Dear Families:

As chief administrator of DeLaSalle, I am pleased that you are considering an application to our school, a place of great history, looking forward to an even greater future. DeLaSalle is expanding in every significant area - enrollment is up, support from alumni and friends is up, new buildings are going up - and our spirits are soaring as we continue a second century of Catholic, secondary education on Nicollet Island.

We are uniquely positioned among the many school choices that each family will have available. As a Catholic school, our young men and women are called to be people of prayer, to find a time for God as well as a time for homework and a time for fun. As an urban school, centrally located on historic, pristine Nicollet Island, we attract students from the broadest possible mix of backgrounds. Coming from all parts of Minneapolis, St. Paul and 19 suburbs, our student body reflects the breadth of the world in which they currently live, and within which they will be asked to contribute as literate, functioning adults.

As a college preparatory school, DeLaSalle challenges its students with course offerings and homework expectations appropriate to a college-bound ability level. Our college placement rates, standardized test scores, and recognized scholars offer testimony to the rigor of the curriculum. And while we are growing, we remain a smaller high school, where our students receive appropriate and necessary care and individual attention from teachers and coaches. A DeLaSalle graduate enters college with a secure sense of self and a secure understanding of God's relevance in his or her life, in addition to a thorough academic preparation.

And so. . .we invite your family to consider an application to our school, as increasing numbers of families have. Not too long ago, our total enrollment was just a shade under 300 and we were receiving 120 applications a year. Today, after 15 consecutive years of enrollment growth, our enrollment has more than doubled and we are receiving over 400 applications for no more than 200 places in the ninth grade. We are blessed that so many have taken interest in DeLaSalle. We are pleased that your family, too, may join us as we continue a second century of work on Nicollet Island.

There is more to tell you. And show you. And give to you, as members of our community. We will continue the great momentum we've generated, and we welcome your participation as students and parents. For most of you, as you look for a school in which your son or daughter may prosper, this is the best choice you can make. This is a great high school - and getting better.

For DeLaSalle,

Brother Michael Collins, FSC EdD '55