In the suburbs of St. Louis Park, Minnesota, a prestigious institution stands out, drawing students from diverse backgrounds and inspiring them to strive for excellence. Benilde-St. Margaret’s has the foundation of academic achievement, character development, and athletic dominance, and students’ reasons for choosing this institution vary to all the opportunities it offers.
For some, BSM is a family tradition. Alumni families have proudly sent generations of students through its hallowed halls. Olivia Gorton, a current senior, shares her connection. “My mother graduated from BSM in 1998. She had a very positive experience that she wanted me to be a part of. BSM is unlike any other school in spirit and academic excellence. One of her greatest experiences was athletics. BSM gives the opportunity to participate in anything you want to. She did a lot of sports when she was here. BSM was my first option because of my mother’s experience,” Gorton said.
The school’s commitment to academic excellence is a significant draw for many students. BSM consistently ranks among the top schools in Minnesota, offering a rigorous curriculum that prepares students for college and beyond. The school’s average ACT and SAT scores are well above the national average, and its teachers are known for their dedication to helping students succeed. BSM consists of a challenging and nurturing educational environment. Theology teacher Mrs. Garcia-Eveloff has insight on the prestigious curriculum structures that take place at BSM. “Classes have rigorous academic plans to sync with college and beyond. In my classes, we are practicing key academic skills. My classes have reading and note-taking because practice makes progress. BSM provides students an opportunity to practice their academic skills, so they can be successful in the future and future classrooms,” Garcia-Eveloff said.
Location is another factor that plays into the division to attend BSM. The school’s suburban setting provides a safe and welcoming community for students to learn and grow. In neighborhoods away from Minneapolis, students have access to cultural events, internships, and volunteer opportunities that enrich the average high school experience.
“BSM has cultivated a great set of partnerships that have grown over time with different service agencies across the metro area. BSM has founded these relationships around the metro, but our students are the biggest ambassadors for BSM and keep those partnerships alive and fruitful. This turns BSM students to remarkable citizens in society,” Garcia-Eveloff said.
BSM is the place to develop academic and athletic skills. Classes have rigorous academic plans to sync with college and beyond. Through the curriculum, it is key that practice makes progress. In particular to our student-athletes, at BSM they learn the need to practice their athletic skills before the big game, moreover develop the opportunity to practice their academic skills, so they can be successful leaders
— Katrina Garcia-Eveloff
Another key reason for student enrollment is the rich history of athletic success. BSM’s commitment to balancing athletics and academics is unparalleled. This balance is essential for students who are serious about pursuing both their athletic and educational dreams. “BSM is the place to develop academic and athletic skills. Classes have rigorous academic plans to sync with college and beyond. Through the curriculum, it is key that practice makes progress. In particular to our student-athletes, at BSM they learn the need to practice their athletic skills before the big game, moreover develop the opportunity to practice their academic skills, so they can be successful leaders,” Garcia-Eveloff said.
As we delve deeper into the tapestry of BSM, it is evident that this catholic-college preparatory school is more; it is a community that nurtures growth, fosters lifelong friendships, and sets students on the path to success. Whether it’s family legacy, academic excellence, location, or athletic opportunities, each student’s journey to Benilde-St. Margaret’s is unique, but they all share a common goal: to be a part of a school that encourages them to reach their fullest potential. “This is a college prep school, we are forming people who are going to go be citizens in the world and beyond,” Garcia-Eveloff said.