Upper Elementary Tour Materials
Next steps Thank you for exploring Blake. We hope your visit offered new insights and your interest in Blake for your child continues. Below are next steps in the admissions process. n
Apply to Blake I f you have not already applied for admission to Blake, we encourage you to do so. Links to our online application for the 2024–25 school year can be found on the admissions page of the Blake website (blakeschool.org/admissions). The firstround application deadline for admission next fall is January 31, 2024.
n Schedule Screening (Pre-K to grade 5) or Testing (grades 6–12) for Your Child nce you submit an application, you can schedule O screening or testing for your child. Applicants from Pre-K to grade 5 schedule an on-campus screening through Blake’s admissions portal. Applicants to grades 6 through 12 can register for the Secondary School Admissions Test at ssat.org.
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Schedule a Visit for Your Child nce you submit an application, we will reach out O to you to schedule a visit for your child. Spending a day (or part of a day for our youngest applicants) at Blake is a terrific way for students to experience classroom and social life here.
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Apply for Financial Assistance e welcome your interest in financial assistance W to afford Blake. You can find information about our financial assistance program and application on the Blake website. The deadline for submitting an application for financial assistance is January 31, 2024.
Please call the Admissions Office at 952-988-3420 if you have questions.
110 Blake Road South • Hopkins, Minnesota 55343 tel 952-988-3420 • fax 952-988-3455 • www.blakeschool.org
Thank you for considering Blake. Our goal is to create a personalized, warm and enjoyable experience for every family as they discover what their child can become at Blake. We are happy to answer any questions, so feel free to contact us. Joe Silvestri Director of Admissions and Financial Assistance School: (952) 988-3422 Mobile: (612) 437-5259 JSilvestri@BlakeSchool.org Tony Andrade Associate Director of Admissions Grades 6–12 Admissions Coordinator School: (952) 988-3424 Mobile: (612) 916-2046 TAndrade@BlakeSchool.org Lynn Loew Assistant Director of Financial Assistance Grades 2–5 Admissions Coordinator School: (952) 988-3423 Mobile: (612) 368-5420 LLoew@BlakeSchool.org Laura Mark Assistant Director of Admissions for Early Childhood Education, Grades Pre-K–Grade 1 School: (952) 988-3570 Mobile: (612) 368-5420 LMark@BlakeSchool.org
Mission and Values OUR MISSION Blake engages students with a dynamic, academically challenging education in a diverse and supportive community committed to pluralism and a common set of values. Students pursue an integrated program of academic, artistic and athletic activities, preparing for college, lifelong learning and purposeful lives as community and global citizens.
COMMITMENT TO PLURALISM A vibrant learning environment springs from a diverse school community. For this reason, Blake seeks and values students, families and employees with a wide range of backgrounds, identities and life experiences. Individually and collectively, we strive for understanding across differences in an inclusive environment where everyone can belong, contribute and thrive.
CORE VALUES ► RESPECT We respect, support and care for each other, ourselves and our environment. We demonstrate respect by welcoming difference, developing empathy and seeking inclusiveness.
► LOVE OF LEARNING Curiosity, creativity and critical thinking inspire our passion for learning. We listen, understand, question and grow—as individuals, community members and global citizens.
► INTEGRITY We expect all community members to speak and act honestly, ethically and fairly.
► COURAGE We value both intellectual and personal courage, ensuring that all are encouraged to question and be questioned. We honor courage in both word and action by fostering intellectual independence, introspection and resilience.
blakeschool.org
54 COMMUNITIES REPRESENTED BY BLAKE STUDENTS
2020–21
program
Financial Assistance What is the mission of Blake’s financial assistance program? Blake seeks a talented, motivated and economically diverse student body and believes the cost of tuition should not be a barrier to prospective families. Our financial assistance program ensures that students from all socio-economic backgrounds can have access to a Blake education.
