Mission Statement

The Blake School provides students with an excellent, academically challenging education in a diverse and supportive community committed to a common set of values. Students are expected to participate in an integrated program of academic, artistic and athletic activities in preparation for college, life-long learning, community service, and lives as responsible world citizens.

Values

Respect - We care for and respect each other and ourselves. An openness to that which is different, a commitment to pluralism and a strong sense of justice are important to our sense of community.

Love of Learning - Curiosity, discovery, a sense of awe, creativity and a passion for knowing are all central to our mission at Blake. Scholarship, academic excellence, superior teaching and a climate of active intellectualism mark our work.

Integrity - Honest, moral, considerate and fair behavior is expected of all members of the Blake community.

Courage - We prize both intellectual and ethical courage. We recognize the need to ensure that all feel both free and safe to take risks. Intellectual independence, a belief in and knowledge of oneself and perseverance are all elements in this commitment to courage

Points of Distinction

Small Classes, Individual Attention

Our size allows us to sustain an environment in which each student is well known by adults who encourage them to explore new interests and master concepts. Our adult-to-student ratio of 9-to-1 is one of the reasons we are able to provide personalized support to every child, in every class, every year. We know our students by face, by name, by heart and by mind.

Challenging Curriculum

Last spring and for the second year in a row, Blake’s senior class (2011) had the highest percentage (12 = 9% of the class) of National Merit Semi-Finalists in Minnesota. An additional 16 students were Commended. In the Achievement Scholars program, one student was named as a Semi-Finalist while another two were Commended. The total being recognized in the class of 2011 was 31 (23%) students. Blake offers 14 AP courses including: statistics, calculus, biology, chemistry, physics, European history, French language, French literature, Spanish language, and studio art.

Preeminent Faculty

As an independent (private) school with no religious affiliations, Blake has the freedom to choose the faculty that will best serve the students. Over 73 percent of our faculty members have masters, PHDs or other advanced degrees. Their expertise allows students to learn at a much deeper level.

In addition, at Blake, our dedication to the craft of teaching is evident in our Effective Teaching Initiative (ETI) as well as our comprehensive professional development program. Nationally recognized for its innovated facets, the School’s commitment to best practices and teacher training is resolutely student-centric and always correlates to improved student learning.

Diversity & Inclusion

Blake is committed to reflecting the multicultural and multi-racial community of the Twin Cities. We honor diversity in its many forms because it is our steadfast belief that multiple perspectives and experiences are core to educational excellence and strengthen a school community.

Over the past 10 years, Blake has established a series of successful programs all of which contribute directly to Blake’s commitment to diversity and inclusion, and for preparing our students for a global community. Two core principles define Blake’s commitment to pluralism: Excellence through Equity and Empathy through Engagement.

World Citizenship

Our commitment to fostering world citizens and preparing our students for a global society informs our burgeoning off-campus study opportunities, language options and much more. In recent years, Blake’s community has been enriched by international students from more than 30 countries. In addition, Blake students study abroad in Switzerland, Mexico, France, Italy, China, Spain and England.

College Preparatory

Blake’s impressive college matriculation illustrates the strength of our academic program and the success of our students, as well as the breadth and depth of college options for our graduates. From Harvard, Princeton and Stanford to universities of Minnesota, Wisconsin, Illinois to John Hopkins, NYU and Colby College, Blake students have the support and leadership to research, prepare/apply to and matriculate to schools of best fit. Of note, in a recent survey 95% of Blake’s young alumni agreed or strongly agreed that “Blake provided me with a comprehensive college preparation.”

Athletics

Blake’s policy ensures every student has a chance to participate in a quality athletic experience, and we provide options for extracurricular sports starting in the Middle School. The School offers more than 30 sports and fields over 50 teams. We’re proud of the fact that Blake has won more than 37 state championships in recent years.

Arts

The Blake School believes so firmly in the intrinsic value of the arts and their role in helping students succeed in life that art is part of the School's mission. As a result, every student from Pre-K through 12 participates in a wealth of arts classes and activities designed to cultivate age-appropriate talents as well as an appreciation of the artistic process and the role of arts in society.

Blake Graduates

Blake alumni are scattered around the world and throughout the Twin Cities, and demonstrate outstanding leadership, achievement and influence in their chosen fields and communities. They are artists, politicians, producers, writers, scientists, civic leaders, business people, professional athletes, educators and much more. Classmates remain connected personally and professionally, for life.

Campus Life

It is hard to capture campus life at Blake in just a few words or pictures. There is always something remarkable happening on each of our three campuses - in the classrooms, on the fields, in the hallways, art studios and beyond. Visit Blake and you will experience talented children eager to learn, each offering a unique perspective to our vibrant community. You’ll meet our teachers, coaches, artists — all dedicated to bringing out the best in each student.

Note that Blake is an independent school. Independent schools enjoy the freedom to develop their own curricula and to choose the faculty that will best serve the students. At Blake, you’ll find a program with a uniquely integrated mix of academics, athletics and the arts; one that stresses community involvement, diversity, inclusion and world citizenship; and one that incorporates a thoughtful use of new technology and leading-edge teaching strategies. Blake is a place where it's okay to take risks, where effort is recognized, and where there is support for everyone to succeed.

Blake campus life is joyous, passionate, engaged, hardworking, creative, intense and so much more. We invite you to come experience it yourself on a tour or visit!