The Best Private Schools in Cold Spring, Minnesota
Discover 3 exceptional private schools in Cold Spring. 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
Saint John's Abbey and University
Located just minutes from Cold Spring in Collegeville, St. John's Preparatory School is one of Minnesota's oldest and most prestigious private schools. As an International Baccalaureate World School, it offers globally-recognized curriculum alongside traditional college preparatory courses. The school leverages its unique connection to Saint John's University, providing students access to university-level facilities and resources. The 2,700-acre campus includes extensive athletic facilities, science labs, and outdoor education programs that emphasize environmental stewardship.
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Cathedral High School
Catholic Schools of St. Cloud
Cathedral High School is a highly-regarded Catholic college preparatory school serving the greater St. Cloud area including Cold Spring. With over a century of educational excellence, the school offers rigorous academic programs with a 14:1 student-teacher ratio. The campus features modern STEM labs, performing arts facilities, and comprehensive athletic programs. Students consistently achieve above-average ACT scores and college acceptance rates, with a strong emphasis on character development and community service.
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All Saints Academy
Catholic Schools of St. Cloud
All Saints Academy serves students from Cold Spring and throughout the St. Cloud region with a comprehensive PreK-8 education. The school combines strong academic fundamentals with innovative STEM programming and Catholic faith formation. Facilities include modern classrooms, technology labs, and dedicated spaces for art and music. The school emphasizes individualized learning with small class sizes and offers extensive extracurricular opportunities including athletics, clubs, and community service programs that build strong character and leadership skills.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about private schools in Cold Spring, Minnesota
What are the main private school options available for families in Cold Spring, Minnesota, and what grade levels do they serve?
In the Cold Spring, MN area, the primary private school options are faith-based institutions. Cathedral High School is a Catholic, co-educational high school serving grades 9-12. St. John's Preparatory School, located in nearby Collegeville, is an independent Catholic, co-ed college preparatory school for grades 6-12, drawing many students from Cold Spring. All Saints Academy, with campuses in St. Cloud, is a Catholic school serving Pre-K through 8th grade and is a common feeder school for the area's high schools. For Cold Spring residents, these schools represent the core of private education, with many families commuting a short distance for these options, as there are no large secular private day schools within the city limits itself.
How does tuition at Cold Spring area private schools compare to the Minnesota state average, and what financial aid options are typically available?
Tuition for Cold Spring area private schools is generally at or slightly below the Minnesota state average for private schools, reflecting the region's cost of living. For the 2024-2025 school year, high school tuition ranges from approximately $9,000 to $14,000 annually. Minnesota offers unique financial support mechanisms that benefit local families, including the K-12 Education Credit and Subtraction, which can provide significant state tax relief for tuition and educational expenses. Additionally, all major local schools (Cathedral, St. John's Prep, All Saints) offer need-based financial aid, parish subsidies for active Catholic families, and multi-child discounts. Some also participate in Minnesota's Tax-Credit Scholarship program, which provides scholarships funded by donations from Minnesota businesses.
What unique academic or extracurricular programs are offered by private schools serving Cold Spring students that leverage the local community or environment?
Private schools in the Cold Spring area offer distinctive programs tied to the region's character. St. John's Prep leverages its 2,700-acre natural setting for exceptional environmental science and outdoor education programs. Cathedral High School has a strong engineering and robotics pathway, with partnerships in the St. Cloud metro's manufacturing and tech sectors. Both high schools have renowned music programs that often perform at the historic Paramount Theatre in St. Cloud. Furthermore, the strong Catholic identity of these schools integrates service learning deeply into the curriculum, with students regularly engaging in community projects throughout Stearns County, including in Cold Spring itself.
What is the typical enrollment timeline and process for private schools like Cathedral High School that serve Cold Spring, and are there considerations for transfer students?
The enrollment timeline for Cold Spring area private schools typically begins with open houses in the fall (October-November) for the following academic year. Priority application deadlines are often in January or February, with rolling admissions thereafter if spaces remain. The process usually involves a completed application, student and parent interviews, submission of past academic records, and a placement exam for incoming freshmen. A key consideration for Cold Spring families is that these schools actively recruit from a wide geographic area, so applying by the priority deadline is advised. For transfer students, particularly those moving into the Rocori public school district and seeking a mid-year switch, private schools are often accommodating but require an assessment to ensure proper grade-level placement and alignment with their curriculum.
For a family living in Cold Spring, what are the primary factors to consider when choosing between the Rocori public school district and a local private school?
The decision between Rocori Public Schools (which serves Cold Spring) and a private school hinges on several local factors. Firstly, consider educational approach: Rocori offers a comprehensive, tax-funded education with diverse programs, while private schools like Cathedral or St. John's Prep offer a specific college-prep curriculum with integrated faith and values. Secondly, evaluate community and size: Rocori provides a community-centered, local experience, whereas private schools offer a smaller, often more intimate setting drawing from a broader regional base. Thirdly, assess cost versus investment: Rocori has no tuition, while private schools require financial planning but may offer more individualized attention. Finally, consider logistics: Rocori provides busing within Cold Spring, while attending a private school often requires personal transportation to St. Cloud or Collegeville. Many Cold Spring families value the strong athletics and arts in both sectors, making campus visits and conversations with current parents essential.
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