I'm a former staff member. I was sexually harassed by another staff member of LJA, and when I…read morereported the harassment to a member of Leadership, they responded "well his name is always in your mouth so". Leadership did not take my report seriously at all. According to the handbook, there is "zero tolerance for sexual harassment", but apparently there is if the harasser is popular. The Leadership Team is good in theory, but not in practice because they have clear favorites, and aren't afraid to show it. They operate more like a high school clique, rather than a Leadership team. I brought my concern to the board, but I am still waiting to hear back. This is incredibly disappointing coming from a school that preaches inclusivity and safety. Academically, the school has amazingly talented teachers, staff and scholars, but the way they operate is a complete mess. (My Google review was deleted, but I will not be silenced!!)

Laura Jeffrey Academy is a great place if you are solely seeking single sex education or if you are…read morea D student seeking to be a C student or a C student seeking to be a B-. It is not a good place if you are a solid performer seeking to reach the next level. Also, the focus on STEM is just not there - the Gateway to Technology program was not fully developed when my daughter took classes there. However, in fairness - the staff is dedicated, and the school is new. Hopefully, in 2-3 years this school will be a gem in the St. Paul School System. Right now, make sure your daughter is a good fit for the program in place.

Very mid... This…read moreschool is very meh. The education is good but but all of the people there seem wacky. Not a huge fan of the crowd at CDH. They are very loud and cliquey. A lot of gossip and drama happens and it's a lot. But that's with any high school you go to.

We came here to help deliver meals on wheels on thanksgiving day…read more I think I would have loved being a HS student here. All stone and old unlike my mid 60's faux ranch style HS...

Nice teachers, nice kids, nice principal. Besides the school goop they call "lunch" (aka why I…read morebring my own) this school has made an excellent comeback! I hope it doesn't change when the entire green central kids move over here.

Minnehaha Academy is a traditional college preparatory school that offers pre-K to grade 12…read moreeducation. MA has two beautiful campuses on the bluffs of the Mississippi River with spacious grounds, with about 12 acres each. MA, like many east coast prep schools, was founded by Protestants from Europe. Opening in 1913, the school is affiliated with the Covenant Church (a historic branch the Lutheran Church that is now a separate denomination). MA has a strong commitment to faith with weekly chapel services and taking a traditional approach to teaching religion by having specific religious classes and bringing the topic of religion into other classes as well. This is done with other subjects as well, since many of the humanities and sciences overlap--for example you could have a discussion in history class about science or literature; in this way the student is able to understand the whole story from multiple angles and gain a deeper understanding of the world. The schools commitment to academics is extraordinary, boasting one of the best AP programs in the state, and if the class doesn't have an AP test then the school offers alternatives such as the College in the Schools program where students take a class from the University of Minnesota from one of their teachers and earn college credit. The school has also partnered with various scientific institutions to send a project to the International Space Station each year, joining only two other high schools in the nation that have this honor. The language department is also very excellent offering French, Latin, Spanish and Chinese; all of which start out at high school levels (open to middle school students) and go through college levels. The teachers are highly educated and care very deeply about the students and for many, remain mentors throughout their time at the Academy and their future. Most of the teachers hold masters or doctorate degrees in their area of study. The community of students is kind and caring for each other, and many long lasting friendships are formed. The school also has excellent food and offers breakfast and lunch. MA has a head and sous chef who create healthy and delicious meals and snacks for the students. Breakfast generally has cereal, scones, sandwiches, eggs, pancakes, bacon, et cetera. Lunch offers a salad bar, made to order options, homemade soups and various options including fresh carved pork, turkey, pastas and chicken. The chefs are friendly and take student suggestions seriously and work hard to make the best food possible. The school is also very devoted to the arts and has a entire fine arts center that includes a woodshop, dark room, art room, pottery studio, band room, orchestra room, private practice rooms, art gallery, scene shop, costume shop, concert hall/theater. The school features several performance ensembles including a Concert Band, Symphonic Wind Ensemble, String Orchestra, Symphony Orchestra, Men's Choir, Women's Chorale, Concert Choir and Madrigal singers. Each ensemble has earned top marks at state. The Symphonic Wind Ensemble and Concert Choir go on tour, alternating year to year. The tour locations have included: Prague, Slovakia, Salzburg, Sweden, Italy, Germany, Washington D.C., Chicago among other locations. In the year the ensembles are on break from the tour, they put on variety shows: the bands perform the pops concert and the choirs perform a medieval dinner. The school puts on three plays: musical, play and student run show; each has one various state and sometimes national awards. The school also has top notch athletic facilities including separate soccer and football fields, a full size ice arena, two full size gyms, wrestling room and a weight room. MA's athletic teams have won a combined 4 state championships in the past decade alone and provide very supportive C, JV, and Varsity teams. The school also has many organizations and academic teams. The Debate team, which I captained during my time is one of the state's best, being the only school to have a pair of debaters go to the varsity finals back to back (my partner and I), bringing home a state championship and a 2nd place trophy. The school also offers clubs centering around the environment, music, literature, journalism and writing. The school newspaper and yearbook have won various national awards for journalism, photography, layout, overall achievement, etc. MA really helps students achieve and builds a strong foundation for college through curriculum, advanced academics, supportive staff, and graduation requirements that are similar to most colleges. Many of the students attend private 4 year institutions including St. Olaf, Carlton, Harvard, Yale, Stanford, Boston College, Vanderbilt, University of Chicago, Northwestern and more. Minnehaha Academy has nurtured the minds of some of Minnesota's best students. MA goes farther than the other prep schools in Minnesota: it truly is the place where youth meet truth.

