The Best Private Schools in Lastrup, Minnesota
Discover 3 exceptional private schools in Lastrup. Find the perfect educational environment for your child with our comprehensive reviews and ratings.
School Overview
Top-Rated Private Schools
Healy High School
Diocese of St. Cloud
Healy High School is a Catholic college preparatory school located just 5 miles from Lastrup in neighboring Pierz. Serving grades 9-12, the school offers a rigorous academic curriculum with strong emphasis on faith formation and character development. The school features small class sizes, dedicated faculty with advanced degrees, and comprehensive college counseling. Students benefit from modern STEM labs, competitive athletics, and extensive fine arts programs. The school maintains a 100% college acceptance rate and has earned recognition for academic excellence within the Diocese of St. Cloud.
Programs:
St. Francis of the Lakes Catholic School
Diocese of St. Cloud
Serving the broader central Minnesota region including Lastrup families, St. Francis of the Lakes Catholic School in Brainerd (approximately 30 miles away) offers comprehensive K-8 education with a focus on academic excellence and spiritual development. The school features modern facilities including computer labs, library resources, and dedicated spaces for art and music. The curriculum includes daily religion classes, Spanish language instruction starting in kindergarten, and robust STEM programming. The school has strong parent satisfaction ratings and maintains accreditation through the Minnesota Nonpublic School Accrediting Association.
Programs:
St. Mary's School
Independent Catholic School
Located approximately 15 miles from Lastrup in Little Falls, St. Mary's School provides Catholic education for students in Pre-K through 8th grade. The school emphasizes faith-based learning with strong academic foundations in core subjects. Features include technology-integrated classrooms, dedicated science lab, music and art programs, and before/after school care. The school maintains small student-teacher ratios and has a reputation for strong parent involvement and community engagement. Students consistently perform above state averages on standardized testing.
Programs:
Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about private schools in Lastrup, Minnesota
What are the private school options available specifically in Lastrup, Minnesota, and what grade levels do they serve?
Lastrup, MN, is served by a small, faith-based private school community. The primary institution is St. Francis of the Lakes Catholic School, which typically serves students from Pre-K through 6th grade. For families seeking continuity through high school, nearby options include Healy High School in Pierz (about 7 miles away) and St. Mary's School in Little Falls (approximately 15 miles away). Given Lastrup's rural setting, most private education involves a short commute to neighboring communities within Morrison County. These schools are deeply integrated into the local community and often share resources and traditions.
How does tuition at private schools in the Lastrup, Minnesota area compare, and are there financial aid options specific to Minnesota families?
Tuition for the private schools serving Lastrup families is generally moderate compared to urban private schools, reflecting the regional cost of living. For the 2023-2024 school year, St. Francis of the Lakes Catholic School's tuition is approximately $3,000-$4,000 per student, with family discounts. Minnesota offers specific financial aid opportunities that local families can utilize, most notably the K-12 Education Credit and Subtraction, which can provide significant state tax relief for qualifying educational expenses. Additionally, many diocesan schools offer parish subsidies, need-based scholarships, and payment plans. It's essential to inquire directly with each school's office about their current tuition structure and available aid.
What unique academic or extracurricular programs do private schools in the Lastrup area offer that leverage the local environment?
Private schools in the Lastrup area often incorporate the region's strong agricultural, outdoor, and faith-based heritage into their programs. For example, St. Francis of the Lakes and other local Catholic schools emphasize environmental stewardship, with potential outdoor learning projects. Healy High School is known for its strong agricultural education and FFA program, which is highly relevant to the surrounding farming community. These schools also typically feature robust music and liturgical programs, community service requirements tied to local churches and organizations, and participation in the unique Minnesota State High School League competitions for small schools.
What is the typical enrollment timeline and process for private schools like St. Francis of the Lakes that serve Lastrup, MN?
The enrollment process for private schools in the Lastrup area often begins early in the calendar year, with priority registration for existing families and parish members typically opening in January or February for the following fall. Open houses are commonly held in the winter months. For St. Francis of the Lakes, the process involves submitting an application, providing birth and baptismal certificates (if applicable), and academic records. Due to the small size of these schools, spaces, particularly in early childhood and kindergarten grades, can be limited, so early inquiry is recommended. Many schools also host shadow days for prospective students.
For a family in Lastrup, what are the key considerations when choosing between the local public school district and a private school like St. Francis of the Lakes or Healy High School?
The key considerations for Lastrup families include educational philosophy, cost, community, and logistics. The local public school district (likely Pierz Public Schools) offers a tuition-free, comprehensive K-12 education with a wide range of extracurriculars. In contrast, private options provide a specific faith-based education (typically Catholic) with smaller class sizes and a consistent values-based curriculum from preschool onward. The decision often hinges on a family's desire for religious integration in daily learning. Logistically, attending Healy High School from Lastrup involves a similar commute to Pierz Public Schools, but private tuition is an additional financial commitment. Many families value the tight-knit, multi-age community found in the local private schools.