Benilde St. Margaret’s School
General Information – Benilde St. Margaret’s School
Overview
Benilde‑St. Margaret’s School (commonly abbreviated BSM) is a Catholic, coeducational college-preparatory day school serving students in grades 6–12. The campus is located in St. Louis Park, Minnesota, just outside of Minneapolis. BSM emphasizes a faith-centered education rooted in the Catholic tradition while fostering academic rigor, student growth, and personal development. With small class sizes and a 11:1 student-faculty ratio, students receive personalized attention designed to prepare them for post-secondary success.
The school’s mission is to “educate, empower, and inspire learners within a Catholic community to lead lives of faith, achieve academic excellence, and contribute meaningfully to a global society.” The community of students, faculty, staff, and alumni celebrate both individual potential and shared values, positioning students to thrive academically, socially, and ethically. BSM offers a robust selection of Advanced Placement courses, service-learning opportunities, and co-curricular activities that allow students to explore diverse interests and develop leadership skills. With a strong tradition of alumni engagement and service, the school fosters a sense of lifelong belonging: “once a Red Knight, always a Red Knight.”
Contact Information
Address: 2501 Highway 100, St. Louis Park, MN 55416, United States
Phone Number: 952-927-4176
Email Address: info@bsmschool.org BSM School
School Facts
| Fact | Detail |
|---|---|
| Founding Year | 1907 (St. Margaret’s Academy) / 1956 (Benilde High School) / 1974 (merger to form BSM) Vikipedi+1 |
| Motto | Pietas ∙ Veritas ∙ Scientia (Duty ∙ Truth ∙ Knowledge) Vikipedi |
| Institution Type | Private, Catholic, co-educational, grades 6–12 Vikipedi+1 |
| Student-Faculty Ratio | 11:1 BSM School |
| Average Class Size | ~21 students Vikipedi+1 |
| Mascot / Nickname | Victor E. Knight, “Red Knights” Vikipedi+1 |
| Colors | Red & White Vikipedi+1 |
Benilde St. Margaret’s School Rankings
| Level | Ranking Detail |
|---|---|
| National / U.S. | Not publicly ranked as a university-level institution (school is grades 6–12) |
| Global | Not applicable (pre-college institution) |
Benilde St. Margaret’s School Academics
Faculties / Departments
- Humanities (English, History, Social Studies)
- Science (Biology, Chemistry, Physics, Environmental Science)
- Mathematics (Algebra, Geometry, Pre-Calculus, Calculus)
- World Languages (Spanish, French, Chinese)
- Fine Arts (Music, Orchestra, Drama, Visual Art)
- Technology & Engineering (Computer Science, Robotics, Engineering Design)
- Theology & Campus Ministry
- Middle School (Grades 6-8) Program
Courses and Programs / Majors
Since Benilde St. Margaret’s School is a secondary school (grades 6–12), it does not offer university‐style majors, but offers a wide range of courses across these program areas:
- Advanced Placement (AP) courses in English, Science, Math, Art & Design, Computer Science, History, Languages BSM School
- Honors and college-prep level courses
- Middle School exploratory courses (grades 6-8) focusing on transitions and foundational skills Vikipedi+1
- Technology integration such as 1:1 laptop programmes
- Service-learning-embedded curriculum and global immersion experiences
Online Learning
The school supports digital learning and uses technology to enhance the curriculum. Students are provided laptops and access to online platforms for learning, assignments, and collaboration. While the primary delivery remains in-person, blended and asynchronous tools are employed, especially in advanced and specialised courses. The school is responsive to remote-learning needs and integrates digital literacies across grade levels.
Average Test Scores
| Test | Typical Range / Average* |
|---|---|
| AP Exam Average Score | ~3.57 (on 5.0 scale) BSM School |
| SAT / ACT | Specific publicly-published range not disclosed |
| GRE | Not applicable (secondary school) |
| *Data based on publicly available recent internal metrics. |
Retention and Graduation Rates
Benilde St. Margaret’s School reports a high college-matriculation outcome: approximately 93.5 % of students attend a four-year college following graduation. BSM School Retention within the school from middle grades through graduation is strong, supported by the community-oriented faith-based environment and strong student support services. Student retention is further bolstered by robust co-curricular engagement, service opportunities, and academic advisory programmes.
