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2019 Best Public High Schools in the Minneapolis-St. Paul AreaAbout this List

The 2019 Best Public High Schools ranking is based on rigorous analysis of key statistics and millions of reviews from students and parents using data from the U.S. Department of Education. Ranking factors include state test scores, college readiness, graduation rates, SAT/ACT scores, teacher quality, and high school ratings. Read more on how this ranking was calculated.

Best Schools
241 results

  1. Minnetonka Senior High School

    • Minnetonka Public School District, MN
    • 9-12
    • 523
    1 Best Public High Schools in Minneapolis-St. Paul Area

    Senior: My experience at MHS has been a complete roller coaster. I’ve met a lot of friends and only one friend has stayed with me throughout these four years I’ve been here! True friendship. The classes I’ve taken over the years have been moderately difficult becuase of my struggle with depression and anxiety. The counseling system here at the high school is the best it’s ever been. They care about what I am struggling with cause trust me, I’ve been in there more than any other student in that school has probably has in the past four years... The one thing that I would want this school to either change or really work on is the BULLYING. I’ve gotten bullied since 8th grade-12 grade by the same group of guys... It’s really affected my self esteem.. I want teachers to address this problem more often to their students and how it can drastically change a students life for the worst becuase it did for me.
    Read 523 Reviews

    • A+
      Overall Niche Grade
    • 3,089 Students
    • 21:1 Student-Teacher Ratio
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  2. Wayzata High School

    • Wayzata Public School District, MN
    • 9-12
    • 350
    2 Best Public High Schools in Minneapolis-St. Paul Area

    Alum: Wayzata is a challenging academic environment. There are many AP and advanced courses that can help you prepare for success in college. The administration provides a ton of resources to aid students in whatever they plan to pursue after high school. There are so many things to do! With over 150 clubs and activities, any person can find something that suits their needs. Wayzata has a beautiful campus with many impressive facilities, including nine gyms, a large cafeteria, and a field for every kind of sport. The school needs to be large to hold a massive student population. There are over 3500 kids at Wayzata!
    Read 350 Reviews

    • A+
      Overall Niche Grade
    • 3,237 Students
    • 18:1 Student-Teacher Ratio
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  3. Edina Senior High School

    • Edina Public School District, MN
    • 10-12
    • 328
    3 Best Public High Schools in Minneapolis-St. Paul Area

    Alum: The new campus is innovative and includes new resources!The security is tight in this new facility but makes sense as the school is modernizing and developing to find its place and cater to the new generations. The teachers are great and are the strength of the school. They participate and encourage students as well to take part of the clubs and their various programs. Their college preparatory courses make you stand out and help you excel in your next path. One thing I wish is to be given the resources to explore different classes. As a senior I realized I never knew that some of these classes existed! Great school, nonetheless.
    Read 328 Reviews

    • A+
      Overall Niche Grade
    • 2,001 Students
    • 20:1 Student-Teacher Ratio
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  5. Eden Prairie Senior High School

    • Eden Prairie Public School District, MN
    • 9-12
    • 548
    4 Best Public High Schools in Minneapolis-St. Paul Area

    Senior: I moved from a private school to Eden Prairie High School for my freshman year and I am very happy I did. I was looking for a big school, to meet new people, more opportunities, and an overall high school experience. As a senior at EPHS, I can gladly say that I have definitely enjoyed my high school experience. This school does an amazing job of representing students for academic achievements, sports, drama and plays, clubs, and many more. My favorite thing about EPHS are pepfests. These whole school celebrations make me feel so happy and proud to be a member of Eagle Nation. Nothing compares to hearing our principal, Mr. McCartan, give a heartwarming speech that makes everyone cry while you're surrounded by your peers. They really help us prepare for post-secondary options and encourage all of us to be the very best versions of ourselves. There are so many supportive resources and people at EP and I honestly would not want to go anywhere else. Once and Eagle, always and Eagle!
    Read 548 Reviews

