a dress code that supports a respectful, distraction-free learning environment. This allows students to express their individuality while maintaining a shared sense of community and purpose.

School hours vary slightly by division:

• 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.

Minnehaha Academy is committed to ensuring students are known, supported, and cared for—academically, socially, and emotionally.

Support may include classroom teachers, advisors, counselors, learning support staff, and administrators working together to respond to a student’s needs. Whether a student needs extra academic help, help navigating friendships, or support during a challenging season, adults proactively partner with students and families to provide guidance and care.

This team-based approach helps students grow in confidence, resilience, and self-advocacy within a supportive community.

Student well-being is an essential part of daily life at Minnehaha Academy. Through strong relationships and a caring community, students are supported as whole people—mind, body, and spirit.

Advisor groups, counseling support, trusted adults, and a balanced approach to academics and activities all contribute to a healthy school experience. Students are encouraged to care for themselves and one another, develop healthy habits, and seek support when needed.

Minnehaha Academy offers a wide range of opportunities for students to explore interests, develop skills, and build community beyond the classroom.

Students can participate in athletics, arts, clubs, service opportunities, and leadership roles that span a variety of interests and abilities. These experiences help students discover new passions, connect with peers, and grow in confidence and responsibility.

Involvement outside the classroom is an important part of student life and plays a meaningful role in shaping community, character, and belonging.

Faith is woven into daily life at Minnehaha Academy through shared practices, relationships, and learning experiences.

Students participate in weekly chapel, Bible classes, and faith-integrated learning across subjects. Faith also shapes how students treat one another—emphasizing respect, compassion, service, and care for the common good.

Within a community that includes students from a variety of Christian faith backgrounds, students are encouraged to ask questions, think deeply, and grow in understanding as they engage with faith in thoughtful and meaningful ways.