UPPER SCHOOL
World of possibilities
“Blake has uncovered my true personality and has shown me my faults and my gifts. At a place where image doesn’t matter, I have had nothing to hide behind as I did before.I am more than thankful for the challenge. I always thought that the day my life as a high school student ended, I’d be more than ready to move on. But now the day is approaching that I’ll walk through those doors for the last time and I’m just not ready to say good-bye.
Upper School student assembly speech
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If a single word could define the Upper School, it would be opportunity. Students are given a myriad of options and the support and freedom to choose their course of study and exercise their growing social and academic maturity. The range of choices and resources allows a variety of students to thrive at Blake — the scholar, the artist and the athlete can all achieve success.
Our rigorous curriculum is designed to foster intellectual curiosity and critical thinking, and students are encouraged to question both the philosophical and the practical. They are challenged to think independently and to seek the best in themselves and others. Our faculty and staff, and their commitment, talent, and love of learning, serve as the best of examples. Our teachers, most of whom hold advanced degrees, are trained in their area of specialty and are committed to running student-centered classrooms.
The Upper School offers curricular options across all disciplines and enrichment experiences such as accelerated classes, College in the Schools classes and independent senior projects. Advanced Placement work is offered in 14 subjects and students may choose from a wide range of electives, for example there are 18 different classes in social studies and 12 electives in visual arts. Additionally, our proximity to downtown Minneapolis offers a wide variety of cultural opportunities at sites such as the government center, the Walker Art Center, the Minnesota College of Art and Design and a number of local museums and theaters.
 Instructional classes are small, averaging fewer than 16 students, with an average graduating class of 120. This allows for in-depth teacher/student partnerships in which every student is more actively involved. In addition, our strong student support system — including grade deans, advisors and counselors — ensures that every student will be well-known and provided with nurturing guidance. Faculty become involved in the lives of their students and support them both in and out of the classroom, often chaperoning trips or coaching academic and athletic teams.
To further the school’s goal of educating responsible world citizens, Blake is committed to providing off-campus study options, including international travel. Students may spend either a semester or a year abroad, or travel with faculty during school vacations. A Blake student may select among several foreign languages, choose electives such as Global Communities, South Africa/India Studies or Class and Race in America, and participate in simulations of peace negotiations and Model United Nations.
The visual and performing arts, and the art of communication are priorities in the Upper School. Students select the courses that interest them most, such as band, choir, jazz ensembles, new media, ceramics, photography, drama and debate. They are encouraged to explore various avenues of expression. Newly renovated facilities include a black box theater as well as expanded art studios and choral and band spaces.
During the senior year, every student gives a speech before the entire Upper School community. Regarded as a senior highlight, and long a tradition at Blake, the speech offers students a chance to express personal insights and conclusions drawn from their unique experiences. Blake’s Senior Program allows students to develop an independent study program for the final quarter of senior year. With the guidance of a faculty advisor, students may choose to explore potential career options, do community service, travel to experience new cultures and practice languages, or explore artistic endeavors.
 Athletics are an important component of the Upper School too, as sportsmanship, teamwork, and leadership are some of the valuable skills a Blake graduate learns. Blake’s policy ensures every student has a chance to participate in a quality athletic experience. The school offers more than 30 sports and fields over 50 teams. We’re proud of the fact that Blake has won 35 state championships in recent years. Most Upper School students participate on at least one Blake team and many are three-season athletes.
A wide variety of co-curricular activities provide options for involvement and leadership during after-school hours. Formal student government and judiciary committees also afford students a way to work on behalf of their peers. Activity options include the literary arts magazine, Quiz Bowl, Knowledge Bowl, Debate Team, Science Bowl, Math Team, Multicultural Awareness Club, yearbook, school newspapers and the Environmental Club. Students may also create new clubs that reflect their individual interests.
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. By the time they are at the Upper School, many Blake students have developed a desire to volunteer on their own as well. Service projects range from helping teach ESL classes for immigrant high school students to hosting parties for disabled residents at Courage Center. Students also travel outside the Twin Cities to work on projects such as Habitat for Humanity and political campaigns.
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“I was more prepared [for] college than most of my fellow students — especially when it came to writing.”
Blake alumni survey response
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 College bound. For more than a century, Blake students have matriculated to a wide variety of colleges and universities. Large universities, small colleges, city schools, rural schools, public universities, private colleges, art schools, business schools, engineering schools — the choices are many. Our recent alumni survey reveals an overwhelming majority of our students felt well prepared for their next step after Blake. Our college counseling program works toward the best match for every student and provides a comprehensive guidance program for students and parents to design a successful search.
During the junior year, students participate in conference groups to prepare and explore specific college options. Topics include understanding college requirements, preparing a list of colleges for consideration, and assessing colleges for “fit.” During the senior year, options are refined and applications are completed with the help of the college counselors. Blake’s college counseling staff is recognized nationally and contributes to professional organizations at the state and national level.
For more in-depth information about Blake’s college counseling program, please visit College Counseling.
We invite you to experience Blake’s Upper School for yourself. To schedule a visit, call us at 952-988-3420.
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“The education/college prep I received at Blake was excellent — I was much better prepared when I arrived at college than I would otherwise have been. Blake also opened my eyes to a wider range of college options than I would have otherwise considered.”
Blake alumni survey response
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