    • A+
      Overall Niche Grade
    • 2,925 Students
    • 17:1 Student-Teacher Ratio
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  6. Mounds View Senior High School

    • Mounds View Public School District, MN
    • 9-12
    • 298
    5 Best Public High Schools in Minneapolis-St. Paul Area

    Alum: Mounds View may seem like any other high school, with questionable food and a grumpy teacher every now and then. But Mounds View's unique qualities supersede many cliche stereotypes. The school offers a competitive academic environment made evident by its astonishingly bright student populace. In Mounds View, advanced classes are regarded as 'normal'. It is considered taboo to not be enrolled in at least one AP class. The Information and Learning Centre (a glorified library) offers numerous resources for students, from free (3D) printing to free access to laptops, iPads, and the internet. It also boasts a coffee shop, affectionately known as 'Mustang Mocha'. The lunches are okay, with Tuesdays being the most popular for its popcorn chicken. There is always the option to buy non-government subsidised food. But most notable of all at Mounds View are the people. Students & staff (teachers, admins, even the lunch ladies and custodians!) are amiable and bond well despite their differences!
    Read 298 Reviews

    • A+
      Overall Niche Grade
    • 1,781 Students
    • 21:1 Student-Teacher Ratio
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  7. Eagan Senior High School

    • Rosemount-Apple Valley-Eagan Independent School District No. 196, MN
    • 9-12
    • 426
    6 Best Public High Schools in Minneapolis-St. Paul Area

    Alum: Eagan High School was an interesting experience for me. They were very good in preparing the seniors on what to expect when entering college and what courses in my senior year would be helpful for me. The administration was very supportive, but I wasn’t impressed with the counselors. I felt they didn’t help us upon college application time and were not detailed enough with their information on what colleges were looking for and college essay preparation. But all in all, I feel Eagan High School did a pretty good job in preparing me what to expect in college classes .. most of my classes come very easy to me in my freshman year. I think they make the juniors and seniors challenge themselves more academically to go through their freshman year at college with no big surprises. At least that has been my experience and I’m glad I attended Eagan High School.
    Read 426 Reviews

    • A+
      Overall Niche Grade
    • 2,061 Students
    • 21:1 Student-Teacher Ratio
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  8. Sponsored

    Park Christian School

    • Private School
    • Moorhead, MN
    • K-12
    • 41

    Parent: Both of our children graduated from Park Christian School. We loved the warm, safe, friendly atmosphere - that everyone knew us and our children, and cared about them. We also appreciated that they were challenged academically, spiritually, and called to a high standard in friendships and actions. They were grounded deeply in the Word. They were trained to be worship leaders and have gone out to do that in their churches. They were taught to serve. They still serve today. We are very thankful for the well rounded training that they had for life at PCS!
    Read 41 Reviews

    • B+
      Overall Niche Grade
    • 404 Students
    • 11:1 Student-Teacher Ratio
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  9. Orono Senior High School

    • Orono Public School District, MN
    • 9-12
    • 161
    7 Best Public High Schools in Minneapolis-St. Paul Area

    Junior: I almost went to a high school with nearly 5 times more students than Orono, but I decided to stay in Orono Schools because leaving the community was too hard to imagine. Although the diversity is terrible (it’s improving in the elementary school) and it’s irritating to see how sheltered the students are, there’s a strong sense of community from involved parents and teachers who genuinely care. There’s a family feel and despite being small, Orono offers many opportunities. It’s basically a public prep school. Most students take AP classes and the chances of standing out in a club activity are much higher than in bigger schools. There have been a few teachers that have been dissapointing, but not enough for me to regret staying at Orono. Overall I’ve been pleased with my education here and would recommend it to students who wish to go to a prep school but don’t want to pay the tuition. Just remember that “The Orono Bubble” has become a universal term here.
    Read 161 Reviews

    • A+
      Overall Niche Grade
    • 957 Students
    • 18:1 Student-Teacher Ratio
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  10. Eastview Senior High School