What does “financial assistance” mean? This is the term used to describe funding provided to families so that they can pay tuition, afternoon programming fees and other costs associated with full participation at Blake. Financial assistance grants are based on a family’s “demonstrated need,” as determined by Clarity and the Blake Financial Assistance Committee.
What is “demonstrated need”? This term is defined as the difference between Blake’s tuition and the amount a family can afford to pay. Demonstrated need is based on many factors (income, family size, expenses, debt, etc.) and is based solely on a family’s individual circumstances. For those who qualify, grants tend to be between 20% and 80%, although some families receive grants outside of this range.
Is financial assistance just for very low income families? No, Blake is committed to assisting families from various income levels, as long as a family demonstrates need. Any family concerned about affording Blake’s tuition is encouraged to contact our financial assistance office at 952-988-3422.
How can I get a sense of whether I will qualify for need-based financial assistance? The Blake website offers a Financial Assistance Estimator tool, which offers a family a general sense of whether they will qualify for assistance and for how much.
What percent of Blake students receive financial assistance? About 25% of all Blake students (PK–12) receive financial assistance. In total, Blake awarded $8.6 million in financial assistance grants for the current school year.
Does Blake offer merit scholarships? No, the school only offers need-based financial assistance. Academic, athletic or artistic scholarships are not available.
blakeschool.org/admissions
If I do not qualify for need-based support for my first child at Blake, can I re-apply when a second child applies? Yes. It is common for a family to not qualify for financial assistance when paying one tuition but then qualify for support once child #2 or #3 enrolls. Our assessment evaluates the total amount of PK-12 and college tuition a family can afford. Often a family can afford one full tuition but needs support when additional children enroll.
What does financial assistance cover? The award is meant to make sure that all Blake students can fully participate in all aspects of the school program. The initial award reflects the cost of tuition and afternoon programming for pre-kindergarten and kindergarten. The costs of books, transportation, Extended Day instruction and other expenses may be covered as they arise.
Do I have to repay financial assistance awards? No, repayment is not required. All Blake financial assistance awards are grants, not loans.
When will I receive a decision about financial assistance? Families are informed of financial assistance decisions at the same time they are notified of admission decisions.
Do I have to reapply for financial assistance each year? Yes. We want to ensure that financial assistance is only going to families who need it, so each family must complete a new application to financial assistance each year. However, if a family’s financial situation hasn’t changed, the family can expect to receive a financial assistance award similar to the previous year.
How do I apply for financial assistance? You can find instructions at Blake’s website. The deadline to apply is January 31.
What if I am separated or divorced? Blake requires all parents/guardians to fully complete the financial assistance process even in the case of divorce or separation. In these circumstances, divorced or separated parents file separate financial assistance forms. If a parent/guardian no longer has contact with a child, applicant families are encouraged to initiate a conversation with the Blake financial assistance office.
Is family financial information kept confidential? Yes, all information is secured and held in the strictest confidence. Financial assistance applications are reviewed only by members of Blake’s small Financial Assistance Committee.
For additional questions or for more information, please contact Director of Admissions & Financial Assistance Joe Silvestri at 952-988-3422 or jsilvestri@blakeschool.org.
BLAKE ALUMNI AROUND THE GLOBE ► An education at Blake opens the door to an extensive Alumni network. ► Blake alumni far and near are living purposeful lives as community and global citizens. ► The five states with the most alumni include Minnesota, California, New York, Florida and Colorado. ► Blake alumni encompass all former students of Blake, Northrop, Highcroft and The Blake School, including those who left prior to graduation. Once you’ve attended Blake, we always have a place for you.
210 82
27
11
48
34
5483
125
22
12
38
364
142
71
17
29 36 907 17
► Alumni engagement opportunities: Alumni Board Class Representatives Regional networking events Online alumni directory
305
122 79
36
3
221
20
33
74 4
144
5
38
100
9
44
100
17 6
225
63
38
43
21
246
16
79
100
15
357
Top five alumni states in brown 17
Nearly 200 alumni live outside the United States. The country with the most alumni outside of the U.S is the United Kingdom, followed by Canada.
