The Best Private Schools in Ellendale, Minnesota
Discover 3 exceptional private schools in Ellendale. Find the perfect educational environment for your child with our comprehensive reviews and ratings.
School Overview
Top-Rated Private Schools
The Montessori School of Owatonna
Montessori
Located approximately 15 minutes from Ellendale, this highly-regarded Montessori school serves students from toddler through elementary ages. The school follows authentic Montessori principles with certified teachers and carefully prepared learning environments. The program emphasizes individualized learning, hands-on materials, and development of independence. Parents consistently praise the nurturing environment, experienced staff, and the school's commitment to developing each child's full potential academically, socially, and emotionally.
Programs:
Schaeffer Academy
Christian Classical
Schaeffer Academy is a classical Christian school located approximately 30 minutes from Ellendale in Rochester. Serving students from kindergarten through 12th grade, the school integrates faith and learning through a rigorous classical curriculum that emphasizes critical thinking, communication skills, and moral character. The school features small class sizes, dedicated Christian faculty, and comprehensive extracurricular programs including athletics, music, and drama. The college preparatory program consistently produces graduates who excel in higher education.
Programs:
Shattuck-St. Mary's School
Independent
Shattuck-St. Mary's is a prestigious co-educational Episcopal boarding and day school serving students in grades 6-12. Located approximately 30 minutes from Ellendale, the school offers a rigorous college preparatory curriculum with exceptional arts and athletic programs. The campus features state-of-the-art facilities including dedicated centers for hockey, figure skating, and soccer development. With small class sizes and dedicated faculty, the school emphasizes character development and academic excellence, preparing students for top colleges and universities worldwide.
Programs:
Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about private schools in Ellendale, Minnesota
What are the primary private school options available for families in or near Ellendale, Minnesota?
While Ellendale itself is a small community, families have access to several notable private schools in the surrounding Southern Minnesota region. The most prominent is Shattuck-St. Mary's School in Faribault, approximately 30 miles away, known for its college-prep curriculum and specialized centers for hockey, soccer, figure skating, and the arts. Closer options include The Montessori School of Owatonna (about 15 miles away) for early childhood and elementary education, and Schaeffer Academy, a Christian classical school in Rochester (about 45 miles away, with some families commuting). There are no private schools physically located within Ellendale's city limits, so transportation is a key consideration.
How does the tuition for private schools near Ellendale, MN, compare, and are there financial aid options specific to Minnesota?
Tuition varies significantly based on the school and grade level. For the 2024-2025 academic year, Shattuck-St. Mary's, as a boarding and day school, has tuition exceeding $40,000 for boarding students, with day student tuition being lower but still substantial. The Montessori School of Owatonna and Schaeffer Academy typically have tuition ranges from $6,000 to $12,000 annually. Minnesota offers specific financial benefits, including the K-12 Education Credit and Subtraction, which can reduce state tax liability for qualifying educational expenses. Additionally, many schools offer need-based financial aid, and some participate in Minnesota's "Dual Enrollment" programs that may provide partial public funding for certain courses.
What unique academic or extracurricular programs are offered by private schools in the Ellendale area?
The schools near Ellendale offer distinct specializations. Shattuck-St. Mary's is nationally recognized for its Centers of Excellence in hockey, soccer, figure skating, and visual arts, providing pre-professional training alongside rigorous academics. The Montessori School of Owatonna offers a hands-on, child-led learning environment for young children, which is unique in the immediate area. Schaeffer Academy provides a classical Christian education with a strong emphasis on the liberal arts, logic, and rhetoric—a model not found in local public schools. These programs attract students from Ellendale and across the region seeking focused paths not typically available in smaller public school districts.
What is the typical enrollment timeline and process for private schools serving Ellendale, MN families?
Timelines are school-specific and often require advanced planning due to competitive admissions, especially for boarding programs. For Shattuck-St. Mary's, the application process for fall enrollment typically begins a full year in advance, with priority deadlines in January or February. The Montessori School of Owatonna and Schaeffer Academy may have rolling admissions but encourage applications by early spring for the following fall. A common step for all is a campus visit/interview, which is crucial given the commute from Ellendale. It's highly recommended to contact admissions offices 12-18 months before desired enrollment to understand specific requirements, testing, and financial aid deadlines.
For an Ellendale resident, what are the major practical considerations when choosing between the local public school and a private school in the region?
The decision hinges on several location-specific factors. First is **commuting**: Attending a private school involves a daily drive of 15 to 45+ minutes each way, which impacts family logistics and student time. Second is **cost**: Beyond tuition, families must weigh the value of specialized programs against the free, community-based education provided by NRHEG (New Richland-Hartland-Ellendale-Geneva) Public Schools. Third is **community integration**: Ellendale students in local public schools participate in hometown sports and activities, while private school students may have a more regional peer group. The choice often comes down to whether a family's educational priorities (e.g., elite athletics, Montessori, classical Christian) justify the added investment in time and money compared to the well-regarded local public system.
Nearby Cities
Explore private schools in nearby cities