    • Rosemount-Apple Valley-Eagan Independent School District No. 196, MN
    • 9-12
    • 335
    8 Best Public High Schools in Minneapolis-St. Paul Area

    Sophomore: What I love about Eastview is that it has a very positive, growth mindset environment. The teachers and staff try and accommodate to each student’s situation and abilities to try and beat prepare them for their future whether it be college, the military, or right into the workforce. Eastview especially highlights and pushes student’s ability to think independently and hold them to a high standard. What I would like changed is opportunities to students who aren’t taking all honors/AP classes and more flexible options on those classes so more students can be a part in some of those classes.
    Read 335 Reviews

    • A+
      Overall Niche Grade
    • 2,223 Students
    • 22:1 Student-Teacher Ratio
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  11. Woodbury Senior High School

    • South Washington County School District, MN
    • 9-12
    • 393
    9 Best Public High Schools in Minneapolis-St. Paul Area

    Senior: Woodbury high school is great! The teachers and curriculum prepare you for college. All of my teachers are respected, educated, and really seem to be passionate about what they do. I’m thankful I have been able to attend such an awesome school.
    Read 393 Reviews

    • A+
      Overall Niche Grade
    • 1,895 Students
    • 21:1 Student-Teacher Ratio
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  13. St. Croix Preparatory Academy Upper School

    • Public School
    • Stillwater, MN
    • 9-12
    • 118
    10 Best Public High Schools in Minneapolis-St. Paul Area

    Alum: At the time I went to St Croix Prep, it was a very small school, only about 50 in my graduating class. As it was a charter school, it had the accessibility of a public school while having the individualized attention of a smaller private school. The only issue with the charter school setup is that there is less funding and diversity in clubs and other activities. Parent donations seem to have improved this situation over the years though. This allowed for close connections with all my classmates, so bullying was never an issue. Our teachers were top-notch, usually having or pursuing their doctorate. Seminars and open discussions were encouraged, mimicking College scenarios and active engagement with the subject matter. All students were actively involved with preparing and applying to colleges, and time for college advisement was made available almost weekly. It was definitely a large reason why I was able to get in to my dream college.
    Read 118 Reviews

    • A+
      Overall Niche Grade
    • 350 Students
    • 14:1 Student-Teacher Ratio
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  14. Math & Science Academy

    • Public School
    • Woodbury, MN
    • 6-12
    • 47
    11 Best Public High Schools in Minneapolis-St. Paul Area

    Senior: The Math and Science Academy is located in Woodbury, Minnesota. The environment is very safe, and students feel welcomed at the school. The teachers are invested in their students' success, and the curriculum is very rigorous. Though the school size and student body is very small, a high percentage of the students take advanced courses through AP and PSEO, and the graduating students rank high for college readiness. The clubs and activities offered at the school are diverse and well-run, however, the sports teams are small and do not play at the level of other schools in the district.
    Read 47 Reviews

    • A+
      Overall Niche Grade
    • 503 Students
    • 16:1 Student-Teacher Ratio
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  15. Chanhassen High School

    • Eastern Carver County Public Schools, MN
    • 9-12
    • 253
    12 Best Public High Schools in Minneapolis-St. Paul Area

    Alum: I graduated from Chanhassen High School in 2013, being the first class to attend, ninth through twelfth grade. I was anxious, alongside my classmates, to see how the brand new school would be in comparison to Chaska High School, the school our district outgrew. We were all incredibly pleasantly surprised to see the incredible school spirit, amazing teachers, beautiful building and countless activities to be involved in. Although I was not the most studious of students at the time, I look back fondly on those years, as my teachers and all the staff truly cared about me and wanted to see me succeed. I actually am looking to intern at Chanhassen, as a guidance counselor, in hopes of working there one day. I love this school and this district!
    Read 253 Reviews

    • A+
      Overall Niche Grade
    • 1,678 Students
    • 19:1 Student-Teacher Ratio
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  18. Nova Classical Academy Upper School

    • Public School
    • Saint Paul, MN
    • 6-12
    • 50
    13 Best Public High Schools in Minneapolis-St. Paul Area