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1
Stay up to date with Blake alumni news and events on social media www.facebook.com/blakeschoolalumni. Fall 2021
PROFILE 2022–2023 OVERVIEW
BLAKE BY THE NUMBERS
Founded in 1900, Blake is a coeducational, independent, nonsectarian day school serving 1,366 students on campuses in Wayzata (Pre-K to 5), Hopkins (Pre-K to 8) and Minneapolis (9 to 12). In small classes and through comprehensive curriculum, students from a variety of backgrounds and lived experiences find common ground in shared values. Blake provides ample opportunities for students to develop outside of the classroom. They not only become critical thinkers but also leaders, artists, athletes and citizens of the world.
77%
16
faculty with advanced degrees
9:1
average class size
student-adult ratio
OUR STUDENTS
35+ 55
local communities represented
36%
identify as Students of Color
35+
languages spoken at home
26% 26%
receive financial assistance
96%
advance from Blake Middle to Upper School
538
enrolled in Upper School (grades 9-12)
37%
Upper School admit rate
GRADUATION REQUIREMENTS
POST-AP COURSES
22 credits in seven disciplines:
• Computer Science • English • Math • Modern & Classical Languages • Social Studies/History • Science • Visual, Performing Arts & Debate Other courses include:
• 5 AP courses in Humanities • 15 honors and AP courses in STEM • 4 AP courses in Modern
& Classical Languages • Independent Study, by application • Senior Seminar: Communication & Society: Senior Capstone Course Enrollment in and advancement in honors and AP courses in math, science and social studies requires a minimum grade or departmental approval.
English
• All senior electives offered at post-AP level
Math
• Advanced Topics:
Conjectures, Refutations & Proofs
• Advanced Topics: Graph Theory & Network
• Advanced Topics: Linear Algebra with Topics in Multi-variable Calculus
Modern & Classical Languages
GLOBAL LEARNING
• Academic immersion
• Advanced Topics:
courses are led by Blake faculty who partner with local organizations. Destinations have included China, Sierra Leone, Cuba, Vietnam, Morocco, India, U.S.-Mexico border and Rwanda.
Chinese Culture & Literature
• Advanced Topics: Hispanic Theater & Film
• Advanced Topics: LeMonde Francophone
• Advanced Classics: Age of Augustus and Empire
• Advanced Classics: Politics & Poetry
Social Studies
• Through Global Online Academy (GOA), a consortium of leading independent schools, students learn about real-world topics in a global community.
• Blake partners with
• Advanced Topics:
School Year Abroad, the High Mountain Institute, the Alzar School and other organizations for off-campus study.
Research
• Advanced Hispanic
Culture & Literature
UPPER SCHOOL CO-CURRICULARS Athletics
Student Leadership
Affinity Groups
80% of Upper School students participate in at least one of 32 sports on 75 different athletic teams. (Students commute from the Upper School to Blake’s athletic facilities in Hopkins.)
Forum, student government; Community Judiciary Board; Student InterAction Committee (SIAC); peer counselors; Bear-to-Bear peer tutoring.
Student-led spaces for identitybased affirmation and support. Specific groups focus on gender, sexuality, religion, race, ethnicity, family structure and ability.
Academic Clubs
Clubs & Organizations
Visual & Performing Arts Includes two choral ensembles, two instrumental ensembles and three annual stage productions. Students lead an average of six curated gallery shows and attend 47 debate tournaments per year.
Student Publications Spectrum, award-winning student newspaper; Flash, literary arts magazine; yearbook.
DECA, Quiz Bowl, Science Olympiad, math team, robotics, mock trial, ModelUN, debate.
Service Learning 25% of Upper School students choose to participate in Community Service Board committees and/or Service Path Recognition where they volunteer for at least 100 hours in one year.
Approved and sponsored by the student government. Groups focus on creative writing, history, politics, languages, chess, arts, finance, e-sports, rocket science, the environment and more.
