The Best Private Schools in Graceville, Minnesota
Discover 3 exceptional private schools in Graceville. Find the perfect educational environment for your child with our comprehensive reviews and ratings.
School Overview
Top-Rated Private Schools
Holy Rosary School
Holy Rosary Catholic Church
Holy Rosary School is a highly-regarded Catholic private school serving the Graceville region from nearby Detroit Lakes. With over 75 years of educational excellence, the school offers a comprehensive Pre-K through 8th grade program emphasizing faith-based education, strong academics, and character development. The school features modern facilities, small class sizes, and dedicated teachers who provide individualized attention. Programs include robust STEM education, music and arts programs, competitive athletics, and community service opportunities. Parent satisfaction is exceptionally high, with families appreciating the nurturing environment and strong academic preparation.
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St. Mary's School
St. Mary's Catholic Church
St. Mary's School in nearby Ortonville serves Graceville families with a distinguished private education program spanning Pre-K through 6th grade. The school combines classical education principles with Catholic traditions, offering a rigorous academic curriculum that includes advanced mathematics, comprehensive language arts, science exploration, and religious studies. The school boasts excellent facilities including modern classrooms, a dedicated art studio, music room, and gymnasium. Extracurricular activities include choir, band, sports teams, and various clubs. With small class sizes and experienced faculty, St. Mary's maintains a reputation for academic excellence and strong community values.
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Assumption School
Assumption Catholic Church
Assumption School in Morris provides exceptional private education to students from Graceville and surrounding communities. Serving grades Pre-K through 6th, the school offers a balanced liberal arts education integrated with modern technology and Catholic values. The curriculum emphasizes critical thinking, writing proficiency, and mathematical reasoning while incorporating hands-on science and technology programs. Facilities include smart classrooms, a dedicated computer lab, library, and recreational spaces. The school's strong athletic program, music education, and community outreach initiatives provide well-rounded development. Parents consistently praise the school's dedicated teachers, safe environment, and strong academic outcomes.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about private schools in Graceville, Minnesota
What are the private school options available for families in Graceville, Minnesota, and what are their core affiliations?
Graceville, MN, is served by three private, faith-based elementary schools: Holy Rosary School (Catholic, PreK-6), St. Mary's School (Catholic, PreK-6), and Assumption School (Catholic, PreK-6). These are the primary private education options within the city itself. Given the rural setting, these schools are central to the community and typically feed into the local public junior-senior high school (Graceville Public School, ISD #299) for grades 7-12. Parents seeking private secondary education would need to look at boarding schools or day schools in larger regional centers like Morris or Ortonville.
How does tuition at Graceville's private schools compare, and are there financial aid options specific to Minnesota families?
Tuition at Graceville's Catholic schools is generally modest compared to urban private schools, often ranging from $2,000 to $4,000 per student annually, with discounts for multiple children. A key financial consideration specific to Minnesota is the "Tuition Tax Deduction," which allows families to deduct qualifying educational expenses, including private school tuition, from their state taxable income. Additionally, all three schools typically offer parish subsidy programs for active members, and need-based financial aid is often available through the school or the Diocese of Crookston. It's essential to inquire directly with each school about their current tuition rates and aid applications.
What unique academic or extracurricular programs do the private schools in Graceville, MN, offer given their small size and rural location?
While small, Graceville's private schools leverage their close-knit environment to offer personalized attention and strong foundational academics with integrated faith-based values. Common specializations include focused religious education, weekly Mass participation, and community service projects. Due to their size and partnership with the local public district for some activities, extracurriculars like sports or band typically become available once students transition to the public junior-senior high school. However, the private schools often emphasize school-wide events, agricultural/science fairs relevant to the rural community, and may participate in regional academic competitions through the diocese.
What is the typical enrollment process and timeline for securing a spot at Holy Rosary, St. Mary's, or Assumption School in Graceville?
Enrollment for the following academic year in Graceville's private schools often opens in early spring (February/March). The process is straightforward but requires proactive planning due to limited classroom sizes. Parents should contact the school office directly to request an application packet, which usually includes registration forms, a copy of the child's birth certificate, baptismal certificate (if applicable), and previous academic records. Some schools may have a brief meeting with the principal. Priority is frequently given to active parishioners and siblings of current students. It is highly recommended to initiate the process by April to ensure placement for a fall start.
For families considering the choice, what are the notable differences between the Graceville public school and the local private elementary schools?
The primary difference is educational philosophy and environment. Graceville Public School (ISD #299) is a comprehensive K-12 public institution offering a secular education with a broader range of facilities, programs, and extracurriculars as students progress. The private elementary schools (Holy Rosary, St. Mary's, Assumption) provide a faith-based, values-oriented education in a smaller, more intimate setting for grades PreK-6. Class sizes are typically smaller in the private schools, allowing for more individualized instruction. A key practical consideration is that after 6th grade, nearly all students from the private schools matriculate into the Graceville Public junior-senior high school, creating a common transition point for the community.