    Works Here: This is my first year teaching at Nova but I am very impressed. The attitude is one of service among teachers and administration alike. Everyone cooperates for the benefit of the students. No student is left behind or passed along - if one is struggling everyone works together for the best solution. The curriculum is very rigorous - at least 1.5 years above the last school I taught at (and it was a private school). The culture is respectful toward all and with an attitude of continuous growth. Great school!
    Read 50 Reviews

    • A+
      Overall Niche Grade
    • 462 Students
    • 15:1 Student-Teacher Ratio
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  19. Mahtomedi Senior High School

    • Mahtomedi Public School District, MN
    • 9-12
    • 166
    14 Best Public High Schools in Minneapolis-St. Paul Area

    Senior: I liked the academic programs at Mahtomedi high school. Most of their teachers are great and really care about their students. They also have a really good special ed program! I did not like the students however, because they like to party.
    Read 166 Reviews

    • A+
      Overall Niche Grade
    • 1,166 Students
    • 20:1 Student-Teacher Ratio
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  20. School of Environmental Studies

    • Rosemount-Apple Valley-Eagan Independent School District No. 196, MN
    • 11-12
    • 105
    15 Best Public High Schools in Minneapolis-St. Paul Area

    Alum: SES is easily one of the most unique and well-staffed educational bodies in the United States. It enrolls only high school juniors and seniors, which increases the amount of personal interaction between staff and students effectively, as well as maintains a more highly developed and mature atmosphere. A large portion of the students' time is dedicated to projects and writings completed through their "House" class, which covers the Science, English, and Social Studies credits. SES does not employ tests in their curriculum-- instead, the student is assigned research-based or creative projects that they are given early in the year, with deadlines that they are expected to keep track of and be responsible for on their own. The amount of freedom and responsibility is similar to an early college environment, and is exceptional at developing time management, planning, resource utilization and creative skills. Extracurricular activities can still be completed at a student’s home high school.
    Read 105 Reviews

    • A+
      Overall Niche Grade
    • 437 Students
    • 22:1 Student-Teacher Ratio
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  21. East Ridge High School

    • South Washington County School District, MN
    • 9-12
    • 325
    16 Best Public High Schools in Minneapolis-St. Paul Area

    Sophomore: East Ridge High School, home of the Raptors, is a young and thriving school. East Ridge was established in 2009, and since then has fostered an engaging learning environment through dozens of clubs, activities, and classes to choose from as well as an incredibly supportive staff. Over the last year, the people I have met and competed alongside have helped to shape me into a more round person. I've learned how to be more compassionate, accepting, and how to be more engaged in my studies. I am proud to call East Ridge High School my home, and will continue to do so for the next three years!
    Read 325 Reviews

    • A
      Overall Niche Grade
    • 1,809 Students
    • 21:1 Student-Teacher Ratio
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  22. Chaska High School

    • Eastern Carver County Public Schools, MN
    • 9-12
    • 170
    17 Best Public High Schools in Minneapolis-St. Paul Area

    Senior: My over all experience was good! I loved all the teachers that I had throughout the 4 years. The teachers were also there to help me out whenever I needed. One thing I would change is the hybrid class setting. Originally they were meant to feel like a college setting. This year I’m in two different hybrid classes and neither of them feel like a college class. We attend class every day vs going to class two or three days a week and homework to complete during non class time. I think they need to change it to where they feel like college class because they want to prepare us for college and I think that is a great way to get us ready.
    Read 170 Reviews

    • A
      Overall Niche Grade
    • 1,373 Students
    • 19:1 Student-Teacher Ratio
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  25. Rosemount Senior High School

    • Rosemount-Apple Valley-Eagan Independent School District No. 196, MN
    • 9-12
    • 255
    18 Best Public High Schools in Minneapolis-St. Paul Area

