The Best Private Schools in Circle Pines, Minnesota
Discover 3 exceptional private schools in Circle Pines. Find the perfect educational environment for your child with our comprehensive reviews and ratings.
School Overview
Top-Rated Private Schools
Mounds Park Academy
Independent
Mounds Park Academy is a highly-regarded independent PreK-12 school known for its rigorous college preparatory curriculum and small class sizes. The school emphasizes critical thinking, character development, and global citizenship. With a 9:1 student-to-teacher ratio, Mounds Park Academy offers extensive STEM programs, competitive athletics, and comprehensive arts education. The campus features state-of-the-art facilities including science labs, performance spaces, and athletic complexes. The school serves families throughout the Twin Cities metro area, including Circle Pines residents seeking exceptional private education.
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The International School of Minnesota
SABIS Educational Systems
The International School of Minnesota provides a globally-focused education through the SABIS network and offers both IB and AP programs. Serving students from PreK through grade 12, the school features a diverse international community and comprehensive college preparatory curriculum. The campus includes modern science laboratories, technology-integrated classrooms, athletic facilities, and performing arts spaces. With strong emphasis on multilingual education and global perspectives, the school attracts families from across the metro area, including Circle Pines, seeking an internationally-recognized education with excellent college placement records.
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St. Odilia School
Archdiocese of Saint Paul and Minneapolis
St. Odilia Catholic School serves students from preschool through 8th grade and is located in nearby Shoreview, conveniently accessible to Circle Pines families. The school offers a faith-based education combined with strong academic programming, including dedicated STEM curriculum, comprehensive fine arts, and competitive athletics. The campus features modern classrooms, science labs, technology resources, and extensive athletic facilities. With a focus on character development and academic excellence, St. Odilia maintains small class sizes and strong community involvement, making it a popular choice for families in the northern Twin Cities suburbs.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about private schools in Circle Pines, Minnesota
What are the primary private school options for families residing in Circle Pines, MN, and are there transportation services available?
While Circle Pines itself is a smaller suburb, families have access to several highly-regarded private schools in the broader north metro area. Notable options include Mounds Park Academy in Maplewood (PreK-12), The International School of Minnesota in Eden Prairie (PreK-12, with an International Baccalaureate curriculum), and St. Odilia School in Shoreview (Preschool-8, a Catholic school). It's important to note that these schools are located in neighboring cities, typically a 15-30 minute drive from Circle Pines. Most private schools in Minnesota do not provide district-style busing, so transportation is generally the responsibility of the family. However, some schools may offer fee-based shuttle services from designated areas or can help facilitate carpool connections among enrolled families.
How does Minnesota's tax credit and deduction system for education expenses benefit parents considering private schools near Circle Pines?
Minnesota offers specific tax benefits that can help offset private school costs. The K-12 Education Credit and Subtraction can be claimed for qualifying expenses such as tuition, tutoring, and instructional materials. For the 2023 tax year, families with incomes below roughly $78,000 may qualify for a credit, while those with higher incomes may still qualify for a subtraction that reduces taxable income. This state-level benefit is a key financial consideration for Circle Pines families. It's crucial to consult with a tax professional and keep detailed receipts from your chosen school, like Mounds Park Academy or St. Odilia, to maximize these savings. The Minnesota Department of Revenue website provides the latest income guidelines and eligible expenses.
What unique academic or extracurricular programs are offered by private schools accessible from Circle Pines that differ from local public school offerings?
The private schools in the Circle Pines orbit often provide distinct, specialized programs. The International School of Minnesota (ISM) is a standout for its full International Baccalaureate (IB) continuum from Primary Years through Diploma, offering a globally-focused education less commonly found in Anoka-Hennepin public schools. Mounds Park Academy emphasizes experiential learning and has a renowned robotics and engineering program integrated from lower school onward. St. Odilia School offers a faith-based curriculum with daily religion classes and sacramental preparation, which is a core differentiator. These schools typically have smaller class sizes, allowing for more individualized attention and unique electives that may not be feasible in larger public school settings.
What is the typical enrollment timeline and process for private schools serving the Circle Pines, MN community, and when should we start?
The enrollment process for competitive private schools in the Minneapolis-St. Paul metro area, including those near Circle Pines, often begins very early. For fall admission, many schools open applications in August or September of the prior year. Key steps usually include: attending open houses (often held in the fall), submitting an application by January or February, completing student assessments or visits, and receiving decisions by March. For schools like Mounds Park Academy and ISM, starting the research and tour process 12-18 months in advance is advisable, especially for entry into popular grades like Pre-K, Kindergarten, and 6th grade. St. Odilia may have a slightly different timeline for parish member versus non-member applicants. We recommend contacting the admissions office of each school directly in the summer before your desired enrollment year to get their specific calendar.
For a Circle Pines family, what are the practical considerations when choosing between the Anoka-Hennepin public school district and a private school in terms of community, daily logistics, and cost?
This is a fundamental decision for Circle Pines residents. The Anoka-Hennepin School District provides neighborhood schools with no tuition, extensive extracurriculars, and specialized programs. Choosing a private school involves a significant financial investment (tuition can range from ~$10,000 to over $30,000 annually), a daily commute to a neighboring city, and potentially less direct connection to hyper-local peer groups. However, private schools offer alternative educational philosophies (like IB at ISM or progressive education at Mounds Park), often smaller class sizes, and a self-selected community of families with similar educational priorities. The daily logistics of driving to Maplewood, Eden Prairie, or Shoreview require planning, especially for after-school activities. Many families find the trade-off worthwhile for a specific academic, religious, or pedagogical environment not available in the public system.