Cyber Village Academy

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!

Don’t expect any parents, teachers, or administrators to validate, support, or advocate with you if your child struggles. The community of parents, teachers, and even Administration make it clear, you and your children are the problem. Teachers and administration also live in other cities and communities blind to how their harsh judgement and archaic policies negatively impact neighborhood family relationships, especially for families/kids of color and kids with disabilities.

My daughter started at Sunny Hollow in the casa program right before her 3rd birthday. Because of the drop off at the door policy, and our need for after care due to full time employment, we never saw or met her teachers. We had no clue what was happening in the school. We received a handful of random photos, but requests for additional information on the Montessori system, or desperate pleas for any information on what our tiny kiddo was doing during the day went unmet. I met with the administration to share my concerns, and was told SH was in a “time of transition”. Meanwhile I watched significant social emotional regression in my kid. It was obvious she wasn’t interacting with others during the day, and eventually I was allowed to sign up for a 20 minute classroom observation. I was actually allowed to watch for 13 minutes before being told to go- but in that time I watched my 3 year old polishing glass on her own (what?!) with no acknowledgement by any adult or other child the entire time. I almost walked her out right there. Montessori isn’t for everyone - but it would help to have ANY communication on what it was and what a toddler was doing so I could connect with her on it at home. We pulled her after 6 months, and were forced to pay 2 additional months’ tuition. After our decision was made, my 3 year old told me her teacher said she needed new boots because her feet were chilly every day- but no adult told me. Nobody told me when she ran out of soy milk, or she needed new clothes or masks or anything remotely normal for a childcare location either. My kid went to a school focused on social emotional growth and the difference has been beautifully staggering. Do not recommend this school.

Extremely happy with the integrity of Highland Catholic. Supportive teachers, fantastic families, diverse and inclusive extra-curricular activities. Highland Catholic sets students up for success well-beyond the classroom.