Hiawatha

We only wish now that we would have sent our children to Minnehaha Academy earlier.We removed our 2 children, one in lower school, one in middle school from an "elite" east St Paul private school that boasts of traits that it absolutely does not warrant, and is run first as a business and second as a social justice hub, and then as a school. The education is clunky, with multiple gaps and inconsistent.We started the search for our next school, having never thought to need to move.First for our lower school child, we needed a place where she could thrive, that would spark her curiosity, not dampen her thoughts, but encourage them. Then for our middle schooler, we wanted a place that he could also thrive, and feel safe to explore the origins of conflicts (rather than being indoctrinated without chance to discuss). We found 3 schools, and with the shadow days that revealed bullying that went unchecked in one school, and lack of respect for the teachers in the other, Minnehaha academy came out top.The first few weeks were rocky, learning a new system, carrying the baggage of the old school trauma and more.However, this year, our first full year at Minnehaha academy, we continue to be taken aback by the wonderful teachers, so dedicated to their profession, the educational experience, the fact that middle school has a full-time inhouse wonderful Ed.D counsellor who helps every step of the way with emotional growth of each student. In lower school, our daughter has a math specialist to continue to nurture her love of math that was quashed previously, has opportunities galore for fun and learning.At a time of year where private schools are vying for prospective families to visit, selling their students achievements, our school is humble, continuing the beautiful work of community, volunteering, caring without boasting. It is just infused into Minnehaha Academy alongside the fantastic academics. I will say that the building looks older, but I have come to not care at all. What goes on in the school is priceless, and though upper school is still a year or so away, having visited all around town, IMO the Upper school at Minnehaha is the best around, a wonderful environment for the students to continue their love of learning and sense of self/community. Thank you Minnehaha Academy for allowing us to join. We just wish we had done it years previously!