Marshall School - Review #1

One aspect that makes Marshall School unique is its emphasis on community involvement through mandatory volunteer hours. This requirement encouraged students to step outside the classroom and actively participate in the Duluth community. Events such as the Fitger’s 5K and Grandma’s Marathon, where students could volunteer and even receive free event shirts, made the experience both fun and meaningful. These opportunities helped me develop a stronger sense of connection and responsibility toward the community. This is something I really appreciated about Marshall’s culture.

The best thing that happened to me during my time at Marshall was the chance to grow both academically and personally in an environment that truly supported me. Coming from Vietnam, studying abroad in the U.S. was a big step, but Marshall made that transition smooth and meaningful. I’m proud of how I challenged myself with difficult courses like AP Statistics, Philosophy, and Engineering Design, and how I learned to balance academics with social life, extracurriculars, and volunteer work. Living with my host family, Mr. Craig Binsfield, and my peers also helped me become more independent and responsible while still feeling part of a community.Looking back, I can see how much I’ve grown in confidence, communication, and adaptability. I learned how to connect with people from different backgrounds, express myself more openly, and take initiative in my learning. Even small moments like studying with friends, volunteering in local events, or sharing meals with my host family taught me valuable lessons about resilience and empathy. Marshall didn’t just prepare me for college; it helped me become a more well-rounded person.

If I could do anything differently, I think I would have tried to open up and get involved in school life a little earlier. When I first arrived at Marshall, I was nervous and focused mostly on adjusting to a new environment and language. It took me some time to feel comfortable joining clubs, volunteering, and socializing outside of class. Once I did, I realized how welcoming and supportive everyone was. Looking back, I wish I had taken that step sooner because it would have helped me build friendships and confidence even faster.My advice to future students, especially international ones, is to not be afraid to step out of your comfort zone. Join activities, talk to people, and make the most of every opportunity, even if it feels a little intimidating at first. Everyone at Marshall is kind and open, and those small moments of connection can turn into some of your best memories. Boarding school is not just about studying; it’s about learning who you are and discovering how to connect with others.

What I liked most about Marshall was the sense of community and support that surrounded every part of school life. From teachers who truly cared about our success to classmates who were friendly and welcoming, Marshall always felt like more than just a place to study. The teachers, especially Ms. Hanson and Ms. Mork, inspired me to enjoy learning and helped me build confidence in math and statistics. My host family, Mr. Craig Binsfield and my peers made Duluth feel like a second home, and the friendships I formed, both with international and American students, are things I’ll always value.Marshall gave me a balanced experience where academics, activities, and personal growth all came together. I learned how to think critically, communicate clearly, and connect with people from different backgrounds. What made it truly special was that everyone cared, not just about grades, but about helping each student grow as a person. That supportive and encouraging environment is what I’ll always remember most about my time at Marshall.

My biggest piece of advice for new or visiting students at Marshall is to stay open-minded and get involved as much as you can. Don’t be afraid to talk to people, join clubs, or try something new. Marshall has a welcoming community, and taking the first step makes it easy to find your place. Also, enjoy the small moments of studying with friends, volunteering, or just hanging out after school—as these everyday experiences often become the most memorable.The snack bar is a great spot to grab a quick bite and catch up with friends, and quiet areas near the windows or outside offer a peaceful place to relax and enjoy Duluth’s beautiful hills and lakes. I also had an amazing experience living with my host family, Mr. Craig Binsfield. If he ever opens his home to students again, I would highly recommend it, as living there with other students gave me a true sense of community and created some of my favorite memories at Marshall.

The academics at Marshall were rigorous but very personal. Small class sizes meant teachers knew you as a learner and pushed you just enough without leaving you behind. I appreciated the breadth of the curriculum: alongside Honors Algebra and Honors Pre-Calc, I took AP Statistics, Engineering Design, and humanities classes like English: Power of Myth and Philosophy. That mix taught me both technical problem-solving and clear, critical thinking. In particular, the Engineering Design course gave me hands-on experience with iterative projects and teamwork, while the humanities classes emphasized discussion, writing, and making complex ideas accessible, skills that balanced the heavy math work and made learning feel purposeful.Two teachers who made a huge difference were Ms. Hanson and Ms. Mork; their dedication in teaching algebra, pre-calculus, and AP Statistics made those challenging courses approachable and meaningful. Ms. Mork's explanations helped me build confidence in foundational concepts, and Ms. Hanson pushed us to apply statistics to real problems, which directly prepared me for the quantitative demands of Computer Science at Purdue. Overall, Marshall's academic environment felt college-preparatory in a way that was concrete, demanding coursework, frequent writing and discussion, and project-based learning, all delivered with personalized support that made the jump to university much smoother.