Grade Interpretation
GRADE POINT AVERAGE 2022 3.57 131
GPA* Class size
2021 3.58 134
2020 3.55 132
A 4.00 A– 3.67 B+ 3.33 B 3.00 B– 2.67 C+ 2.33 C 2.00 C– 1.67 D+1.33 D 1.00 F no credit
Blake does not rank students or weight grades. Blake discloses suspensions per college request. *Includes all Blake courses taken during the academic year beginning in ninth grade through junior year.
STANDARDIZED TESTING & AWARDS ACT Median Score
2022
2021
2020
30.1
30.4
30.8
712 722 1434
682 690 1372
683 701 1384
Composite
SAT Mean Score EBRW Math Composite
ACT Average Comparison
SAT Average Comparison
36
1450
34
1400
The Blake Class of 2021
32
30.5
1295
1300 1250
28
1200
26
1150
24 20
1374
1350
30
22
The Blake Class of 2021
1100 21.4
1059
1050
20.00
1000
NATIONAL ’20
MN ’20
BLAKE ’21
NATIONAL ’20
MN ’20
BLAKE ’21
Number of Test Takers ACT 2022 114
2021 119
2020–21 AP Exam Scores SAT 2022 27
2020 118
National Merit Semifinalists/Finalists Commended National Hispanic Scholar Total Percent of class AP Scholars (3 exams) Scholars: Honors (4 exams) Scholars: Distinction (5+ exams) National AP Scholars (7+ exams) Total
2022
2021 21 2021
2020 27 2020
7 18 0 25 19% 16 14
7 16 3 26 20% 24 19
15 8 1 24 18% 17 16
23
18
28
0 53
2 63
3 64
Biology Calculus AB Calculus BC Chemistry English Language English Literature European History French Lang & Lit Latin Literature Physics I Physics C, Mechanics Physics C, E & M Spanish Lang & Lit Statistics U.S. Gov’t & Pol U.S. History
Total Tests
Score: 4
Score: 5
32 35 26 20 18 32 60 6 14 18 15 14 37 13 29 89
8 8 9 12 4 9 17 3 0 6 9 2 16 5 5 22
6 7 8 5 9 7 14 3 0 0 4 3 8 5 10 11
COVID-19: Blake shifted to remote learning for the fourth quarter of 2019–2020. Blake started 2020–2021 in a hybrid model, with half of the student body in the building each day. On Nov. 5, 2020, Blake moved to full remote learning and then resumed the hybrid model on January 19, 2021. In the 2021–22 academic year, Blake returned to full in-person teaching and learning. Students received letter grades for all courses and school years.
MISSION Blake engages students with a dynamic, academically challenging education in a diverse and supportive community committed to pluralism and a common set of values. Students pursue an integrated program of academic, artistic and athletic activities, preparing for college, lifelong learning and purposeful lives as community and global citizens.
COMMITMENT TO PLURALISM A vibrant learning environment
springs from a diverse school community. For this reason, Blake seeks and values students, families and employees with a wide range of backgrounds, identities and life experiences. Individually and collectively, we strive for understanding across differences in an inclusive environment where everyone can belong, contribute and thrive.
