The Best Private Schools in Avon, Minnesota
Discover 3 exceptional private schools in Avon. Find the perfect educational environment for your child with our comprehensive reviews and ratings.
School Overview
Top-Rated Private Schools
St. John's Preparatory School
St. John's University
St. John's Preparatory School is an independent Catholic school located in Collegeville, approximately 15 minutes from Avon. As Minnesota's oldest secondary school, it offers both college preparatory and International Baccalaureate programs. The school benefits from its connection to St. John's University, providing exceptional facilities and resources. Students have access to university-level science labs, performing arts centers, and athletic facilities. The school is particularly noted for its strong academic reputation, with graduates consistently attending top colleges and universities nationwide.
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Cathedral High School
Diocese of St. Cloud
Cathedral High School is a highly-regarded Catholic college preparatory school serving the St. Cloud metropolitan area, including Avon families. With over a century of educational excellence, the school offers rigorous academic programs including Advanced Placement courses, comprehensive STEM education, and competitive athletics. The school features modern facilities, small class sizes, and a strong community atmosphere. Parent reviews consistently praise the quality of teaching, college preparation, and the values-based education that prepares students for academic and personal success.
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All Saints Academy
Private Catholic School
All Saints Academy serves students from preschool through 12th grade and draws families from Avon and throughout the St. Cloud area. Formed through the consolidation of several Catholic schools, it offers a comprehensive educational experience with modern facilities and technology integration. The school emphasizes faith formation alongside academic excellence, with strong programs in STEM, fine arts, and competitive athletics. Parent reviews highlight the caring community, individualized attention, and strong preparation for college. The school's relatively recent consolidation brings together decades of educational tradition with contemporary teaching methods.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about private schools in Avon, Minnesota
What are the main private school options available for families residing in or near Avon, Minnesota?
While Avon itself is a smaller community, families have access to several highly-regarded private schools in the surrounding Stearns County area. The most prominent options include Cathedral High School in St. Cloud, known for its college-prep curriculum and Catholic tradition; St. John's Preparatory School in Collegeville, a co-ed Benedictine college preparatory school on the campus of Saint John's University; and All Saints Academy, a private Catholic school with campuses in St. Cloud and Sartell serving Pre-K through 12th grade. For Avon residents, these schools typically involve a commute, but they represent the primary private education institutions serving the region.
How does the tuition for private schools near Avon, MN, compare, and are there financial aid options specific to Minnesota?
Tuition varies significantly among the schools near Avon. For the 2024-2025 academic year, St. John's Preparatory School tuition is approximately $16,000-$18,000, Cathedral High School is around $10,000-$12,000, and All Saints Academy ranges from $5,000 to $8,000 depending on grade level and parish membership. Minnesota offers specific financial aid opportunities that Avon-area families can utilize, most notably the K-12 Education Credit and Subtraction, which can provide substantial tax benefits for qualifying educational expenses. Additionally, all these schools offer need-based financial aid, parish subsidies for active Catholic families, and multi-child discounts.
What unique academic or extracurricular programs do private schools near Avon offer that leverage local resources?
Private schools in the Avon region capitalize on Central Minnesota's unique assets. St. John's Prep offers distinctive programs like the Hobbit Farm outdoor education center and deep integration with Saint John's University for advanced coursework and facilities. Cathedral High School features strong STEM initiatives and partnerships with local tech businesses in St. Cloud. All Saints Academy emphasizes a faith-based, continuous Pre-K-12 model on two campuses. A common regional advantage is the focus on environmental and agricultural science, drawing on the area's landscape, and robust arts programs that connect with the vibrant arts community in nearby St. Cloud.
What is the typical enrollment timeline and process for private schools serving Avon, Minnesota families?
The enrollment process for schools like Cathedral, St. John's Prep, and All Saints Academy generally begins in the fall or early winter for the following academic year. Most have open houses between October and January. Application deadlines for priority financial aid consideration are often in February or March. A key step for Avon families is arranging transportation, as these schools do not provide district busing. The process typically involves an application, student records review, family interview, and for some, an entrance exam. It's highly recommended to contact admissions offices a full year in advance, especially for sought-after grades like kindergarten, 6th, and 9th.
For an Avon resident, what are the primary considerations when choosing between the local public school (Avon Public School District) and a private school in the area?
The decision hinges on several factors specific to Avon. The Avon Public School District offers the convenience of a close-knit, single-campus K-12 experience with no tuition. Choosing a private school like Cathedral, St. John's Prep, or All Saints involves a daily commute of 20-40 minutes to St. Cloud, Collegeville, or Sartell, plus tuition. Parents often consider private options for a specific religious education (Catholic), smaller average class sizes, or different academic trajectories (like St. John's Prep's strong college-prep focus). The private schools offer an alternative if seeking a different extracurricular emphasis (e.g., debate, specific sports) not as robust in the smaller Avon district. Evaluating the commute, cost, and alignment of educational philosophy is crucial.
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