We enrolled our child at the International School of Minnesota (ISM) for the 2025-2026 academic…read moreyear. We were living in New York at the time and, unfortunately, did not tour the campus or read reviews -- a mistake we deeply regret. We paid the $750 non-refundable registration fee and signed the contract, trusting the school's reputation and name. After moving to Minnesota and finally touring ISM in July, we realized it was not the environment we hoped for. Despite calling itself an "International" school, the campus lacked the diversity and inclusiveness we expected. It didn't feel like the right fit for our child, and we submitted a formal withdrawal notice well before the school year started. Our child never attended, never received instruction, and never used any materials or services. Still, the school insisted we pay an additional $3,200 cancellation fee (25% of tuition) -- not based on any actual expenses, just a contract clause. We asked for a breakdown or justification but received none. It feels like a punitive policy that shows no empathy for families. We are immigrants from a different country, and we didn't fully understand how private schools work in the U.S. We assumed it would be similar to our home country's system. Sadly, it was not. We now realize how important it is to tour the school, ask questions, read reviews, and take your time. We also found that the only child chosen to represent ISM at a SABIS competition was the daughter of ISM's executive director. This raised serious concerns about how fairly opportunities are offered to students. Looking back, we would rather lose the $3,200 than ever send our child to a school like this. Even though it hurts to pay for a service we never received, we'd rather walk away than continue this relationship. Please do your own research, don't rush to sign anything, and be wary of being pressured with quick financial aid offers. There are also multiple reviews online about bullying--read them carefully. We hope our experience helps other families avoid the same mistakes. There are much more transparent, inclusive, and fair educational options in Minnesota.

I DO NOT RECOMMEND THIS SCHOOL FOR YOUR KIDS. They make big deals out of the smallest things. There…read morewere kids door dashing food and they had called the whole school for a meeting, yet when a kid tells people to kill themselves, self harm more, and had doxxed them online they let that kid stay with a warning. The student that was getting bullied by that student did try to attempt cause of it. Also what this school does is tell them that saying slurs of any sort is unacceptable as they should, but when a kid goes around calling people racial slurs they just ignore it and act like it's an "accident". It's a very challenging school, yet they have little to no mental health help. The counselor they have is part-time so you essentially have to schedule a mental breakdown. On a side note, one student got groped at a dance and nothing was done, likely because he was male presenting.

Let's just say we've been driving to ISLA for nine years, starting with my daughter who is now in…read moreeighth grade when we could've had the kids take the bus from three houses away. I've been a substitute teacher for seven years, I've subbed at ISLA and I've subbed at about about 50 other schools in the Twin Cities metro. This is an amazing school! They have two classes of every grade from kindergarten to sixth grade. They cap the classes at 25 students. They also have a preschool in the building which is convenient if you have younger children. The school has won awards, it's a blue ribbon school and it's an inter-national baccalaureate school. It's a highly rated charter school in the state of Minnesota. They have a library, a gym, and office in the classrooms. It's an office building that was specifically converted to be a school. I did have to take my daughter out after fourth grade because she needed more special ed help. Most charter schools don't specialize in special ed. They'll do their best because they're legally required to provide those services. But we felt she would be better served in her local school district with a larger team to help her out. Your child to be greeted by name by smiling happy teachers and staff and if you know any Spanish, they will be correcting your pronunciation about a month into kindergarten. No regrets!

My daughter has been at St. Johns for three years now (k through 2nd grade). She loves the school,…read moreand we find the small classes, small intimate student body, wonderful faculty, and stimulating music and arts program to be a wonderful learning environment. If you are looking for a Catholic school in the West Metro, give St. Johns a visit.

best school system in the state of minnesota. enough saidread more

Swim Meet Review!!…read more Edina Gators and Southview Middle School = GOOD JOB. Are you coming here for a swim meet? Things to know = the parking lot is small. There's a second lot on the east side of the school, and you can follow a path alongside the south side of the school to get back to the pool entrance. You can also park in the neighborhood. I've been to all sorts of meets here, smaller one session novice style, four session two day invitationals, and post season meets. They always seem to have a solid snack bar going, with real meal options like walking tacos and fresh fruit and baked goods and coffee, not jsut candy and gatorade. There are tables for people to sit at when your kid isnt swimming. (A gym too, but that's pretty typical) The building has a few nooks that you can walk to if you want to get away from all noise. There is a decent amount of seating. They sell programs, if youre into that. (Sometimes this means the program is not available online. Meh. I can work with that)

Whoa! What a great elementary school. The teacher and staff are attentive and supportive. Found…read morethem to really make a different. My daughter is already reading 5th grade books in kindergarten! Cannot say enough good things!

My daughter is in second grade at St. John's. She has benefitted greatly from the small class…read moresize, wonderful music program, and great faculty. She loves the school. If you are considering Catholic schools in the West Metro, give it a look.