Founded in 1900, The Blake School is an independent, coeducational day school (Pre-K-12) with campuses in Minneapolis (grades 9-12) and Hopkins (grades PK-8).
Blake provides a strong liberal arts education with a challenging curriculum that integrates academics, arts and athletics.
Approximatley1,330 students attend Blake, coming from more than 54 Twin Cities' communities.
Tuition: $19,915 - $39,045 Financial Assistance: $8.6 million in need-based assistance is awarded annually to approximately 25 percent of the student body.
Quick Stats (2024-25)
- Top Ranked MN School
- Grades: Prekindergarten-12
- Enrollment: 1,334 students
- Acceptance rate: 52%
- Average class size: 16 students
- Application Deadline: Jan. 31 / rolling
- Source: Verified school update
Top Rankings
Marie Staffanson ranks among the top 20% of private schools in Minnesota for:
Category
Attribute
SAT Score
ACT Score
Acceptance Rate
Advanced Degrees
Student Body
AP Courses
Sports offered
School History
School Overview
School Membership(s)School Assoc.
Religious Affiliation
Grades Offered
Grades Prekindergarten-12
ADD/ADHD Support
Yes
Learning Difference Programs
Yes
Year Founded
1900
Summer School Offered
Yes
Summer Program Details
Student Body
Total Students
1,334 students
Student Body Type
Co-ed
% Students of Color
38%
State avg.: 22%
Students by Grade
Academics and Faculty
Total Classroom Teachers
157 teachers
Student : Teacher Ratio
8:1
National avg.: 13:1
% Faculty w/Advanced Degree
77%
Average Class Size
16 students
Number of AP Courses
18 courses
List of Courses Offered
Advanced Courses
Biology, Calculus AB, Calculus BC, Chemistry, E & M, English Language, English Literature, European History, French Language & Culture, Latin Literature, Physics C, Physics I, Physics Mechanics, Spanish Language & Culture, Statistics, U.S. Government & Politics, U.S. History
Average SAT score
1396
(Out of 1600)
Average ACT score
30
(Out of 36)
Matriculation DataMatric. Data
Classroom Dress Code
Casual
Tuition and Acceptance Rate
Admission Deadline
Jan. 31 / rolling
Tuition Notes
Varies by grade. Blake annually awards more than 8.6 million in need-based financial assistance to approximately 25 percent of the student body. See website for tuition rates.
Summer Program Cost Notes
Program costs vary by camp, class and program.
% on Financial Aid
26%
Acceptance Rate
52%
National avg.: 85%
Admissions Director
Joe Silvestri
Admissions Associate
Megan Duncan
Sports
Total Sports Offered
18 sports
Extracurriculars
Total ExtracurricularsTotal Extra-curric.
9 extracurriculars
ExtracurricularsExtra-curric.
Club or Organization:
Chess, Lego, Math, Robotics, Science and Engineering
Arts and Music Programs:
Art
Recreational Athletic Programs:
Archery, Basketball, Swimming
Chess, Lego, Math, Robotics, Science and Engineering
Arts and Music Programs:
Art
Recreational Athletic Programs:
Archery, Basketball, Swimming
School Notes
- Now in its second century, Blake offers a rigorous education grounded in shared values - respect, love of learning, integrity, courage and a commitment to pluralism. Its three campuses in Hopkins, Minneapolis and Wayzata unite approximately 1,350 students served by 350 faculty and staff, creating a diverse and inclusive community.
- Students become lifelong learners who make lasting contributions to the world. They develop the habits of the mind that enable them to think critically, solve problems, empathize, create and make our world better.
- Blake helps students become thoughtful, well-rounded adults by providing a multifaceted education that includes excellent academics, comprehensive arts, outstanding athletics, diverse co-curriculars, immersive global programs and active community engagement.
- Sample of notable school alumni/alumnae:
- Mark Dayton ’65 - U.S. Senator from Minnesota, 40th Governor of Minnesota, heir to Dayton's and Target Corporation, first husband of Alida Rockefeller Messinger
- Poppy Harlow ’01 - American journalist, best known for her reporting at CNN and Forbes.com; CNN This Morning anchor
- Dave Goldberg ’85 - Businessman, CEO of Survey Monkey
- George Roy Hill ’39 - Oscar-winning director of Butch Cassidy and the Sundance Kid
- Dani Cameranesi ‘13 - American women's ice hockey forward, currently playing for the Minnesota section of the PWHPA. She made her debut for the US national women's team at the 2014 and was a forward for U.S. women's hockey team at 2018 Winter Olympics.
Source: Verified school update
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the acceptance rate of Marie Staffanson?
The acceptance rate of Marie Staffanson is 52%, which is lower than the national average of 91%. Marie Staffanson's acceptance rate is ranked among the top private schools in Minnesota with low acceptance rates.
Who are famous alumni from Marie Staffanson?
Marie Staffanson famous alumni include: Mark Dayton ’65, Poppy Harlow ’01, Dave Goldberg ’85, George Roy Hill ’39 and Dani Cameranesi ‘13.
Does Marie Staffanson offer a summer program?
Yes, Marie Staffanson offers a summer program. Visit their summer school page for more information.
What sports does Marie Staffanson offer?
Marie Staffanson offers 18 interscholastic sports: Alpine Skiing, Baseball, Basketball, Cross Country, Diving, Fencing, Football, Golf, Ice Hockey, Lacrosse, Nordic Skiing, Soccer, Softball, Swimming, Tennis, Track and Field, Ultimate Frisbee and Volleyball. Marie Staffanson is ranked as one of the top 20% of private schools in Minnesota for most sports offered.
What is Marie Staffanson's ranking?
Marie Staffanson ranks among the top 20% of private schools in Minnesota for: Highest average SAT score, Highest average ACT score, Lowest average acceptance rates, Highest percentage of students of color, Highest percentage of faculty with advanced degrees, Largest student body, Most AP courses offered, Most sports offered and Oldest founding date.
When is the application deadline for Marie Staffanson?
The application deadline for Marie Staffanson is Jan. 31 / rolling (applications are due on Jan. 31 but additional applications are reviewed year-round as space permits ).
School Reviews
Endorse Marie Staffanson. Endorsements should be a few sentences in length. Please include any comments on:
- Quality of academic programs, teachers, and facilities
- Availability of music, art, sports and other extracurricular activities
- Academic or athletic awards
Recent Articles
Expelled for Smoking Pot: What Parents Need to Know
We explore the consequences of marijuana use in private schools, discussing expulsion policies, legal implications, and impacts on college admissions. This Q&A format article provides insights for parents navigating disciplinary actions and offers advice on prevention and support for students.
U.S. Private Schools: A Guide for International Students
Dive into the nitty-gritty of attending U.S. private schools as an international student. From tackling the admissions maze to conquering the TOEFL, this guide's got you covered. We'll walk you through visa hurdles, financial realities, and even virtual campus tours. Buckle up for an insider's look at making your American education dreams a reality!
Early Childhood Education: A Guide for Parents of 1 and 2 Year Olds
In this article we explore three popular approaches to early childhood education: Montessori, Reggio Emilia, and Waldorf. It provides parents of toddlers with essential information about each method, helping them make informed decisions about their child's early education.