The Best Private Schools in Farmington, Minnesota
Discover 3 exceptional private schools in Farmington. 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 Twin Cities metro area, including Farmington. The school offers a rigorous classical education from preschool through 12th grade, emphasizing critical thinking, rhetoric, and character development. With small class sizes and dedicated faculty, students receive personalized attention in a challenging academic environment. The campus features modern facilities including science labs, performance spaces, and athletic facilities. The school consistently produces graduates who excel in college and beyond, with a strong emphasis on leadership and service.
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Saint Agnes School
Archdiocese of Saint Paul and Minneapolis
Saint Agnes School is a highly respected Catholic school offering education from preschool through high school, serving families throughout the Twin Cities metro area including Farmington. The school combines strong Catholic identity with academic excellence through a classical liberal arts curriculum. Students benefit from comprehensive academic programs, extensive extracurricular activities, and a tight-knit community environment. The school features modern academic facilities, science laboratories, performing arts spaces, and competitive athletic programs. Saint Agnes is known for its strong college preparatory track and high student achievement rates.
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Holy Family Catholic High School
Archdiocese of Saint Paul and Minneapolis
Holy Family Catholic High School serves students from Farmington and surrounding communities in the southwestern Twin Cities metro area. The school offers a comprehensive college preparatory curriculum with specialized programs in STEM, business, and fine arts. Students benefit from small class sizes, dedicated faculty, and a faith-based learning environment. The modern campus features state-of-the-art science labs, technology integration, athletic facilities, and performing arts spaces. Holy Family emphasizes character development, service learning, and preparing students for success in college and careers, with strong parent satisfaction and academic outcomes.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about private schools in Farmington, Minnesota
What are the primary private school options available for families residing in Farmington, Minnesota, and what are their core educational models?
Farmington, MN, is served by a few notable private schools, though many families also consider options in nearby communities due to the city's proximity to the Twin Cities metro. Within the immediate area, Holy Family Catholic High School in Victoria offers a comprehensive 9-12 college-preparatory education with a Catholic foundation. For younger grades, many Farmington families look to Saint Agnes School in St. Paul (K-12) for a rigorous, faith-based classical education, or Trinity School at River Ridge in Eagan, which is an independent, non-denominational school renowned for its classical, liberal arts curriculum serving grades K-12. It's important to note that these schools are not within Farmington's city limits but are common choices for local residents, often involving a commute.
How does tuition for private schools commonly chosen by Farmington, MN, families compare, and what financial aid options are available under Minnesota state programs?
Tuition varies significantly among the top schools Farmington families consider. For the 2024-2025 academic year, Holy Family Catholic High School tuition is approximately $15,000, while Trinity School at River Ridge is closer to $25,000 for upper grades. Saint Agnes School operates on a parish-subsidized model, with lower tuition for active parishioners. Minnesota offers critical financial support through its Tax Credit and Deduction programs. The K-12 Education Credit provides a refundable credit for tuition and other educational expenses, and the Subtraction allows families to deduct up to $1,625 per child in qualifying expenses from their state taxable income. All these schools also offer substantial need-based institutional financial aid, making private education more accessible for many Farmington households.
What unique academic or extracurricular programs are offered by the private schools accessible to Farmington students that differentiate them from local public schools?
The private schools near Farmington offer distinctive programs not typically found in the public district. Holy Family Catholic High School features a strong STEM program with dedicated engineering and biomedical tracks, alongside a nationally recognized Firefighting & EMS Academy. Trinity School at River Ridge is distinguished by its classical curriculum, including the study of Latin starting in 3rd grade, logic, rhetoric, and a Great Books program for seniors. Saint Agnes School offers a cohesive K-12 liberal arts education grounded in Catholic tradition, with a particular strength in music and the arts, including a renowned choir program. These schools often have smaller class sizes, allowing for more individualized attention and a focus on character formation alongside academics.
What is the typical enrollment timeline and process for private schools like Holy Family or Trinity School for a family moving to or residing in Farmington?
Planning ahead is crucial. For schools like Trinity School at River Ridge and Holy Family Catholic High School, the main application cycle for the following academic year begins in the fall, with deadlines for priority financial aid and admissions consideration often in January or February. Open houses are typically held in the autumn. Saint Agnes School also follows a similar timeline. The process almost always includes a completed application, student transcripts, teacher recommendations, standardized testing (for some grades), and a family interview or student visit day. For Farmington families, it's highly recommended to begin research and attend open houses a full year before desired enrollment, as spaces, particularly in entry grades, can be limited. Waiting pools are common for later applicants.
For a family deciding between Farmington Area Public Schools and a private school, what are the key local considerations regarding community, transportation, and educational environment?
The decision is deeply personal, but key local factors include community identity, logistics, and educational philosophy. Farmington Public Schools (ISD 192) offer a well-regarded, comprehensive K-12 system with the convenience of neighborhood schools and district-provided transportation. Choosing a private school often means committing to a daily commute to Victoria, Eagan, or St. Paul, and being responsible for your own transportation, though carpool networks are active. The private school community is often built around a shared faith or pedagogical mission (e.g., classical or Catholic), which can create a tight-knit social environment that extends beyond the school day. Academically, private schools may offer a more specialized or traditional curriculum with different pacing and expectations. Ultimately, Farmington parents should closely evaluate their child's learning style, family values, and willingness to manage the logistical and financial commitments of a private institution.
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