The athletics program at Marshall was one of the most enjoyable parts of my high school experience. Even though the school isn’t very large, the sports community was incredibly supportive and welcoming. I participated in the Tennis Club, which gave me both a competitive outlet and a way to relax after classes. Practices were always fun and energetic, and the coaches encouraged teamwork and personal improvement rather than just focusing on winning. What I liked most was how athletics at Marshall emphasized participation and camaraderie. Whether you were a serious athlete or just playing for fun, everyone was included and valued.Another thing that stood out to me was how athletics fit naturally with academics. Teachers and coaches worked together to help students manage their schedules, and there was a strong sense of pride in representing Marshall at local matches and tournaments. The friendships I built through tennis went beyond the court, and those experiences taught me about commitment, teamwork, and perseverance (skills that have continued to help me in college and in life).

The visual arts, music, and theater programs at Marshall were a big part of what made the school community feel creative and well-rounded. Even though I was more focused on math and computer science, I always admired how accessible and welcoming the arts programs were. Students were encouraged to try new things, whether that meant joining the choir, participating in a play, or exploring visual art projects. I enjoyed seeing how art and performance were celebrated at school events and how students with different talents came together to create something meaningful.What I liked most was how the arts brought balance to the academic environment. You didn’t have to be an expert to take part (teachers supported creativity at every level and encouraged students to express themselves in their own way). Watching friends perform in theater productions or seeing their artwork displayed around the school showed me how much Marshall valued creativity and collaboration. That atmosphere of encouragement and artistic freedom helped make the community feel vibrant and connected.

The extracurricular activities at Marshall were a great way to connect with people outside the classroom and explore different interests. I was part of the Yearbook Club and the Tennis Club, and both gave me a sense of belonging in different ways. The Yearbook Club was relaxed but creative, and I enjoyed helping to capture the memories and highlights of the school year. It was a fun balance to my academic work, and it gave me a chance to collaborate with classmates in a more casual, creative setting. Tennis, on the other hand, was active and social, and I loved the team spirit and friendly competition it brought.I also really appreciated Marshall’s focus on community service. The school’s volunteer hour requirement encouraged everyone to get involved in local events like the Fitger’s 5K and Grandma’s Marathon. These experiences helped me see how small actions can make a big difference and gave me a stronger connection to the Duluth community. What I liked most about extracurricular life at Marshall was that it wasn’t just about joining clubs, it was about building relationships, learning new skills, and contributing to something larger than yourself.

Although I didn’t live in the dorms, I stayed with a host family during my time at Marshall because the dorm was full. My host parent, Mr. Craig Binsfield, made the experience truly special. Living in his home, along with five other students, gave me a sense of family and comfort that made studying abroad feel much easier. We shared a lot of great moments together, from cooking meals to playing games after school. Those small daily routines turned into some of my favorite memories from my time at Marshall.What I liked most about living with a host family was how it gave me a second home. Mr. Craig treated us like part of his family, and we supported each other like siblings. It was a mix of independence and community; I learned to be responsible while also forming close friendships. Even though it wasn’t traditional dorm life, the experience gave me a true sense of belonging and made my time at Marshall even more meaningful.

The dining experience at Marshall was enjoyable overall. The food was pretty good, not the best I’ve ever had, but definitely not the worst either. What made it special wasn’t just the meals themselves but the people I shared them with. I usually ate with my Vietnamese friends, and those daily lunches became something I really looked forward to. We'd talk, laugh, and sometimes share food from home, which made the dining hall feel more comfortable and familiar.What I liked most about dining at Marshall was the sense of community it created. Whether you were catching up with friends, meeting new people, or just taking a break from classes, meals were a time for connection. Even simple lunches turned into memorable moments that helped make school life feel balanced and social.

Duluth has a really calm and welcoming atmosphere, which made it a great place to study and live during my time at Marshall. The city’s location by Lake Superior gives it beautiful scenery all year round, from peaceful waterfront walks to snowy winter views. I really liked how the town felt safe and friendly and how easy it was to get around. The small-town charm made it easy to relax after classes, whether by going downtown, visiting Canal Park, or just enjoying the fresh air and quiet neighborhoods.What I liked most about living in Duluth was the balance between community and nature. It wasn’t a busy city, but it never felt boring either. There were always small local events, cozy cafés, and chances to explore the outdoors with friends. The calm environment helped me focus on school while still being able to enjoy life outside of academics.

The social life at Marshall was one of the things that made my experience as an international student so memorable. Coming from Vietnam, I wasn’t sure at first how easily I would be able to connect with U.S. students, but everyone at Marshall was very open and welcoming. I was able to make close friendships and learn a lot about American culture just through everyday conversations and shared experiences. One of my friends, JT (who liked to be called Kai), was someone I shared many great memories with. Although he sadly passed away, I’ll always remember the kindness and positivity he brought into our group.What I liked most about the social life at Marshall was how friendly and inclusive students were. Whether it was during lunch, in clubs, or while hanging out after school, people were always willing to talk, share stories, and support one another. The community felt close-knit, and that helped me feel comfortable and confident far from home. Those friendships and experiences taught me how to connect with people from different backgrounds, something I still carry with me today.