The Best Private Schools in Eden Prairie, Minnesota
Discover 3 exceptional private schools in Eden Prairie. Find the perfect educational environment for your child with our comprehensive reviews and ratings.
School Overview
Top-Rated Private Schools
Holy Family Academy
Independent Catholic School
Holy Family Academy is a highly-regarded independent Catholic classical school serving students from kindergarten through 12th grade. Located in nearby St. Louis Park, the school draws students from Eden Prairie and surrounding communities. The academy emphasizes integrated Catholic classical education with small class sizes, personalized attention, and strong moral formation. The curriculum includes rigorous college preparatory courses, comprehensive STEM education, extensive fine arts programs, and competitive athletics. The school is known for its strong community atmosphere and exceptional college acceptance rates.
Programs:
Providence Academy
Independent Catholic School
Providence Academy is a nationally recognized independent Catholic school serving students from preschool through 12th grade. Located just north of Eden Prairie in Plymouth, it serves families throughout the Twin Cities metro area. The school offers a classical liberal arts education integrated with Catholic teachings, featuring rigorous academic programs including 23 AP courses, comprehensive STEM offerings, competitive athletics, and extensive fine arts programs. The 45-acre campus features state-of-the-art facilities including science labs, performing arts centers, and athletic complexes.
Programs:
Minnehaha Academy
Minnehaha Academy
Minnehaha Academy is a prestigious Christian college preparatory school with a long-standing reputation for academic excellence. Serving students from preschool through 12th grade across multiple campuses in the Twin Cities area, the school attracts families from Eden Prairie and surrounding suburbs. The academy offers a comprehensive curriculum including advanced placement courses, robust STEM programs, championship athletics, and extensive fine arts opportunities. With a commitment to integrating faith and learning, Minnehaha provides state-of-the-art facilities and a diverse, inclusive community while maintaining strong academic standards and high college placement rates.
Programs:
Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about private schools in Eden Prairie, Minnesota
What are the primary private school options available for families residing in Eden Prairie, Minnesota, and what are their core educational philosophies?
Eden Prairie residents have access to several highly-regarded private schools, though it's important to note that some are located just outside the city boundaries. The most prominent options include **Providence Academy** in Plymouth (a PreK-12 Classical, Catholic liberal arts school), **Holy Family Academy** in Victoria (a Catholic, S.T.R.E.A.M.-focused school for grades K-8), and **Minnehaha Academy** with its lower and middle school campuses in Minneapolis and upper school in Mendota Heights (a Christian, college-preparatory school). While not in Eden Prairie proper, these schools actively draw many students from the community. Eden Prairie also has local private preschools and faith-based elementary options. The philosophies range from classical and Catholic to progressive Christian, offering distinct approaches to character and academic formation.
How does tuition for private schools in the Eden Prairie, MN, area compare, and what financial aid or Minnesota-specific programs are available to help families?
Tuition in the Twin Cities metro area varies significantly. For the 2024-25 academic year, expect ranges of approximately $12,000-$18,000 for elementary grades and $18,000-$25,000+ for high school at the major academies. Minnesota offers critical state-level support to make private education more accessible. The most significant is the **Minnesota K-12 Education Tax Credit and Subtraction**, which allows families to subtract private school tuition from their state taxable income and potentially receive a credit. Additionally, many schools like Providence and Minnehaha offer substantial need-based financial aid from their own funds. It's essential to apply for aid directly through the school and consult a tax professional about the state tax benefits.
What unique academic or extracurricular programs do private schools serving Eden Prairie students offer, particularly in fields like STEM, arts, or athletics?
Schools in this competitive market differentiate themselves with specialized programs. **Holy Family Academy** emphasizes S.T.R.E.A.M. (Science, Technology, Religion, Engineering, Arts, Math) with dedicated labs and project-based learning. **Minnehaha Academy** is known for its robust fine arts programs and competitive athletic teams in the Independent Metro Athletic Conference (IMAC). **Providence Academy** offers a distinctive Classical trivium curriculum, extensive Latin program, and a strong House system for student life. For Eden Prairie students interested in high-level athletics, these private schools often provide an alternative to the large Eden Prairie Public School teams, allowing for more multi-sport participation. Many also have unique partnerships with local tech firms and colleges for advanced coursework.
What is the typical enrollment timeline and process for competitive private schools in the Twin Cities metro area that Eden Prairie families consider?
The admission process is highly structured and begins early. For entry points like Pre-K, Kindergarten, 6th, and 9th grades, the main application season runs from **September to January** for the following fall. Key steps include: 1) Attending open houses (often in the fall), 2) Submitting an application by the school's priority deadline (typically January/February), 3) Completing student assessments/visits, and 4) Applying for financial aid concurrently (using the SSS/PFS form). Notification dates are usually in **March**. For schools with rolling admission, applying as early as possible is crucial due to limited space. Eden Prairie families should plan to research and visit schools at least a year in advance of desired enrollment.
For families comparing the highly-rated Eden Prairie Public Schools to local private options, what are the key decision factors specific to this community?
This is a common consideration in Eden Prairie, given the strong reputation of its public schools (EPPS). Key differentiators for private options include: **Class Size and Individual Attention** (private schools often have significantly smaller class sizes than EPPS's larger classrooms), **Religious or Value-Based Education** (integrating faith into daily learning), **Distinct Pedagogical Approaches** (like Classical or project-based models), and **Community Culture**. Some families seek a private environment for a child who may be overwhelmed by the scale of EPPS, which serves over 9,000 students. The decision often hinges on whether a family prioritizes the diverse, comprehensive offerings of a large public system versus the specialized mission, intimate scale, and specific values of a private institution. Transportation is also a factor, as EPPS provides busing, while private schools may require carpooling.
Nearby Cities
Explore private schools in nearby cities