    Senior: There is really no place I rather be. Rosemount has lots of unique classes that pertain to everyone's liking from Forensics to Mechanics. The teachers are outstanding, they really do a great job in helping us students succeed. They believe there job is more then just a paycheck. Rosemount High is great at preparing students for the future especially with all the skills they teach us throughout our 4 long years. Although it is a great school, it could use a lot more clubs that relate to more students. Such as more Diversity clubs or volunteer clubs for the less fortunate or maybe even a LGBTQ club, why not!
    Read 255 Reviews

    • A
      Overall Niche Grade
    • 2,148 Students
    • 20:1 Student-Teacher Ratio
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  26. Irondale Senior High School

    • Mounds View Public School District, MN
    • 9-12
    • 295
    19 Best Public High Schools in Minneapolis-St. Paul Area

    Alum: I went to Irondale for all of my four years of high school, and I am so happy I did. There are many opportunities for involvement. Whether it be sports or music, Irondale has it all. I am currently attending the U of M, and I was able to come into the U with 40 credits. Irondale was a huge support by providing and suggesting many AP classes. I am also grateful for the great diversity at Irondale. Overall I would highly suggest this school!
    Read 295 Reviews

    • A
      Overall Niche Grade
    • 1,682 Students
    • 19:1 Student-Teacher Ratio
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  27. Mound-Westonka High School

    • Westonka Public School District, MN
    • 8-12
    • 63
    20 Best Public High Schools in Minneapolis-St. Paul Area

    Junior: Mound-Westonka is a small school with big opportunities! From sports teams to clubs, there are many opportunities for every student to find where they fit best. Undergoing a recent renovation there is now a preforming arts center and sports facility on campus of the High school!
    Read 63 Reviews

    • A
      Overall Niche Grade
    • 830 Students
    • 22:1 Student-Teacher Ratio
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  28. Apple Valley Senior High School

    • Rosemount-Apple Valley-Eagan Independent School District No. 196, MN
    • 9-12
    • 183
    21 Best Public High Schools in Minneapolis-St. Paul Area

    Senior: My experience at Apple Valley High School has been great. I love my teachers and how they put effort into their jobs. I feel very close with some of my teachers and feel safe in their classrooms. They are currently reconstructing the front entrance and will keep expanding their renovations through these next few years. We are a STEM school, which is great for future access to people and experience. Our schools' wrestling and basketball teams are incredible. I've loved all the extracurricular activities I've been in which include, mock trial, softball, Women's Choir, Varsity Edition Choir, Jazz singers, R&B Band, Broadway singers, Musical theater, and Volleyball. It is a great place to learn and grow.
    Read 183 Reviews

    • A
      Overall Niche Grade
    • 1,648 Students
    • 18:1 Student-Teacher Ratio
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  29. Prior Lake High School

    • Prior Lake-Savage Area Schools, MN
    • 9-12
    • 335
    22 Best Public High Schools in Minneapolis-St. Paul Area

    Senior: I love the parent involvement at PLHS. The sporting events and teams are beyond fabulous. Girls Lacrosse is a close knit family. Our new Coach Heather Pierson is going to make this program excel even more. I do appreciate the strict rules around drinking and drugs as well. PLHS has the highest punishment time if you are an athlete that breaks the rules. The teachers at PLHS are very down to earth, helpful and approachable. I have not only learned academically at PLHS but I have also grown as a person. I have been taught how to love and appreciate all walks of life. The facility at PLHS have taught us that each and everyone of us has a purpose on this earth and we can ALWAYS find good in everyone. The only downfall to PLHS is the community is loved by so many and because of that the populations has outgrown our facility. We need to expand to meet the needs of our growing community. I will raise my children in PLHS! Go Lakers! Love this community!
    Read 335 Reviews

    • A
      Overall Niche Grade
    • 2,562 Students
    • 23:1 Student-Teacher Ratio
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  30. Review Your School

  31. Henry Sibley High School

    • West St. Paul-Mendota Heights-Eagan Area School District No. 197, MN
    • 9-12
    • 225
    23 Best Public High Schools in Minneapolis-St. Paul Area

