The Best Private Schools in Kimball, Minnesota
Discover 3 exceptional private schools in Kimball. Find the perfect educational environment for your child with our comprehensive reviews and ratings.
School Overview
Top-Rated Private Schools
St. John's Preparatory School
Independent Catholic School
St. John's Preparatory School is an internationally recognized independent Catholic school located just 20 minutes from Kimball. The school offers the prestigious International Baccalaureate Diploma Programme alongside traditional college preparatory courses. With a beautiful 2,700-acre campus shared with St. John's University, students have access to exceptional facilities including science centers, athletic complexes, and performing arts spaces. The school maintains small class sizes and emphasizes global citizenship, with students regularly earning national merit recognition and acceptance to top-tier universities.
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Cathedral High School
Diocese of St. Cloud
Cathedral High School is a highly-regarded Catholic college preparatory school serving central Minnesota communities including Kimball. With over a century of educational excellence, the school offers rigorous academic programs with a 14:1 student-teacher ratio. The campus features modern STEM labs, performing arts facilities, and comprehensive athletic programs. Students consistently achieve above-average ACT scores and maintain high college acceptance rates. The school emphasizes character development alongside academic achievement through service learning and spiritual formation programs.
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St. Francis Xavier Elementary School
Diocese of St. Cloud
St. Francis Xavier Elementary School serves families throughout central Minnesota, including Kimball residents seeking quality private elementary education. The school provides a strong academic foundation with integrated technology and faith-based education. Features include modern classrooms, dedicated STEM labs, music and art programs, and before/after school care. The school emphasizes character development and community service while maintaining strong parent involvement. Students consistently perform above state averages on standardized testing and are well-prepared for secondary education.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about private schools in Kimball, Minnesota
What are the private school options available for families living in or near Kimball, Minnesota?
Kimball, MN, is served by a small number of private, faith-based schools, primarily Catholic institutions. The notable schools include St. Francis Xavier Elementary School in Sartell (approximately 20 miles away), which serves younger students, and Cathedral High School in St. Cloud (about 17 miles away) for secondary education. Another highly-regarded option is St. John's Preparatory School in Collegeville (roughly 15 miles away), an independent Catholic school offering grades 6-12. For Kimball residents, attending these schools typically involves a daily commute to the greater St. Cloud area, which is the educational hub for private options in this region of central Minnesota.
How does tuition at private schools near Kimball, MN, compare, and are there any state-specific financial aid programs?
Tuition varies significantly among the schools near Kimball. St. Francis Xavier Elementary generally has the lowest tuition, often with reduced rates for parish members. Cathedral High School and St. John's Prep have higher tuition, with St. John's being among the more expensive due to its independent status and extensive programs. Minnesota offers critical financial aid options for private school families. The most significant is the K-12 Education Credit and Subtraction, which allows families to subtract a portion of tuition and other educational expenses from their state taxable income. Additionally, many schools offer need-based financial aid and parish subsidies. It's essential to inquire directly with each school's admissions office for detailed tuition schedules and aid applications.
What unique academic or extracurricular programs do the private schools serving the Kimball area offer?
The private schools accessible to Kimball families provide distinct programs not always available in smaller public districts. St. John's Preparatory School leverages its connection to Saint John's University, offering advanced college-prep curricula, renowned STEM programs, and unique opportunities in the arts and environmental studies. Cathedral High School emphasizes a college-preparatory education with a strong focus on faith, service, and leadership, often featuring robust athletics and activities. St. Francis Xavier Elementary provides a foundational education with integrated technology and faith formation. A common notable feature is the emphasis on small class sizes and community, which is a significant draw for families in the rural Kimball area seeking personalized attention.
What is the typical enrollment process and timeline for private schools like Cathedral High or St. John's Prep for a family from Kimball?
The enrollment process for schools like Cathedral High School and St. John's Preparatory School begins early, often in the fall for the following academic year. For St. John's Prep, which is highly selective, the process includes an application, academic records, teacher recommendations, and an entrance exam (typically the HSPT). Open houses are usually held in the fall. Cathedral High School also has an application process, with priority often given to students from its feeder parishes. It is crucial for Kimball families to plan for transportation, as neither school provides district-wide busing; carpooling with other local families is common. Contacting the admissions office by October or November is strongly advised to ensure you meet all deadlines and testing dates.
For a family in Kimball, what are the key considerations when choosing between the local public school and a private school in St. Cloud?
The decision hinges on several factors specific to the Kimball location. The Kimball Area Public School District offers the convenience of proximity, no tuition, and a strong community-centered environment. Choosing a private school like Cathedral or St. John's Prep involves a commitment to a daily commute (15-25 minutes each way), tuition costs, and often a religious education component. The trade-off typically includes access to specialized academic programs, different extracurricular opportunities, and often smaller average class sizes. Families should consider their child's specific needs, the value they place on a faith-based education, and their ability to manage the logistics and financial investment. Visiting both the local public school and the private options is essential to feel the difference in environment and culture.
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