Holy Angels is a Catholic, college preparatory high school that welcomes all students and families!
It is a common misperception that all, or nearly all, of our new students come from the Catholic grade schools. There’s also a perception that the majority of our new ninth graders have already developed friendships before high school even begins.
At AHA the reality is quite different. The fact is that approximately 25 percent of our students come from schools outside the Catholic grade school system. These students come from city and suburban public schools, charter schools, home schools, immersion schools, and international schools. An additional 25% of our school is made up of students from schools where small groups (seven or less) of their classmates also enroll at AHA. As a result, we are a wonderful melting pot, and opportunities abound for new friendships starting this fall!
We are blessed and thrilled with the fact that so many families from all over the Twin Cities, from different schools, school districts, cities, and backgrounds know they belong at AHA.
Because AHA is “new” to all ninth graders, special care is taken to help our students feel that AHA is home. Some initiatives that help to ensure this are:
- Summer Experience (usually half the incoming ninth graders sign up for at least one camp in June)
- A two-day 9th Grade Orientation (August)
- Activities and Sports, 70% of AHA students are involved in fall activities
- First Day of School is set up especially for 9th graders to make for a comfortable first day
- Campus Ministry Team ninth grade mentoring (seniors mentor the ninth graders, very cool!)
- Ninth Grade Mixer and Parent Social (Friday night dance for ninth graders, hosted by our seniors. There’s a parent social that night, too!)
- Living Christian Community (our first trimester Theology class helps to build community right away; for instance, the first week is spent making certain each person in the class is able to call the others by name.
- Ninth Grade Retreat (October)
We also plan activities and networks to help new parents make important social connections.
Admissions is happy to put you in touch with an AHA parent whose child came from a public school if you feel that might be useful.
If your son or daughter is nervous about leaving his or her friends and starting fresh at a new school, that’s understandable. However, please know that our school community is a very welcoming place where we celebrate each new student who enters our doors. AHA is a place where all are welcomed.
We can’t wait to meet you soon!
The Admissions Team
Jesse Foley Meg Angevine
- Please have a look at our special brochure intended for parents of children attending public schools.
A personal testimonial......
"I attended public schools in grade school. At first I wasn’t sure what to think about going to Holy Angels. I was afraid of the change yet I wanted a fresh start, so I decided to take a tour of the school. When I first walked through the doors an overwhelming feeling of belongingness sunk in. After being there for just an hour I knew that I was in the right place.
I absolutely love going to school at AHA! I love the fact that the class sizes are small and the teachers get to know you on a more personal level. Overall, choosing to attend Holy Angels was one of the best decisions I have ever made!"
-Lauren ‘12
