Admissions Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

What admissions criteria is Marshall is looking for in students?

Marshall welcomes an inclusive group of students who want to achieve academic and co-curricular excellence, make positive contributions to the school community and engage in Marshall’s mission to educate students to become global citizens who demonstrate strong academic habits, respect, compassion, integrity, self-discipline and intellectual curiosity.

Can I visit Marshall?

Yes! There are a number of ways to visit campus. Families are welcome to attend open houses, during which families are given a tour by a faculty member and can also talk with current students and parents. Open house dates are Saturday, November 10, 2012 from 1:00-3:00 pm, Saturday, January 12, 2013 from 1:00-3:00 pm, and Tuesday, February 5, 2013 from 5:00-7:00 pm.

Families can also contact the admissions office to request a tour at any time. Contact Admissions Coordinator Amy Geissler by email or at 218.727.7266 ext. 110.

Students are required to participate in a Campus Visit Day.

Applicants are interviewed by the Admissions Director and one other school administrator during the course of their Campus Visit Day. If for some reason you cannot attend one of the Campus Visit Days, please contact the Admissions Office to schedule a visit day that works for your child’s schedule.

Will my child take an entrance exam?

Yes. In addition to a student’s academic record and campus visit, Marshall uses an admissions test (the ERB’s Comprehensive Testing Service 4) to help in the assessment of applicants. The admissions test is administered to students in grades 4-12 during specific testing sessions throughout the year. It is comprised of three sections – verbal reasoning, reading comprehension and quantitative reasoning. The test takes just over 2 hours to complete.

When do we begin and complete the admissions process?

Applications are accepted on or after October 1, 2012. Marshall strongly encourages families to complete the application process by the priority deadline, February 15, 2013. While Marshall will continue to accept applications beyond that date, applicants who have submitted their application by the priority deadline will be in the priority applicant pool and will be considered for admission first.

Who decides if my student is accepted?

Marshall has an Admissions Committee comprised of faculty and administrators.  This group meets to review your student’s admissions materials and make an admission decision.

Does Marshall give preference to siblings?

Marshall does take into consideration whether an applicant is a sibling of a current student. While being a sibling does not in and of itself guarantee admission, the admissions committee is committed to accepting qualified siblings of current students.

Does Marshall give preference to children of alumni?

Marshall does take into consideration whether an applicant is the child of an alumnus/a. While being an alumni child does not in and of itself guarantee admission, the admissions committee is committed to accepting qualified children of alumni.

Does Marshall admit and support students with learning differences and learning disabilities?

Marshall does admit students with learning differences and learning disabilities. Please note that while Marshall’s teachers offer academic support to all students, Marshall does not have separate subject-specific learning specialists or courses. Please contact the Admissions Office with questions.

When will I know if my student has been accepted to Marshall?

Applicants who apply by the priority deadline, February 15, 2013, will be mailed an admission decision on March 15, 2013.

How big is Marshall?

Approximately 480 students attend grades 4-12 during the 2012-2013 academic year. The Upper School is slightly larger than the middle school.

How many students will be in my child’s classroom?

The student-teacher ratio at Marshall is 12:1. The fourth grade is no larger than 20 students, and the fifth grade is no larger than 22 students. Students in grades 6, 7 & 8 are generally in classrooms with between 18-22 students. The average class size in the Upper School is 16.

Does Marshall have a diverse, inclusive student body?

Yes. Marshall is diverse and inclusive in a number of ways. Approximately 20% of Marshall students are members of a racial or ethnic minority. In fact, the most recent data available from the Minnesota Department of Education (2009-2010) demonstrates that Marshall has Duluth’s most inclusive high school.  Marshall awards financial aid to approximately 40% of students.

How often is physical education class?

Grades 4,5,6 – Daily physical education
Grades 7 & 8 – Physical education and health class alternate every two weeks
Grades 9-12 – Four physical education courses are required in the upper school with many more courses offered.

Does Marshall offer fine arts and athletics opportunities?

Yes. Marshall offers opportunities to participate in a multitude of fine arts opportunities, including orchestra, band, choir and drama. Marshall students can also take visual art classes including painting, drawing, ceramics, photography and visual communications. Marshall students have the opportunity to participate in 14 different sports beginning as early as 7th grade.

What foreign languages are offered and when does foreign language instruction begin?

Marshall offers three foreign languages – Spanish, French and German. Foreign language instruction begins in 4th grade.

Is community service a part of Marshall?

Yes! In fact, the class of 2011 volunteered over 7,000 hours over the course of their upper school careers. Marshall upper school students are required to volunteer a minimum of 40 hours by graduation. Many of Marshall’s students go well above and beyond this minimum requirement.

How much is tuition at Marshall?

Domestic day student tuition for 2012-2013 is $13,200 for grades 4, 5 & 6 and $14, 700 for grades 7-12. For information on International Student Programs, please click here for more information.

Are there expenses in addition to tuition?

The only domestic day student school-wide fee for 2012-13 is a one-time $40 transportation fee (used for transportation to field trips). If your student plays an instrument and does not own one, there is an instrument rental fee.