From the owner: The original incorporation from 1905 stated: "The purpose of this institution shall be to furnish…read moreyoung men and women with the essential elements of a liberal education, and to foster the development of character under the personal influence of Christian teachers." On Monday, Sept. 15, 1913, Minnehaha Academy welcomed its first class of high school students. Grades 7 and 8 were added in 1972. In 1981, the land for the South Campus was purchased and a chapel was erected. By 1982, the Lower School served students in Grades 1 through 5. Kindergarten was added in 1985 and preschool in 1995. Students graduate from Minnehaha Academy prepared to excel in any number of fields. Some of our alumni include inventors, a Supreme Court Justice, Authors, War Veterans, an Olympian, Musicians, and many others in notable careers.

My kids went to school here until 6th grade. Amazing teachers, rigorous academics, excellent…read moreencouragement and awards with VIP recognition. Great programs like having a "secret reader" come read to the kids (usually their parent of grandparent) very community driven and taught my kids to study! Highly recommend for anyone searching for a great school for their kid

Fantastic school. Quality education and teachers that care about the students and their progress.read more

Such a frustrating orientation day. One would think they do this every year that clear instructions…read morewould be posted. Wrong directions to auditorium posted and being sent back n forth to tables. No team work. And there all educated hmmm

Southwest was an excellent school for high school. It really made a difference in how I turned out…read moreand was much improved from my middle school. They have so many wide programs in theater, arts, baccalaureate. The school is very diverse and allows students to interact with all kinds of students from different ethnic backgrounds. They always encourage students to come from abroad, so you'll have the chance to meet with people from around the world. They offer PSEO, so you can go to Normandale and get credit for high school and college (although most classes only transfer to U of M and not all private schools accept - look into it). Great neighborhood. Great after school programs. Great teachers. Just awesome!

My kids have multiple swim meets here. The stadium seats are large and the pool has a separate…read morediving area as well as the pool. I believe the Piranhas swim club use this pool of you want to join your kids to a swim club associate to this pool.

they are unfair and they pick and choose the students that they like. A lot of teachers show a lot…read moreof favoritism between students.

Great staff! My son was new there this year and all of the teachers and students were so nice and…read morewelcoming! His teachers are all great and the free breakfast in the morning is a bonus!