The Best Private Schools in Lewiston, Minnesota
Discover 3 exceptional private schools in Lewiston. Find the perfect educational environment for your child with our comprehensive reviews and ratings.
School Overview
Top-Rated Private Schools
Saint Charles Borromeo Catholic School
Diocese of Winona-Rochester
Saint Charles Borromeo Catholic School serves families throughout Winona County, including Lewiston residents seeking quality private education. This well-established school offers comprehensive faith-based education from preschool through 8th grade with a strong emphasis on academic excellence and moral development. The school features advanced academic programs, technology integration, and diverse extracurricular activities including music, sports, and community service. Parents consistently praise the dedicated faculty, safe environment, and strong community atmosphere. The school maintains high academic standards while fostering spiritual growth.
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Lourdes High School
Lourdes High School
Lourdes High School is a premier Catholic college preparatory school that serves students from throughout southeastern Minnesota, including Lewiston. With a reputation for academic excellence and strong college placement, Lourdes offers a rigorous curriculum including numerous Advanced Placement courses. The school features outstanding athletic facilities, competitive sports teams, and comprehensive arts programs. Students benefit from small class sizes, dedicated faculty, and a supportive faith-based community. The school's beautiful campus includes modern classrooms, science labs, and performance spaces. Lourdes consistently achieves high graduation rates and college acceptance records.
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Cotter Schools
Cotter Schools
Cotter Schools is a highly-regarded Catholic private school system serving southeastern Minnesota, including Lewiston families. With over a century of educational excellence, Cotter offers comprehensive college preparatory programs from elementary through high school. The school features state-of-the-art STEM facilities, competitive athletic programs, and extensive arts offerings. Known for its strong academic outcomes and character development, Cotter maintains small class sizes and personalized attention. The campus includes modern science labs, performing arts spaces, and athletic facilities. Many graduates attend top-tier colleges and universities.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about private schools in Lewiston, Minnesota
What are the primary private school options available for families in Lewiston, Minnesota, and what grade levels do they serve?
Lewiston, MN, is served by a small but robust private school community, primarily faith-based. The main institutions are Cotter Schools (a PreK-12 Catholic institution), Saint Charles Borromeo Catholic School (typically PreK-6), and Lourdes High School (9-12, located in nearby Rochester but drawing students from the Lewiston area). For a seamless Catholic education pathway, many Lewiston families choose Saint Charles for elementary and transition to Cotter or Lourdes for secondary. This limited number of options means spaces can be competitive, especially in specific grade levels, so early inquiry is recommended.
How does tuition at Lewiston-area private schools compare, and are there Minnesota-specific financial aid programs available?
Tuition varies by school and grade level. For the 2024-2025 academic year, elementary tuition at Saint Charles Borromeo is approximately $4,000-$5,000, while Cotter Schools' high school tuition is around $10,000-$12,000. Critically, Minnesota offers two significant financial aid programs for private school families: the **K-12 Education Credit** (a tax credit up to $1,625 per child) and the **K-12 Education Subtraction** (which reduces taxable income). Additionally, all Lewiston-area private schools offer need-based financial aid and parish subsidies for active Catholic families, making private education more accessible than the sticker price may suggest.
What unique academic or extracurricular programs are offered by private schools in the Lewiston, MN, area that leverage local resources or community partnerships?
Private schools in the Lewiston area emphasize programs that integrate with the region's character. Cotter Schools, with its riverside campus, has a strong **Environmental Science and Outdoor Education** focus, utilizing the Mississippi River and local bluffs for study. Furthermore, given the area's strong agricultural and healthcare (via proximity to Rochester) sectors, schools like Cotter and Lourdes High School offer robust **Project Lead The Way (PLTW)** pathways in Biomedical Science and Engineering. Many programs also partner with local businesses in Winona County for internships and senior projects, providing practical, community-rooted learning experiences.
What is the typical enrollment timeline and process for private schools like Cotter Schools in Lewiston, MN, and are there considerations for families moving to the area?
The enrollment process for Lewiston's private schools typically begins in January for the following fall, with priority often given to siblings and parishioners. For Cotter Schools, an open house is usually held in the fall, and application deadlines can be as early as February. A key consideration for Lewiston is that these schools serve a wider regional area, so transportation is not typically provided by the school district. Families must plan for transportation, carpooling, or utilizing the optional fee-based bus service from designated areas. It's advisable for new families to contact the school's admissions office directly, even if outside the standard timeline, as spaces may open up.
For families considering both public and private options in Lewiston, Minnesota, what are the defining characteristics of the private school environment here?
The defining characteristic of Lewiston's private schools is their **tight-knit, values-based community** integrated with rigorous academics. Compared to the larger Lewiston-Altura Public School district, private schools like Cotter and Saint Charles offer smaller class sizes (often 15-20 students) and a pervasive culture centered on specific religious values. The academic approach is often more traditional and structured, with a high expectation for parental involvement. Furthermore, the private schools in this area have a strong track record of college matriculation, with Cotter graduates consistently attending selective colleges. The choice often comes down to whether a family prioritizes a specific faith-based education and close community over the no-tuition model and potentially broader extracurricular offerings of the public district.