The Best Private Schools in Lake George, Minnesota
Discover 3 exceptional private schools in Lake George. Find the perfect educational environment for your child with our comprehensive reviews and ratings.
School Overview
Top-Rated Private Schools
St. Philip's Catholic School
Diocese of Crookston
St. Philip's Catholic School is a highly-regarded private Catholic school located approximately 15 miles from Lake George in Bemidji. Serving students from preschool through 8th grade, the school offers a comprehensive academic program rooted in Catholic values. The curriculum emphasizes strong foundational skills in reading, mathematics, and science while incorporating technology integration across all grade levels. The school features small class sizes, dedicated certified teachers, and a supportive faith-based community. Extracurricular offerings include choir, band, sports programs, and community service opportunities. The school maintains excellent parent satisfaction ratings and has served the greater Bemidji area for over seven decades.
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St. Mark's Lutheran School
Lutheran Church-Missouri Synod
St. Mark's Lutheran School provides Christ-centered education to students in preschool through 8th grade, serving families throughout the Lake George region from its Bemidji location. The school is known for its strong academic program that integrates faith and learning, with particular emphasis on literacy development and mathematics. Facilities include modern classrooms, a dedicated science lab, computer lab, gymnasium, and music room. The school offers comprehensive extracurricular programs including basketball, volleyball, choir, and various academic competitions. Parent reviews consistently praise the school's caring environment, academic rigor, and strong community values. The school has maintained accreditation and serves as a regional educational leader.
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St. Francis of the Lakes Catholic School
Diocese of St. Cloud
Located approximately 35 miles from Lake George in Brainerd, St. Francis of the Lakes Catholic School serves students from preschool through 8th grade across central Minnesota. The school offers a rigorous academic program complemented by strong faith formation and character development. Curriculum features include daily religion classes, Spanish language instruction beginning in elementary grades, comprehensive technology integration with 1:1 device programs, and differentiated instruction to meet individual student needs. The campus includes modern classrooms, a STEM lab, library, gymnasium, and outdoor learning spaces. The school maintains high parent satisfaction through strong communication, community involvement, and excellent academic outcomes for graduates transitioning to area high schools.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about private schools in Lake George, Minnesota
What are the private school options for K-12 education in Lake George, Minnesota?
Lake George, MN, offers a small but faith-based private school community, primarily serving elementary and middle school grades. The main options are St. Philip's Catholic School, St. Mark's Lutheran School, and St. Francis of the Lakes Catholic School. It's important to note that these schools typically cover grades from Pre-K or Kindergarten through 8th grade. For high school, families in Lake George often look at private options in larger nearby communities like Brainerd or consider online academies. These local schools provide a close-knit, values-based education with small class sizes, a hallmark of rural Minnesota private education.
How does tuition at Lake George, MN private schools compare to state averages, and are there financial aid options?
Tuition at Lake George's private schools is generally below the state average for Minnesota private institutions, reflecting the area's rural cost of living. For the 2024-2025 school year, tuition for these parochial schools typically ranges from $3,500 to $5,500 per student, with discounts for multiple children. Minnesota offers specific financial aid opportunities that Lake George families can utilize, most notably the K-12 Education Credit and Subtraction, which can provide significant tax relief for qualifying educational expenses. Additionally, each local school and its supporting parish or congregation often have dedicated scholarship funds and flexible payment plans to assist families.
What unique academic or extracurricular programs do Lake George private schools offer that leverage the local environment?
Private schools in Lake George, MN, uniquely integrate the natural and cultural assets of the Northwoods region into their programs. This often includes outdoor science and ecology studies focused on local lakes and forests, partnerships with nearby resorts or conservation areas for field trips, and strong emphasis on community service within the tight-knit Lake George area. Given their religious affiliations, they also offer structured faith formation and character education programs. Their small size allows for personalized learning plans and multi-age classroom activities, which are particularly beneficial in a rural setting where resources are shared creatively.
What is the typical enrollment timeline and process for private schools in Lake George, Minnesota?
The enrollment process for Lake George private schools typically begins in January or February for the following fall, with priority often given to re-enrolling students and siblings. Given the limited seats in these small schools, early inquiry is strongly advised. The process usually involves submitting an application, providing previous school records, and a family interview or meeting with the principal. Many schools also host open houses during Catholic Schools Week (late January) or in the spring. A key local consideration is transportation; while some districts may provide busing for private school students under Minnesota's "mandatory pupil transportation" law, parents should confirm specific arrangements with the Lake George/Brainerd area school district.
For a family moving to the area, how do the private schools in Lake George compare to the local public school options?
The primary comparison in Lake George, MN, centers on educational approach and community. The local public school is part of a larger district (likely Brainerd Public Schools), offering a broader range of extracurriculars, sports, and potentially advanced coursework due to its size. In contrast, Lake George's private schools offer very small class sizes (often 10-15 students per grade), a consistent faith-based environment integrated throughout the curriculum, and a strong, familial community atmosphere. The decision often comes down to values alignment and desired learning environment. For families seeking a specific religious foundation and intimate setting, the private schools are a compelling choice, while the public system provides a comprehensive, secular K-12 pathway within the region.
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