Sanford Middle School

Best school to go to with your kids friends and family

This school has been forgotten by the district ever since they started it. The guy who created the school created it so that our indigenous children had a school of their own where their culture would be prioritized within their education and school life. It has been a home for many of the students that go there, and former students often visit and speak well of their school. The principal is an indigenous woman (the ONLY indigenous woman principal in the district) who is very dedicated to her role as a leader. She is very close to the families and is always ensuring that her school is well run and her students are well taken care of. The district has done a poor job of supporting their school, and they receive many incompetent teachers who are not dedicated to their children or their job. The staff that works there are like a family and treat their students and families as such. The staff that have been there for a long time are very dedicated to their students. They have a lot of struggling children and families, and they do everything in their power to help them through whatever it is that they need. They offer free clothing, jackets and snow pants if the kids need them. They do so much to uplift their children and prepare them for the next school that they will attend. They deal with a lot of issues, and therefore met a lot of challenges. But no matter the challenge, I have seen the staff there go above and beyond to do right by their students. The district doesn't help much that I've seen, even not getting them their own building that they promised 20 YEARS ago. This school is amazing and so is the staff, they are constantly looking out for everyone. They do end up with incompetent teachers that the district sends them. I wish better for this school.

As a parent and employee at Minnehaha Academy, I cannot say enough good things about this school. Both of my children started attending Minnehaha in preschool and now that they are in middle school and upper elementary grades, I can see how the teachers and their experiences have shaped them into the people they are becoming. My children are excited to go to school each day to see their teachers, connect with friends, and participate in all of the activities that the school provides. My middle schooler participates in a variety of extra-curricular activities - the Leadership Institute, Jazz Band, Theater, and Lego League. Because of these offerings and the welcoming and encouraging environment that the teachers provide he has blossomed in confidence and has many areas of interest that he is curious to explore. My child in elementary school enjoys learning and is encouraged by teachers to do her best. The teachers also do an excellent job of giving her assignments and work that meet her at her level, so she can grow and learn at a pace that works for her. As an employee, I am thrilled to work with colleagues who love what they do and strive to do their best every day. Minnehaha is a blessing for my children and our family.

I've been a parent of two MA kids since kindergarten, and I can say this school has been a great blessing!MA offers a rare combination: exceptional academics and deep spiritual formation in a nurturing, values-driven environment. The faculty are highly qualified & deeply invested in my kids’ holistic growth. They challenge students to think critically, lead with integrity. We have even become personal friends with faculty over the years!The community is wonderful. We’ve felt seen and supported. The relationships our kids have with teachers, coaches, and peers are shaping them into confident, compassionate young adults. My kids are highly engaged in their academics and extracurriculars. They've grown as leaders and in confidence because of MA - it's been a blessing to see our children grow and accomplish great things!Minnehaha Academy is an extraordinary choice to prepare your child for college and for life, while grounding them in strong Christian values and confidence.