The Best Private Schools in Faribault, Minnesota
Discover 3 exceptional private schools in Faribault. Find the perfect educational environment for your child with our comprehensive reviews and ratings.
School Overview
Top-Rated Private Schools
Trinity School at River Ridge
Independent Classical Christian School
Trinity School at River Ridge is a highly-regarded classical Christian school serving the southern metro area including Faribault families. Located approximately 30 minutes from Faribault, the school offers a rigorous classical education model from preschool through 12th grade. The curriculum emphasizes Great Books, Socratic dialogue, Latin instruction, and integrated learning across disciplines. Students consistently achieve exceptional test scores and college placement results. The school features modern facilities, competitive athletic teams, robust fine arts programs, and a strong community atmosphere. With small class sizes and dedicated faculty, Trinity provides a distinctive educational experience focused on cultivating wisdom and virtue.
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Bethlehem Academy
Independent Catholic School
Bethlehem Academy is Faribault's premier Catholic college preparatory school serving grades 6-12. With a rich 160-year history, the school offers a rigorous academic curriculum combined with strong faith formation. The school features small class sizes, dedicated faculty with advanced degrees, and comprehensive college counseling. Students benefit from modern STEM labs, competitive athletic programs, and extensive extracurricular activities including robotics, theater, and community service. The school maintains a 100% college acceptance rate and emphasizes character development alongside academic excellence.
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Shattuck-St. Mary's School
Independent Boarding and Day School
Shattuck-St. Mary's is a prestigious independent Episcopal boarding and day school with a global reputation for academic excellence and specialized programs. The school offers a comprehensive college preparatory curriculum alongside renowned Center for Excellence programs in hockey, figure skating, and soccer that attract students worldwide. With state-of-the-art facilities including science laboratories, performing arts centers, and athletic complexes, the school provides exceptional opportunities for student development. The 250-acre campus features historic buildings alongside modern academic and residential facilities, serving students in grades 6-12 with a focus on leadership and global citizenship.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about private schools in Faribault, Minnesota
What are the distinctive educational profiles of the top private schools in Faribault, MN, and how do I choose between them?
Faribault's leading private schools offer distinct educational models. **Shattuck-St. Mary's School** is renowned for its boarding program and specialized centers of excellence in areas like hockey, figure skating, soccer, and the arts, attracting students nationally. **Bethlehem Academy** is a Catholic, college-preparatory day school serving grades 6-12 with a strong faith-based community. **Trinity School at River Ridge** is a private, classical Christian day school for grades K-12, emphasizing a rigorous liberal arts curriculum rooted in the classical tradition. Your choice should align with your child's needs, your educational philosophy (progressive vs. classical), and whether you seek a day or boarding option.
How does the tuition for private schools in Faribault, MN, compare, and what financial aid options are available specifically in Minnesota?
Tuition in Faribault varies significantly by school and program. Day school tuition at Bethlehem Academy and Trinity School is generally in the range of $5,000-$10,000 annually. Shattuck-St. Mary's, as a boarding school, has a comprehensive fee that can exceed $60,000 per year, though day student options are also available. All three schools offer need-based financial aid. Crucially, Minnesota parents can benefit from state-specific programs like the **K-12 Education Credit and Subtraction**, which allows for tax deductions for educational expenses, and the **Minnesota AIM Higher Program**, which provides need-based grants to eligible students attending participating private schools.
What unique extracurricular or specialized programs do Faribault private schools offer that leverage the local community or resources?
Faribault's private schools leverage their unique settings and histories. **Shattuck-St. Mary's** utilizes its extensive campus and athletic facilities for its world-class athletic training centers, particularly its famed hockey program, which has produced numerous NHL players. **Bethlehem Academy** often engages with the local Catholic community and nearby Shattuck for shared resources. **Trinity School at River Ridge**, located on a scenic bluff, incorporates its natural surroundings into its classical curriculum. Furthermore, Faribault's rich history and proximity to the Twin Cities allow schools to facilitate educational trips to museums, theaters, and cultural institutions not readily available in more rural areas.
What is the typical enrollment timeline and process for private schools in Faribault, and are there important local deadlines?
While timelines vary, most Faribault private schools begin accepting applications in the fall for the following academic year. **Shattuck-St. Mary's**, due to its boarding population and specialized programs, has early application deadlines (often January/February) and requires interviews, testing, and auditions/tryouts for specialty centers. **Bethlehem Academy** and **Trinity School** typically have rolling admissions but encourage applications by early spring for optimal class placement. A key local consideration is that many families apply after the Faribault public school district's open enrollment period closes, making it vital to contact private schools directly for their specific deadlines and to schedule campus visits, which are highly recommended.
For families considering both options, what are the primary differences between Faribault public schools and the private schools in the area?
The primary differences involve class size, educational approach, and specialization. Faribault Public Schools (serving a larger, more diverse population) offer a broad curriculum, extensive special education services, and standard extracurriculars. In contrast, private schools offer smaller class sizes (often 15:1 or lower), distinct philosophical approaches (Catholic, classical Christian, or progressive college-prep with specialty tracks), and more tailored communities. Private schools like Shattuck provide elite athletic training unavailable in public schools. The choice often hinges on whether a family seeks a specific religious or pedagogical environment, specialized programming, or the public system's wider range of services and no-tuition model. Transportation can also be a factor, as private schools in Faribault do not provide district busing.