Benilde - St. Margaret's School

Here is an objective, unbiased view from a recent graduate (class of 2011). The administration does genuinely care about students, their experiences and success. Principal Skinner more so than President Tift. Many teachers, especially in the English/liberal arts programs, care about students and are willing to go out of their way to help. The math and science programs are just average, we only have 1 AP science class where Edina, Minnetonka, etc. have many. Overall, BSM is a very easy academic school for the gifted student, we don't have IB, not too many APs (the social studies AP classes are awful, look at our AP test scores), but if you are just average, then go here. The kids overall are great. There are many kids who are very smart and just not challenged enough, even when taking all the hardest classes. Luckily our college counselors are pretty good. The reason we have good college placement is because we have motivated students, not good classes or teachers. The sports scene is fantastic, no doubt about that. Oh and the ACS program is a joke. It looks good when applying to college but you don't actually do anything. Overall, a good school, but not $12,000/year good.

Benilde prepared me for college, as I knew very well how to study. I had at least 3-4 hours of homework and studying every evening. And, I participated in sports, right after school. I had some of the best teachers I could ask for, especially Math, English, Religion, Social Studies, French. The sports were so-so, but I was there for the academics anyway. I met some great, life-long friends at BSM. The one drawback that stands out the most, is the competitive nature of the social scene. Most of the students come from affluent backgrounds, with a lot of disposable incomes. I felt "out of the crowd" because I didn't come from alot of money, and I didn't drink and "party" like many of my classmates. Overall, I did get a fabulous education, which prepared me for a great college. The social aspect is one thing I wish were different. - Former Student

BSM continues to dissapoint. Not only is the continued emphasis by the president on sports and dumping millions into new fields, staduim and other sports programs continues, there is less and less religious emphasis. Now drugs are running wild on campus and on school sponsored functions there is drug use and alchohol. Although the teachers are good in most cases much of adminstration is blindly pushing forward on increasing enrollment while the morals and values of the school spiral down and a blind eye is turned from students that should not be enrolled there. Also tuition has again gone way up while the actual teaching hours will be going down. It is obvious to many of us that the goals of the school are not in the values of morality and academics but the value of a buck.
--Submitted by a parent

BSM is my dream school. The teachers really care about their students and their success. BSM has a range of classes which includes very challenging courses. BSM is my family and anyone is welcomed into this amazing community.

Not worth the money. Send a kid to public school. Administration does not care about its students. The teachers are pretty good but the higher ups are difficult to deal with.
--Submitted by a student

My child has been taught more in 2 years at BSM then 7 years at the Osseo district. It is an exceptional school, and I would recommend it to anyone.
--Submitted by a parent

BSM is THE school of choice in the Minneapolis/St. Paul area. It is college prep with a strong emphasis in service learning. It is one of only a very few schools that has a full time service learning coordinator, and has recently added a wellness component, for students and faculty and staff. It offers a uniquely caring experience that includes faith formation, academic rigor, social responsibility, and extensive extracurricular activities. Students are educated to be leaders for a global society. It is an absolute joy to work in this community!
--Submitted by a teacher

The Administration does not care about their students. They do a terrible job accommodating students with IEPs. I would not send my child here for any amount of money. Send your kids to public schools.
--Submitted by a student

Wow, we are very impressed with this school. Terrific teachers, wonderful principal and parents that really care about their kids. Highly recommend for high school kids coming from large public schools. They will really appreciate the opportunities there are for students to get involved in a variety of activities or sports. Very welcoming environment and friendly environment.
--Submitted by a parent

BSM has exceeded our expectations. We have three totally different children and all are having active, challenging, engaging and fulfilling experiences. Our oldest graduated with superb preparation, an excellent choice of colleges, and is having an outstanding college experience. He consistently notes how BSM prepared him intellectually and emotionally for life beyond high school. Our other two children are having different but similar experiences. Inspiring and caring teachers, a vast array of opportunities including mission trips and study abroad experiences, and a school community that has an infectious spirit shaped by the high level of student and parent involvement. Finally, BSM is a Catholic community that is inclusive and respects the importance of faith. We live in a nationally-ranked school district, but sought a culture that put more emphasis on servant leadership and pushed each individual to strive for a higher personal standard. BSM is that place. Go Red Knights!
--Submitted by a parent