Benilde St. Margaret’s School Admissions
GPA Range and SAT / ACT Range
As a college-preparatory secondary school, Benilde St. Margaret’s School considers a student’s academic record holistically. While exact GPA ranges and standardized test score ranges are not publicly published, the expectation is that incoming students demonstrate strong academic performance, engagement in previous coursework, readiness for rigorous work and growth mindset. Admissions recommends that students and families review prior school records and standardized test results (if applicable) to align with the school’s academic community expectations.
Acceptance Rate
| Year | Acceptance Rate |
|---|---|
| Most recent publicly available | Not publicly disclosed |
Application Requirements
Prospective families seeking admission to Benilde St. Margaret’s School should prepare an application package that typically includes: completed application form, submission of previous school transcripts or report cards, standardized test scores (if applicable), teacher recommendations, student essay or writing sample, family interview, campus tour or visit, and any required standardized applicant testing (such as ISEE or ERB). The school values a strong academic foundation, character, involvement in co-curricular activities, and alignment with the faith-based mission. International students may need additional documentation and support as part of the admissions review.
Application Process
- Submit online inquiry form to receive information.
- Attend an information session or campus tour.
- Complete and submit the full application form with required documentation.
- Submit teacher recommendations and student writing sample.
- Complete required testing or assessments for new students.
- Interview with admissions staff (and for upper grades, possibly department chairs).
- Receive admissions decision and review financial-aid/scholarship opportunities.
- Complete enrollment contract and submit deposit to secure place.
Application Deadlines / Important Dates
| Grade Level | Deadline | Decision Notification | Enrollment Deadline |
|---|---|---|---|
| Incoming Grade 6 | December of prior year (typical) | February/March | April/May |
| Incoming Grade 9 | January of prior year (typical) | March/April | May |
| Rolling admittance for other grades | Variable | Within 2–4 weeks of complete application | As specified in offer letter |
| Note: Exact dates vary by year; families should confirm with admissions for the specific academic year. |
Essay Prompt
For many applicants, Benilde St. Margaret’s School requests a brief student-written essay reflecting on personal growth, community involvement, faith or service experience, and why the student feels BSM is the right fit for their educational journey. The prompt typically invites students to share a story of challenge or leadership and how that experience shaped them.
Scholarships
Benilde St. Margaret’s School offers tuition assistance and scholarships to eligible families demonstrating financial need or exceptional talent. Each year the school awards over $1.9 million in tuition assistance to support access and affordability for qualified students. BSM School Merit-based scholarships for specific talents (arts, athletics, leadership) may also be available depending on applicant profile.
Tuition Fee (Costs)
| Grade Level | Tuition for Academic Year |
|---|---|
| Grades 6–8 (Middle School) | Approximate tuition (year 2025-26) – refer to admissions for exact figure |
| Grades 9–12 (Upper School) | Approximate tuition (year 2025-26) – refer to admissions for exact figure |
| Note: Tuition includes standard academic program; additional fees may apply for technology, athletics, certain electives, and service-learning trips. Tuition assistance is available. |
Student Profile and Demographics
Student Demographics (Gender, Age, Race/Ethnicity)
Benilde St. Margaret’s School serves students from grades 6 through 12, approximately ages 11–18. The student population is co-educational, with both male and female students. The community draws from a diverse suburban metro-area, and, while the school is majority Catholic (about 61 % of students) BSM School the student body also includes students of other faiths or no religious affiliation. Students of color comprise approximately 21 % of the student body, reflecting increasing diversity within the Twin Cities region. BSM School+1
Low-Income Students / Students with Disabilities
Benilde St. Margaret’s School actively supports students from diverse socioeconomic backgrounds through its tuition assistance programme. The institution offers significant financial aid (~$1.9 million annually) to ensure access to qualified students regardless of family income. BSM School While the school is a college-preparatory institution rather than a university, it also provides student support services including academic tutoring, learning resources, guidance counselling and support for students with learning differences. These support services are designed to help students with varying needs thrive in the rigorous academic environment.
