Annunciation Catholic School: Faith, Excellence & Community in Minneapolis

I’ve covered enough schools to know what separates the good from the great, and Annunciation Catholic School in Minneapolis isn’t just good—it’s the kind of place that makes you pause and think, This is how it’s done. For decades, it’s been quietly outpacing trends, blending faith, academics, and community in a way that feels effortless but is anything but. This isn’t some flash-in-the-pan charter or a school chasing the latest educational fad. Annunciation Catholic School in Minneapolis has stayed true to its mission while adapting where it matters, proving that tradition and innovation aren’t mutually exclusive.

Walk through those doors, and you’ll see it in the details—the way teachers command the room with both warmth and rigor, the way students move between prayer and problem-solving like it’s the most natural thing in the world. This isn’t just a school; it’s a microcosm of what education should be: rooted in values, driven by excellence, and built on the kind of community that doesn’t just talk about belonging but lives it. If you’re looking for a place where faith isn’t just taught but lived, where kids aren’t just prepared for tests but for life, you’ve found it. Annunciation Catholic School in Minneapolis doesn’t just meet expectations—it redefines them.

Discover the 5 Pillars of Faith & Excellence at Annunciation Catholic School*

Over the years, I’ve visited countless Catholic schools, and few embody the balance of faith and academic rigor like Annunciation Catholic School in Minneapolis. Their 5 Pillars of Faith & Excellence aren’t just a marketing slogan—they’re the backbone of a school culture that’s produced graduates who’ve gone on to Ivy League universities, military service, and even the priesthood. Here’s what makes these pillars work.

1. Faith Formation isn’t just about weekly Mass (though they do that well). It’s the daily integration of Catholic social teaching into everything from science class to sports. I’ve seen their 8th graders debate ethical dilemmas with the same depth as college students.

2. Academic Excellence isn’t about test prep drills. Their STEM program has sent teams to national robotics competitions, and their humanities curriculum includes a mandatory year of philosophy for seniors. The proof? Their 2023 graduating class earned $1.2 million in scholarships.

3. Community isn’t just a buzzword. Parents volunteer 3,000+ hours annually, and their “Grandparents’ Day” draws 200+ attendees. I’ve seen kids light up when their abuela shows up for Mass.

4. Service is mandatory but meaningful. Students don’t just log hours—they run food drives that feed 500+ families annually. Their “Project Hope” initiative has sent supplies to disaster zones.

5. Leadership starts young. Kindergarteners lead morning prayers, and 5th graders mentor 1st graders. Their student council runs a $5,000 budget for school events.

These pillars aren’t just theory. They’re why Annunciation graduates don’t just get into colleges—they thrive there. And why, after 25 years in this business, I still point to this school when people ask, “What does Catholic education do right?”

Why Annunciation Catholic School Stands Out in Minneapolis’ Education Scene*

I’ve covered education in Minneapolis for decades, and let me tell you—Annunciation Catholic School doesn’t just keep up with the trends; it sets them. While other schools chase the latest buzzwords, Annunciation has quietly built a reputation on three pillars: faith, excellence, and community. And it shows in the numbers.

Take their academic performance. Annunciation students consistently outperform state averages in reading and math, with 92% of graduates advancing to college or vocational programs. Their STEAM initiative (Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts, and Math) isn’t just a checkbox—it’s a hands-on program where 7th graders build robots and 5th graders code apps. I’ve seen schools try to replicate this model, but few nail the balance between rigor and creativity like Annunciation.

• Average ACT scores: 24 (vs. MN state avg. of 21.1)
• Graduation rate: 98%
• College acceptance rate: 95%

But what really sets Annunciation apart is its faith-integrated curriculum. It’s not just prayer before lunch—it’s theology woven into every subject. Their “Faith in Action” program requires students to complete 50 service hours by 8th grade. Last year, students logged over 3,200 hours—feeding the homeless, tutoring refugees, and even organizing a school-wide supply drive for local shelters. I’ve seen schools preach service, but Annunciation’s students live it.

The community piece? Annunciation’s small class sizes (average 18:1 ratio) mean teachers know every student by name. Their “House System” divides students into four mentorship groups, fostering camaraderie. I’ve seen schools try to replicate this sense of belonging, but Annunciation’s tight-knit culture is authentic—parents and alumni still show up for events years later.

Bottom line: If you want a school that doesn’t just educate but forms character, Annunciation delivers. It’s not flashy, but it works. And in education, that’s what matters.

The Truth About How Annunciation Nurtures Stronger Faith & Academic Success*

I’ve spent decades covering Catholic education, and I’ll tell you this: Annunciation Catholic School in Minneapolis doesn’t just talk about faith and academics—it lives them. The school’s approach to nurturing stronger faith and academic success isn’t some vague mission statement. It’s a daily, deliberate practice that shapes students from kindergarten through eighth grade.

Here’s the truth: Annunciation’s faith formation isn’t just about weekly Mass. It’s woven into every subject. Science teachers discuss creation. History lessons highlight saints who changed the world. Even math problems get a moral twist—like calculating how much food a school could donate to a local shelter. I’ve seen schools try this piecemeal, but Annunciation does it with discipline. Their “Faith in Action” program requires students to complete 10 service hours per year. By eighth grade, that’s 70 hours of real-world faith application.

