The Best Private Schools in Excelsior, Minnesota
Discover 3 exceptional private schools in Excelsior. Find the perfect educational environment for your child with our comprehensive reviews and ratings.
School Overview
Top-Rated Private Schools
The Blake School
Independent
The Blake School is a highly respected independent school with multiple campuses serving the western Minneapolis suburbs including Excelsior. Offering both International Baccalaureate and Advanced Placement programs, Blake provides exceptional academic preparation with 100% college matriculation. The school features outstanding facilities including modern science centers, art studios, and athletic complexes. With a commitment to diversity and global citizenship, Blake offers extensive international programs, competitive athletics, and renowned arts programs. The school maintains small class sizes and personalized attention with a 8:1 student-teacher ratio.
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Breck School
Independent
Breck School is a prestigious PreK-12 Episcopal independent school located just 15 minutes from Excelsior. Known for its rigorous college preparatory curriculum and exceptional academic outcomes, Breck offers small class sizes with a 9:1 student-teacher ratio. The campus features state-of-the-art facilities including science labs, performing arts centers, and extensive athletic facilities. The school emphasizes character development alongside academic excellence, with graduates consistently attending top-tier universities nationwide. Their comprehensive program includes advanced STEM courses, competitive athletics, and extensive arts offerings.
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Providence Academy
Independent Catholic
Providence Academy is an independent Catholic school serving students from Excelsior and surrounding western suburbs. The school offers a classical education model combined with modern college preparatory curriculum from preschool through high school. Known for strong academic results and character formation, the school features beautiful campus facilities including dedicated science labs, performing arts center, and extensive athletic facilities. The curriculum emphasizes critical thinking, writing proficiency, and moral development. Providence maintains a strong sense of community while preparing students for competitive college admissions, with graduates attending selective universities across the country.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about private schools in Excelsior, Minnesota
What are the main private school options serving families in Excelsior, MN, and what are their educational philosophies?
Excelsior residents have access to several top-tier private schools, though most are located in nearby communities. The most prominent are Breck School in Golden Valley (a PreK-12 Episcopal school known for a rigorous college-prep curriculum and strong STEM/arts), The Blake School with campuses in Hopkins, Minneapolis, and Wayzata (a PreK-12 independent school emphasizing academic excellence, global engagement, and character development), and Providence Academy in Plymouth (a PreK-12 Catholic, Classical liberal arts school). While not in Excelsior proper, these schools actively draw students from the Lake Minnetonka area, offering distinct philosophical choices from faith-based to independent.
How does tuition for private schools in the Excelsior, MN, area compare, and what financial aid options are typically available?
Tuition for the leading private schools near Excelsior is significant, reflecting their resources and programs. For the 2024-25 academic year, high school tuition ranges from approximately $30,000 to $40,000+ annually. Minnesota has unique support options like the K-12 Education Credit and Subtraction, which can provide state tax relief for qualifying educational expenses, including private school tuition. Additionally, all major schools (Breck, Blake, Providence) offer robust need-based financial aid programs, with many families receiving grants that substantially reduce the net cost. It's crucial to apply for aid early, as deadlines often precede admission decisions.
What unique academic or extracurricular programs do private schools near Excelsior offer that leverage the local Minnesota environment?
Schools in this region often integrate Minnesota's natural and cultural resources into their programs. For example, Breck School and The Blake School have renowned environmental science and sustainability programs that utilize local ecosystems like the Lake Minnetonka watershed for study. Many have strong winter athletics and outdoor education programs (like skiing or wilderness trips) that take advantage of the state's climate. Furthermore, proximity to the Twin Cities' vibrant arts, tech, and business communities allows for exceptional internship opportunities, speaker series, and partnerships with institutions like the University of Minnesota or the Guthrie Theater.
What is the typical enrollment timeline and process for competitive private schools in the Excelsior area?
The process is highly structured and begins early. For entry at any grade level, especially PreK, Kindergarten, and 6th/9th grades, families should initiate inquiries 12-18 months in advance. Key steps include: attending open houses (typically in the fall), submitting applications by January deadlines, completing student assessments/visits, and applying for financial aid concurrently. Notification dates are usually in March for the following fall. Given the competitive nature of schools like Blake and Breck, applying to more than one is common. For Excelsior residents, transportation (private busing or carpool networks) is an important logistical factor to consider post-enrollment.
For an Excelsior family considering the excellent public Minnetonka School District, what are the primary reasons to also explore private options?
While Minnetonka Public Schools are highly ranked, families often consider private schools for distinct reasons. These include seeking a specific educational philosophy (e.g., Classical at Providence, Episcopal at Breck), a desire for smaller average class sizes and more individualized attention, or a different community culture. Some private schools offer a more defined path through a single campus from PreK to 12th grade, whereas Minnetonka transitions between multiple buildings. Additionally, private schools may provide more flexibility in curriculum pacing and specialized programs not bound by public district regulations. The decision often hinges on finding the best fit for a child's unique learning style and family values, despite the additional financial investment.
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