Student Body (Total Students, International Students, etc.)
| Category | Number / Approximate |
|---|---|
| Total Enrollment (Grades 6–12) | ~1,030 students Vikipedi+1 |
| International Students | Not separately published |
| Students of Color | ~21 % of student body BSM School |
| Catholic Students | ~61 % of student body BSM School |
University Diversity
Although Benilde St. Margaret’s School is a secondary school rather than a university, the institution places a strong emphasis on diversity, inclusion, and belonging. The school community embraces differences in race, ethnicity, faith background, learning style and life experience. With approximately one-fifth of its student population identifying as students of color, BSM seeks to create a welcoming environment where all students feel known, valued and supported. The diversity initiatives, service-learning programmes and community engagement opportunities help enrich the educational experience, allowing students to learn from one another and build intercultural competence. Through clubs, ministry, global service trips and leadership opportunities, students engage with perspectives beyond their own and develop the empathy, collaboration and global awareness needed in today’s interconnected world. In doing so, BSM strives to prepare students not only for college but for engaged citizenship in a diverse society.
Average Earnings
As a grades 6–12 institution, Benilde St. Margaret’s School does not publish average alumni earnings in the same way universities do. However, the school emphasizes preparation for four-year college admission and highlights that 93.5 % of graduates attend a four-year college. BSM School The rigorous academic experience, advanced placement offerings, robust counseling and support systems all contribute to positioning students for success. Alumni often report that their experience at BSM helped them develop strong habits of responsibility, leadership and adaptability—qualities that translate into career readiness and longer-term earning potential. The emphasis on both academic excellence and personal development suggests that while specific salary data may not be available, the foundation laid by BSM supports positive post-secondary and career outcomes.
Benilde St. Margaret’s School Faculty and Staff
Teachers and Staff
Benilde St. Margaret’s School benefits from a dedicated and highly qualified teaching and support staff. Approximately 87 % of faculty hold advanced degrees, reflecting a strong commitment to instructional excellence and professional development. BSM School With small class sizes (~21 students) and a favorable student-faculty ratio (11:1) BSM School the school ensures that students receive meaningful engagement, feedback and mentorship from their teachers. Faculty members lead not only in the classroom but also as advisors, coaches, club sponsors and service mentors—fostering deep connections and student growth beyond academics.
Faculty Profiles
The faculty at Benilde St. Margaret’s School bring expertise across disciplines and a breadth of accomplishments. For example, science educators guide students in advanced research projects, technology teachers oversee robotics and engineering programmes, world language instructors support students in AP languages and global immersion experiences, and theology and ministry staff help integrate students’ faith, service and leadership. Many faculty members also serve as coaches, moderators or directors of co-curricular programmes, contributing to the holistic growth of students. Because of the faculty’s advanced credentials and engagement in student life, BSM creates an environment in which students are challenged academically, supported personally, and encouraged to become confident, committed learners and leaders.
Benilde St. Margaret’s School Campus and Student Life
Campus Life / Housing
Benilde St. Margaret’s School operates as a day school; there are no on-campus housing options. Students and families commute according to their residence in the Twin Cities metro area. Residential housing is not part of the school’s model. The campus offers modern academic facilities including classrooms, science labs, a theatre, arts centre, gymnasium, chapel, and student-activity spaces. For student life, the school offers more than 46 clubs and activities ranging from robotics, debate, sports, music, drama, social justice groups, and service-learning programmes. BSM School Because students commute rather than live on campus, the school focuses its resources on community, engagement and day-long student experiences—before, during and after the school day.
Transportation
Located at 2501 Highway 100 in St. Louis Park, Minnesota, Benilde St. Margaret’s School is accessible via major roadways and public transit in the Minneapolis / St. Paul metro area. Families may drive their students, and some school-provided bus or shuttle services may also be organized depending on region and demand. Within campus, students move easily between the middle school and upper school buildings, arts and athletics facilities, chapel and common spaces—all conveniently situated on one contiguous site. Because the school is day-based, on-campus mobility is designed to support a full school schedule including before- and after-school activities, clubs, athletics and volunteer engagements rather than residential logistics.