Totino-Grace High School in Fridley, Minnesota

“I am a relatively recent graduate from the school, and I will be the first to admit the that school offers a rigorous, first-class education to those who can afford it. However, the school boasts an 'academically, economically and culturally diverse' environment, and it is only true insofar as the school consistently garners a few outliers within their classes every year. Although the teachers were fantastic, the environment is heavily influenced by a wealthy, white upper-middle class majority. The school best suits the needs of the children of an affluent hegemony. If one belongs to any sort of 'non-normative' background, the social climate is remarkably stifling. Totino-Grace, as a school, serves its pragmatic function beautifully. However, it remains one of the most culturally stagnant places I have ever been.”
This review was posted by a other.

“Amazing school! I was far better prepared for college and the work force than many of my friends who also went to private schools. I am not Catholic but always felt very welcome and accepted. The school is not very diverse, but I stayed active in my own inner-city neighborhood and it kept me grounded. The level of respect and discipline is second to none, I don't remember ever seeing a fight on school grounds. To top it all off the extracurriculars are fantastic!”
This review was posted by a student.

“My daughter started her High School years in Coon Rapids. At the end of her 9th grade year she begged me to leave that school. BEST decision she could have EVER made. It was expensive but WELL worth it. I later found out that Totino Grace graduates - 98% go on to college. Coon Rapids has the highest rate of graduates and the LOWEST rate that continue to college. This school speaks for itself.”
This review was posted by a parent.

“Fabulous school!! I feel blessed to have children who look forward to attending school each day. Faculty and staff treat students and parents with an extreme amount of respect.”
This review was posted by a parent.

“I love this im a student at TG and i made so many frinds since freashman year. I walked in their not knowing anybody. Everybody is like a family there.”
This review was posted by a parent.

“I am a parent of a black male who went to totino grace and found that it is not bad school and the athletics are huge at the school, but the atmosphere is not diverse it is made up of mostly upper class white people and I felt very 'ugly duckling' going to games.”
This review was posted by a parent.

“This school is awesome. My daughter loves it and I spend the money to send her here because I care about her future. Every day is a challenge for her and I know she will have more choices in life having attended this school. She would not let me send her anywhere else.”
This review was posted by a parent.

“I love it here! I always feel welcomed by everybody. The teachers are fun to learn from, the student atmosphere is totally great. You can be a freshman and talk to seniors with no worry. We have alot of fun learning here and i would never ever want to leave.”
This review was posted by a student.

“I have two children attending TG and every day when I ask them 'How was your day today?' they say 'GREAT!'. That is what a parent wants to hear. They love thier teachers and the overall culture of the school. They feel they are treated fairly and surrounded by people who truly want them to succeed. The school is expensive, and it is a sacrifice for out our family, but it is the best investmentwe have ever made in our children's future.”
This review was posted by a parent.

“I'm not a parent of a Totino Grace student, but I am a graduate. I have since pursued teaching myself, both in secondary education and now in a university setting. While I thought that the overall education was excellent, the environment was in many ways, negative. At the time the school was largely upper-class white. As a parent myself, I now realize that sometimes being sheltered is positive. However, in many ways it is not. In the case of my graduating class, it bred racism and classism. If you choose to send your child to TG, make sure that they are involved in other activities that expose them to more diversity.”
This review was posted by a former student.

“Our two children attended Totino Grace High School and I can honestly say it was the highest calibre school we have ever been involved with. The teachers and administration have the same goal: to make sure every child succeeds. Teachers came in early to help students who did not feel comfortable asking questions in front of their classmates or who realized they needed help with a homework assignment from the night before. Succeeding in this school is 'cool'. If you aren't an exceptional student, there are programs to help ease the pressures of high school. Every aspect of the school, from the teachers to the campus buildings to the computers and sports equipment are top-notch. We are not rich, by any means, but we found that the parents who are fortunate enough to have high incomes are very generous to Totino Grace. School activities are extremely organized and parents are constantly being updated about any school news. Our family is so impressed with the maturity level of the students and the incredible school spirit they hold. Our son was interested in music and the Totino Grace music department is one of the best in the state. My daughter was interested in service to the community and beyond. She was able to take trips all over the United States to work for Habitat for Humanity and inner city schools and it changed her life forever. My children's experience at Totino Grace was worth every penny we spent and I would whole-heartedly encourage any parent to send their child there.”
This review was posted by a parent.