Who We Are

The Mission of Marshall School...

The mission of Marshall School is to educate students to become global citizens who demonstrate strong academic habits, respect, compassion, integrity, self-discipline, and intellectual curiosity.

Becoming Global Citizens

Global citizens think critically, creatively, and compassionately about complex local and global issues. They understand what it means to be a member of an interconnected and rapidly-changing global community. They lead when necessary, adapt when appropriate, and employ a broad range of technological and communication skills to seek understanding and find solutions to real problems.

Marshall students emerge as global citizens with an ethic of service nurtured by their academic study of history, literature, arts, religion, languages, science, and the environment; meaningful relationships with peers and faculty from around the world; and rich extracurricular experiences, which foster humility, teamwork, and leadership.

Marshall students leave with the knowledge, skills, experiences, and independence to meet the challenges of the 21st century, wherever life takes them.

Core Values

Strong academic habits
Marshall is dedicated to teaching academic habits which will sustain lifelong learning in students. Learning how to learn -- whether it be taking notes, studying, or writing -- prepares students for success in college and in life. Our teachers nurture confident and critical thinkers who have mastered academic skills and competencies across a variety of disciplines.

Respect
Marshall offers a safe and inclusive school community where individuals are expected to respect themselves, each other, and their environment. Through personal relationships with diverse groups and individuals, students learn to understand themselves and others and work effectively as part of a team.

Compassion
Marshall believes that the development of compassion –- and the desire to make a positive difference in the lives of others -- is essential to being a productive member of a community. Through the study of multiple viewpoints and the act of service, students develop empathy for those around them.

Integrity
Marshall encourages all members of its community to hold themselves to the highest code of conduct. Led by a commitment to the common good, we strive to do what is right -- even when nobody is looking.

Self-discipline
Hard work and self-discipline are essential components for success. Marshall challenges students to develop a strong work ethic and the internal motivation to persevere through times of challenge.

Intellectual curiosity
Marshall encourages students’ natural inquisitiveness and wonder about the world. Asking questions and taking risks is as important as searching for the right answer. With the desire and courage to move confidently into the future, students can adapt to an ever-changing future in pursuit of their dreams.

Statement of Community

The Marshall School community accepts responsibility for the Safety, Inclusion & well-being of all members.

We nurture and protect an environment that is affirming and empowering of individual voices, life experiences and perspectives.

We commit to learning and growing through our daily actions and interactions.

We seek always to value, respect and uplift those around us.

• Academic Information
  • Student:Faculty ratio of 9:1
  • Average class size: 15
  • Accreditation through Independent School Association of the Central States (ISACS)
  • Membership in the National Association of Independent Schools (NAIS)
  • More than 75% of seniors take at least one AP exam receive college credit while at Marshall.
• Student body
  • Total students: 352
  • Upper School (9-12): 124
  • Middle School (4-8): 143
  • Students come from 56 different schools, 2 different states, and 8 different countries
  • 25.6% self-identified students of color and underrepresented populations
  • 10.9% from families with an income of $75,000 or less
  • 6.4% from families with an income of $50,000 or less
• Financial Aid and Tuition
  • Grades 7-12: $19,980
  • Grades 4-6: $18,300
  • Percent of families receiving financial aid: 52%
  • Total of annual financial aid awards: $1.8 million
• Post-high school data
  • 96% attend four-year college or university
  • 4% attend two-year college
  • The Class of 2019 earned over $12 million in college scholarships

Marshall School is the Twin Ports flagship independent school and has served the Duluth area for more than a century. Founded in 1904 as Cathedral Senior High School, Marshall has adapted with Duluth as the educational needs of the community changed. The foundation of providing the highest-quality, college-preparatory educational experience to students in the area has always remained a part of the school's history.

Now a member of the National Association of Independent Schools (NAIS) and the Independent Schools Association of the Central States (ISACS), Marshall serves students in grades 4-12 with personalized attention, small class sizes, and advanced academic experiences.

Originally located in downtown Duluth on the corner of 4th Street and 2nd Avenue, the school began as a Catholic high school. In the early 1960s, the school moved to its current location in Duluth on Rice Lake Road. It became an all-faith institution in the early 1970s, which led to a name change to Marshall School in 1987.

Marshall School expanded to include grades 7 and 8 in the early 1990s. Most recently, Marshall has added grades 4, 5, and 6 in the past two decades.

Along with always being known as the Hilltoppers, Marshall's unique history has consistently upheld the values of exhibiting strong academic habits, integrity, respect, and compassion.

2019-20 Trustees

Dean Fox, President
Dave Gunnarson, Vice President
Nels Ojard '95, Secretary
David Pollard '92, Treasurer

Stephanie Ball '81
Michelle Buria '89
Erin Dungan '94
Marty Espe
Doug Lewis
Lai La Lunde
Joan McNamara '76
Julie Pierce
Phil Rolle
Regina Seabrook '92
Anthony Yung
Kevin Breen, Ex Officio