Minnehaha Academy - Antler Yearbook (Minneapolis, MN)

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Minnehaha Academy Character of the School 1NNEHAHA ACADEMY is first and foremost a Christian school. This is the definite purpose for which it was founded. We make no apology for emphasizing that this is its distinctive feature. On the contrary, it would he necessary to apologize if we did not stress this fact. There is no lack of schools of the high school grade either in the Northwest or elsewhere in this country, but there is a lack of schools that are positively Christian. Minnehaha Academy believes that true education consists of more than the acquisition of knowledge. It stands for the training of the heart as well as the head and the hand. Knowledge is power, as the old proverb reminds us, but it is a power that may be abused. In fact, the more keenly a person's mind has been trained, the more dangerous it is if misused; but on the other hand the more valuable it is if used alight. The development of character is even more vital than the training of intellectual power. Minnehaha Academy aims to give the right direction to the lives of the young people entrusted to its care. There are four departments in the school, namely, High School, Business, Bible Institute, and Music. In all of these we aim to give a training as complete and thorough as is offered in any school of the same rank. The various courses are fully explained later in this book. The instruction in all departments of the school is in the English language. A characteristic to be noted, however, is the offering of four years of Swedish in the High School Department. The rapid growth of Minnehaha Academy has shown clearly that there is a real need to be met. In 1913-1911 the enrollment was 112, while in 1921-1922 it was 431 The Students Minnehaha Academy makes its appeal especially to boys and girls, young men and young women, in Christian homes. It seeks to maintain in the sphere of studies and school life the same atmosphere as prevails in a good home—an atmosphere of cheerfulness, industry and sincerity, and also of reverence and devotion.. That there is a homelike, sympathetic spirit in the school is the appreciative testimony of hundreds of former students. 7

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MAIN BUILDING

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CATALOG, MINNEHAHA ACADEMY Though many are older, the great majority of our students are young people in their teens. This is the critical age in any person’s life. The habits of thought and conduct formed during these years are not likely to be changed later. It is a well established fact that the largest number of people who ever become Christians make this decision during these years. The right influences at this period in life may do infinite good; the wrong influences will certainly do incalculable harm. The Teaching Staff The greatest factor in a school is not its walls of brick and stone, nor its grounds and equipment. These things have their importance, but in the last analysis they are not the supreme test of the worth of a school. It is the teachers that give an educational institution its real character. The members of the Faculty of Minnehaha Academy are men and women of Christian faith and Christian experience. In their professional preparation they represent well-known colleges and universities in various parts of the country. The teachers are always willing to give sympathetic attention to the individual needs and interests of their students. By training, experience in teaching, and personal character, they are worthy leaders of the boys and girls entrusted to their care. Very truly did Dr. Cyrus Northrop, late president emeritus of the University of Minnesota, say, “It is a great thing to be a good thinker. It is a great thing to possess a noble character. But it is a greater thing to plant thoughts in intellects, where they will grow, and to put the principles which have made character into hearts where they will be cherished.” Bible Study No education can be complete that omits the Bible, the Book of Books. The world has not outgrown the need of its living truths. It is the greatest book in the world even from a literary point of view. In its redeeming and uplifting power as the Word of God it constitutes the most precious heritage of the human race, and its greatest hope. To instill its truths into the minds of the rising generation is to sow seed that will unfailingly yield a blessed harvest. At Minnehaha Academy every student in school is in some Bible class. This is one of the fundamental rules of the school. The Bible itself is the textbook that is studied. The instruction is plain and practical, aimed at the heart as well as the head. The deep interest in these studies constantly manifested by the students is a mighty inspiration to all friends of the school. All the Bible classes are taught by the President of the school, who thus comes into personal contact with every student. S