CORE VALUES Respect Love of Learning Integrity Courage
ADMINISTRATION Anne E. Stavney, Ph.D. Head of School Joseph J. Ruggiero, Ph.D. Upper School Director
COLLEGE COUNSELING Sara Kyle Director of College Counseling skyle@blakeschool.org Jim Mahoney Associate Director of College Counseling jmahoney@blakeschool.org Nora Main Associate Director of College Counseling nmain@blakeschool.org Wendy Erickson College Counseling Coordinator werickson@blakeschool.org CJ Jones College Counseling Liaison cjeckhardt@blakeschool.org Amanda Minoff College Counseling Liaison aminoff@blakeschool.org
ACCREDITATION
COLLEGE MATRICULATION 2018-2022 Five or More Graduates Babson College 5 Boston College 5 Boston University 9 Brown University 7 University of California-Los Angeles 8 Carleton College 11 University of Chicago 7 Colby College 6 Colgate University 13 University of Colorado-Boulder 12 Colorado College 6 Cornell University 5 Dartmouth College 6 University of Denver 8
Gustavus Adolphus College Indiana University-Bloomington Lafayette College Loyola Marymount University Macalester College Miami University, Oxford University of Michigan-Ann Arbor Middlebury College University of MinnesotaTwin Cities New York University Northwestern University University of Pennsylvania University of Puget Sound
5 6 5 7 17 6 6 13
Hamline University Hampton University Harvard University Harvey Mudd College Haverford College University of Hawaii at Manoa High Point University Hobart William Smith Colleges Hofstra University College of the Holy Cross Howard University Iowa State University University of Iowa Johns Hopkins University University of Kansas Kenyon College Knox College Lake Forest College Lawrence University Lehigh University Lewis & Clark College List College - JTS Louisiana State University Luther College Marist College Marquette University Massachusetts Institute of Technology University of Miami Michigan State University Michigan Technical University Montana State University Montclair State University University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill University of North Dakota Northeastern University Northland College University of Notre Dame Occidental College Ohio State University Oregon State University Pennsylvania State University Pepperdine University Pitzer College Pomona College Princeton University Providence College
1 1 4 2 1 1 1 2 1 3 1 1 1 2 1 4 2 2 2 2 4 1 1 2 1 2 2 1 1 1 1 1
42 7 14 5 5
Purdue University SMU St. John’s University St. Olaf College University of St. Thomas Tufts University Tulane University Wake Forest University Washington University in St. Louis Wellesley College Whitman College University of Wisconsin-Madison Yale University
6 7 7 15 5 12 13 7
Reed College Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute Rice University Rollins College College of Saint Benedict University of San Diego Santa Clara University School of the Art Institute of Chicago Scripps College Skidmore College Smith College University of Southern California St. Catherine University St. Lawrence University Stanford University Swarthmore College Syracuse University University of Tampa TCU Texas A & M University-College Station The New School Trinity College Trinity College Dublin Trinity College Dublin/ Columbia University Trinity University Union College United States Air Force Academy United States Merchant Marine Academy University of St. Andrews Valparaiso University Vanderbilt University Vassar College University of Vermont Villanova University University of Virginia Washington and Lee University University of Washington-Seattle Wesleyan University Wheaton College Whittier College William & Mary Williams College The College of Wooster
1 2 4 1 1 3 4 2 4 3 2 3 2 1 4 1 4 1 3 1 1 2 2
16 6 6 17 14
One to Four Graduates American University Amherst College Arizona State University University of Arizona Augsburg University Bard College Barnard College Baruch College Bates College Bentley University Bowdoin College Bradley University Brandeis University Bryn Mawr College California Polytechnic State UniversitySan Luis Obispo University of California-Berkeley University of California-San Diego University of California-Santa Barbara Carnegie Mellon University Case Western Reserve University Chapman University Claremont McKenna College Clemson University Columbia College Chicago Columbia University Connecticut College Culinary Institute of America Dalhousie University Davidson College Denison University DePaul University Drake University Duke University Durham University University of Edinburgh Elon University Emory University Flagler College Fordham University Fort Lewis College George Washington University Georgetown University Georgia Institute of Technology Gonzaga University Grinnell College Hamilton College
2 2 4 2 2 1 4 1 3 1 2 1 1 1 1 4 4 2 3 1 4 1 1 1 2 1 1 1 2 1 4 1 4 1 1 1 4 1 3 1 1 3 1 1 1 4
1 2 4 1 3 3 1 1 2 2 3 3 1 1
Independent Schools Administration of the Central States (ISACS)
The Blake School • 511 Kenwood Parkway, Minneapolis, MN 55403 • 952-988-3744 • CEEB 241635
2 1 1 1 1 1 1 2 3 1 2 2 1 1 3 2 1 1 4 1