Admissions Frequently Asked Questions

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Q. What organizations accredit Blake? Hide

A. The Blake School is accredited by the Independent School Association of the Central States (ISACS). In addition, the School is a member of The College Board, the Cum Laude Society, the National Association of College Admissions Counselors (NACAC) and the National Association of Independent Schools (NAIS).

Q. What kind of transportation does Blake offer? Hide

A. Blake’s bus fleet travels throughout 30 different west metro cities, conveying students to school conveniently, safely and efficiently, every day. Learn more about benefits, options, routes, rates, and more in the Transportation section of our website here.

Q: Is financial assistance available? Hide

A: Yes. Blake has the largest independent school financial assistance program in the state, with over 3.5 million in need-based aid awarded annually. We are committed to making our education affordable to families from a wide economic range.

Q: Does Blake have a diverse student body? Hide

A: The diversity of our community enriches the educational experience for all and truly allows us to better prepare our students to be culturally competent, responsible and successful world citizens. Students of color comprise about 24 percent of our student body and international students from more than 15 countries have attended Blake in recent years. Blake currently welcomes students from more than 55+ cities and towns in the Twin Cities area. Over 45 languages other than English are spoken in our student’s homes. Socioeconomic diversity is supported by a robust financial aid program that provides need-based assistance to more than 19 percent of the students. Learn more about diversity at Blake and our commitment to pluralism.

Q: How many students are enrolled at The Blake School? Hide

A: Approximately 1,395 students are enrolled overall; roughly 547 in the Lower School, 328 in Middle School and just over 520 at Upper School. Blake graduates approximately 130 students each year. To note: research has shown that a certain number of students per class creates an optimum learning environment. Similarly, a certain number of students per division impacts the overall dynamics and effectiveness of the institution. Blake’s current enrollment is very near this optimal size to preserve both the best of our educational goals and our objectives as a community.

Q: How many students are in each classroom? Hide

A: Blake’s student-adult ratio is 9:1. In Lower School, classrooms have an average of 19 students and the student-teacher ratio is 10:1. Middle School classes average 16 students per classroom and 10-12 in each homeroom. Upper School classes average fewer than 16 students per classroom.

Q: How are the arts and athletics included at Blake? Hide

A: We believe that the arts and athletics are as important to the education of a whole individual as academics. The arts are an essential component of a Blake education, complementing, not competing with, the more traditional academic elements of our program. Therefore, they are integrated directly into our curriculum.

From the first days of pre-kindergarten, throughout the Lower and Middle Schools, and into our elective programs in Upper School, Blake students are singing, acting, drawing, painting, playing instruments and in many other ways making art. Their art is creative; it is courageous; it is beautiful. It is them.

We also believe an essential part of becoming a thoughtful, effective, well-rounded individual is competing on a spirited, successful, well-coached athletic team. The lessons and values learned on playing fields and in gymnasiums help strengthen the character of Blake scholar-athletes as they take on life’s many challenges and competitions.

Q: What foreign languages are taught and when do they begin? Hide

A: All Lower School students are introduced to world languages starting in kindergarten. Our primary goals are for children to learn, from an early age, to appreciate and understand different cultures, and to see the world from many different perspectives. During kindergarten and first grades students explore French. Classes meet twice a week for 20 minutes. In second and third grades students investigate the language and culture of Japan. Japanese is taught twice a week for 20 minutes in second grade and for 25 minutes, twice a week, in third grade. Fourth and fifth graders study Spanish; classes meet three times a week for 30 minutes. Fifth graders also spend a significant amount of time examining language options for Middle School. Spanish, French, Mandarin and Latin are the language choices for grades 6-12. Learn more by visiting Modern & Classical Languages.

Q: Where does community service fit in? Hide

A: Beginning in Lower School, all students participate in community involvement projects that are tied closely to the academic curriculum through our service learning program.

Every Middle School student participates in service learning in which community involvement experiences are woven into the curriculum. Students volunteer at a wide variety of community agencies and their experiences are brought back to the classroom where discussions and specific curricular activities strengthen one’s understanding of issues such as aging, poverty and homelessness.

At the Upper School, Blake students continue to be involved in their school and surrounding communities through service learning. Our location near downtown Minneapolis proves advantageous, providing ready access to scores of service opportunities. Service projects range from helping teach ESL classes for immigrant high school students to hosting parties for disabled residents at Courage Center.

Read more about Blake's service-learning curriculum.

Q: Where can I learn more about The Blake School? Hide

A: Detailed information is available from our Admissions Office and this web site is frequently updated with new information. Of course the best way to get to know us is to visit. To schedule a tour please contact Carey Moe at 952-988-3420. To request an admissions packet, go to Request Admissions Information.

Q: How can I find out if I qualify for need-based financial aid? Hide

A: A financial aid application, completed and submitted to the School and Student Service of Financial Aid (SSS), is the first step. If you are interested in Blake but unsure about your financial options, we encourage you to call Blake’s Director of Financial Aid at 952-988-3424.

Q. What kind of after-school options does Blake offer? Hide

Students at Blake have a wide array of extra-curricular activities available to them to pursue both outside of and during the school day. These include enrichment classes (e.g., Spanish club, math club, chess club), student government, service and activity clubs and academic teams, as well as musical ensembles and theater productions at the secondary level. At the Lower School we offer a robust Extended Day childcare program (3:30-6pm) that provides a safe, fun, home-like atmosphere for students after school.

In addition to the School’s afternoon Extended Day program, Blake offers several other after-school options for PK-5 students. Enrichment classes as well as service and activity clubs (e.g., archery, ballroom dance, boys’ and girls’ service clubs), are offered after school. These activities are sponsored by the Blake Parent Association, and allow for all those interested to participate. Together these opportunities allow students to pursue interests and develop critical-thinking skills, personal awareness, respect, leadership skills and appreciation for a diverse community.