    Alum: I really enjoyed my experience at Sibley. I was very involved in sports (soccer, hockey, golf), clubs (Key Club, National Honor Society, Bible Study), and many other activities. The best thing at Sibley is that there are so many different sports, clubs, and organizations to get involved in. The teachers there are also very invested in your learning and success--they don't have problems with you coming in outside of class time to get help, they encourage it! There is a wide variety of classes to take, with different levels (AP, Advanced courses), along with many different elective options. My favorite classes were in the Technology Education department. I absolutely loved the engineering class I took as well as Metals and Super Mileage Car Design. Although there weren't too many other girls in those classes, they really prepared me to pursue Engineering in college. Overall, I think that Sibley helped me a lot in my preparations for college.
    Read 225 Reviews

    • A
      Overall Niche Grade
    • 1,330 Students
    • 19:1 Student-Teacher Ratio
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  32. Southwest Senior High School

    • Minneapolis Public School District, MN
    • 9-12
    • 359
    24 Best Public High Schools in Minneapolis-St. Paul Area

    Senior: Teachers are amazing, some of the most inspirational people I have met. I love being able to take a wide variety of classes. Academics are pretty stressful and the atmosphere is sometimes very competitive. The diversity is not very good but there is a lot of activism within our school which creates an inclusive environment. The administration is terrible and does not fully invest in the students, they seem to care more about maintaining its status as an IB school and not trying to better anything else such as the arts or student clubs. They also have good intentions on keeping the school safe but it ends up turning into a mess and teachers are never informed on the things going on in our school and in the neighborhood, especially if it concerns our safety because they just try to cover it up.
    Read 359 Reviews

    • A
      Overall Niche Grade
    • 1,757 Students
    • 19:1 Student-Teacher Ratio
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  33. Maple Grove Senior High School

    • Osseo Public School District, MN
    • 9-12
    • 376
    25 Best Public High Schools in Minneapolis-St. Paul Area

    Senior: I love the community of Maple Grove Senior High! The teachers want you to do the best you can and the students are respectful. I've enjoyed my experience there and will miss the life long friends I've made there when I go off to college. I have been involved in many extracurricular activities at MGSH and I've been supported in each and every one. The people I've been surrounded by at MGSH have supported and lifted me up. I wouldn't have been as successful without all off them. One negative is the cafeteria lunches but what school lunch is really that good?
    Read 376 Reviews

    • A
      Overall Niche Grade
    • 2,271 Students
    • 23:1 Student-Teacher Ratio
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  34. Sponsored

    Heritage Christian Academy

    • Private School
    • Maple Grove, MN
    • PK, K-12
    • 29

    Parent: Heritage Christian Academy has been a great school for our children to attend. We are serious about our children being taught from the Bible - this school does it! Teachers, staff, and administration love the Lord and demonstrate that in the many ways they care for students. Academics are emphasized in a way that makes our kids want to achieve high grades and test scores. The athletic and fine arts programming as enriched our kids' experience. There are very strong athletic teams with opportunities for our kids to participate at the highest levels. We are appreciative of way the administration and teachers have invested in our lives as a family.
    Read 29 Reviews

    • A
      Overall Niche Grade
    • 431 Students
    • 12:1 Student-Teacher Ratio
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  35. Sponsored

    Minnehaha Academy

    • Private School
    • Minneapolis, MN
    • PK, K-12
    • 64

    Parent: Minnehaha Academy is a fantastic school on all levels! Teaching to the whole child (academics, art, athletics, spiritual, etc.) is of utmost important to the amazing faculty and staff at this PreK-12 school. Students are supported to grow and mature to their full potential while recognizing their gifts and talents that they can use in service to others. As parents of two current students and as educators ourselves, quality and rigor of a full spectrum education is of utmost importance to us. We would not hesitate to recommend others to attend Minnehaha Academy and be part of the beautiful community and family feel this school provides.
    Read 64 Reviews

    • A+
      Overall Niche Grade
    • 810 Students
    • 10:1 Student-Teacher Ratio
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