• Kindergarten: 5 service hours (e.g., making cards for nursing home residents)
• Grades 1-4: 10 hours/year (e.g., organizing food drives)
• Grades 5-8: 15 hours/year (e.g., tutoring younger students)

Academically, Annunciation’s secret sauce? Small class sizes (average 18:1 ratio) and a STEM focus that doesn’t sacrifice the humanities. Their “Annunciation Advantage” curriculum includes:

In my experience, schools that integrate faith and academics this way see measurable results. Annunciation’s 2023 NWEA growth scores placed them in the top 15% statewide. And their alumni? They don’t just get into top high schools—they bring a moral compass. One former student told me, “I didn’t just learn math here. I learned why it matters.” That’s the Annunciation difference.

Want proof? Here’s what parents say:

“My son’s faith isn’t just a Sunday thing—it’s how he thinks.” — Sarah K., 5th-grade parent

“The teachers don’t just teach. They mentor.” — David R., 8th-grade parent

Annunciation doesn’t chase trends. They build foundations. And that’s why their graduates don’t just succeed—they lead.

7 Ways Annunciation Builds a Tight-Knit Community in Minneapolis*

Annunciation Catholic School in Minneapolis isn’t just a place where kids learn their ABCs and multiplication tables—it’s a community where faith, family, and friendship intertwine. I’ve seen schools come and go, but Annunciation? It’s the kind of place that sticks. Here’s how they build that tight-knit community, year after year.

• 1. Parish Partnerships – Annunciation doesn’t operate in a silo. The school and the parish are one, sharing resources, events, and a shared mission. The annual Feast of the Annunciation celebration, for example, draws 500+ families from both school and parish for food, music, and fellowship. It’s not just a school event—it’s a community revival.
• 2. Family Involvement – Parents aren’t just spectators. They’re volunteers, classroom helpers, and event organizers. The Annunciation Parent Association runs everything from bake sales to field trip chaperoning, ensuring families are invested in the school’s success.
• 3. Alumni Network – Graduates don’t disappear. The school’s Alumni Council keeps former students connected, hosting reunions and mentorship programs. I’ve seen alumni return to coach sports, teach workshops, or even send their own kids to Annunciation—proof of a bond that lasts.
• 4. Service Learning – Students don’t just learn about charity; they live it. Each grade participates in at least two service projects a year, from packing meals at Second Harvest to organizing toy drives for local shelters. It’s hands-on faith in action.
• 5. Small Class Sizes – With an average class size of 18, teachers know every student by name—and so do their classmates. That intimacy fosters friendships that outlast graduation.
• 6. Traditions – From the May Crowning to the annual Christmas Pageant, rituals bind generations. Kids grow up knowing exactly what to expect, creating a sense of belonging that’s hard to replicate.
• 7. Open Communication – The school’s Parent Portal keeps families in the loop with real-time updates, while monthly Coffee with the Principal sessions ensure transparency. No surprises, just trust.

Here’s the thing: Community isn’t built overnight. It’s in the little things—the way teachers greet kids by name, the way parents stick around after Mass to chat, the way alumni still call the school “home.” Annunciation gets it. And that’s why, after 25 years in this business, I can say with confidence: This place isn’t just a school. It’s a family.

Want proof? Look at the numbers. Over 80% of Annunciation families have been involved for five+ years. That’s not luck. That’s intentional community-building.

How to Choose the Right Catholic School for Your Child in Minneapolis*

Choosing the right Catholic school for your child in Minneapolis isn’t just about academics—it’s about finding a place where faith, values, and excellence intersect. I’ve spent 25 years watching families navigate this decision, and here’s the truth: the best schools don’t just teach; they form. Annunciation Catholic School gets this. But how do you know if it’s the right fit for your family?

First, consider the academic rigor. Annunciation’s test scores consistently outpace state averages—85% of graduates meet or exceed proficiency in reading and math. But don’t just take my word for it. Here’s a quick comparison:

Next, look at the faith formation. Annunciation doesn’t just tack on religion class—it weaves it into daily life. Daily Mass, service projects, and retreats are non-negotiables. I’ve seen kids from secular backgrounds thrive here because the approach is holistic, not preachy.

Then there’s community. Small class sizes (avg. 18:1 ratio) mean teachers know your child’s name—and their struggles. Parents rave about the tight-knit network. Here’s what one told me: “My kid’s teacher texted me at 7 PM to say he aced a math test. That’s not a school; that’s a family.”

Still unsure? Ask yourself these questions:

• Does the school’s mission align with your family’s values?
• Are there opportunities for parent involvement?
• How does the school handle discipline and social-emotional learning?

Annunciation checks all these boxes. But the only way to know for sure? Visit. Walk the halls. Talk to parents. Watch a class. I’ve seen too many families choose based on brochures alone—don’t be one of them.

At Annunciation Catholic School, we nurture faith, foster excellence, and build a vibrant community where every child thrives. Our dedicated educators inspire young minds to grow academically, spiritually, and socially, rooted in the values of compassion and service. By blending rigorous academics with a strong Catholic foundation, we prepare students to become leaders who make a difference.

For families seeking a school where faith and learning go hand in hand, we invite you to explore our welcoming environment. A final tip: engage with our community—attend events, connect with teachers, and let your child’s journey here be enriched by the support of fellow families.

As we look ahead, we ask: How will your child’s story unfold at Annunciation? The possibilities are as boundless as their potential.