The Best Private Schools in Arlington, Minnesota
Discover 3 exceptional private schools in Arlington. Find the perfect educational environment for your child with our comprehensive reviews and ratings.
School Overview
Top-Rated Private Schools
Mayer Lutheran High School
Lutheran Church-Missouri Synod
Mayer Lutheran High School is a highly-regarded Christian college preparatory school serving students from Arlington and surrounding communities. The school offers a rigorous academic program with strong emphasis on STEM education, comprehensive fine arts programs, and competitive athletics. With small class sizes and dedicated faculty, the school maintains a 100% college acceptance rate. The campus features modern facilities including science labs, performing arts spaces, and athletic complexes. Parents consistently praise the school's nurturing environment and strong community values.
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Holy Family Academy
Independent Catholic School
Holy Family Academy offers a unique classical Catholic education serving students from Arlington and the greater Twin Cities southwest metro area. The school follows a rigorous liberal arts curriculum that includes Latin, logic, rhetoric, and Great Books study. With an emphasis on forming the whole person through intellectual, spiritual, and moral development, the school maintains small class sizes and a challenging academic environment. The school features a beautiful campus with traditional classrooms, chapel, and dedicated spaces for music and art. Parents frequently commend the school's academic excellence and strong community values.
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Guardian Angels Catholic School
Archdiocese of Saint Paul and Minneapolis
Guardian Angels Catholic School serves families from Arlington and the broader Carver County area with a comprehensive PreK-8 education rooted in Catholic values. The school features a strong academic foundation with integrated technology, dedicated STEM programs, and comprehensive arts education. The campus includes modern classrooms, a chapel, gymnasium, and specialized learning spaces. The school is known for its tight-knit community atmosphere and commitment to developing well-rounded students through service learning and character education.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about private schools in Arlington, Minnesota
What are the primary private school options available for families in Arlington, Minnesota, and what grade levels do they serve?
Arlington, MN, is served by a small number of private, faith-based schools. The primary options include Guardian Angels Catholic School (Pre-K through 8th grade) and Holy Family Academy (K-8), both located in Arlington itself. For high school, families often look to nearby Mayer Lutheran High School in Mayer, MN, which is about a 20-minute drive from Arlington and serves grades 9-12. This means Arlington residents typically have a continuous private education pathway from preschool through high school, albeit requiring a commute for the high school years.
How does tuition at Arlington's private schools compare to state averages, and what financial aid options are available for Minnesota residents?
Tuition at Arlington's private schools is generally below the state average for Minnesota private schools, reflecting the area's rural character. For the 2023-2024 school year, tuition for a single student at the local K-8 schools often ranges from $3,000 to $5,000 annually, with discounts for multiple children. Minnesota offers significant financial support through tax benefits, including the K-12 Education Credit and Subtraction, which can reduce the net cost for qualifying families. Additionally, schools like Guardian Angels and Holy Family Academy typically have parish subsidies for member families and may offer need-based scholarships or tuition assistance programs funded by their associated churches and community donations.
What unique academic or extracurricular programs do private schools in the Arlington, MN, area offer that differentiate them from local public schools?
The private schools in and near Arlington emphasize faith-based education and character development as their core differentiator. Academically, they often provide a structured, traditional curriculum with integrated religious studies. Mayer Lutheran High School offers distinctive programs such as agricultural science and strong music/arts ministries that appeal to students from farming communities. A notable advantage is smaller class sizes, often 15:1 or lower, allowing for personalized attention. Extracurriculars are community-focused, with strong emphasis on service projects, faith-based clubs, and athletics that compete in the Minnesota Christian Athletic Association.
What is the typical enrollment timeline and process for private schools in Arlington, Minnesota, and are there waitlists?
The enrollment process for Arlington's private schools typically begins in January or February for the following fall, with priority given to re-enrolling students and siblings. Open houses are often held in winter. Due to the small size of these schools, some grades—particularly kindergarten and early elementary—can fill quickly, leading to waitlists. The process usually involves submitting an application, a family interview or meeting with the principal, and providing records from any previous school. Unlike in larger metro areas, the timeline can be more flexible, and schools may accept applications year-round if space is available, but early inquiry is strongly recommended.
For families considering both options, what are the key practical differences between attending Arlington Public Schools and a local private school?
The key differences are rooted in scale, curriculum, and cost. Arlington Public Schools (Sibley East School District) offer a comprehensive K-12 system in one district with a wider array of elective courses, advanced placement options, and larger-scale athletic programs in the Minnesota State High School League. Private options involve a faith-based environment, daily religious instruction, and potentially a multi-school journey (e.g., a different school for high school). Transportation is a major practical consideration: public schools provide busing, while private school families are responsible for transportation, which becomes significant for high school at Mayer Lutheran. Financially, public school is tax-funded, while private school requires tuition, albeit partially offset by Minnesota state tax benefits.
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