The Best Private Schools in Minneapolis, Minnesota
Discover 3 exceptional private schools in Minneapolis. Find the perfect educational environment for your child with our comprehensive reviews and ratings.
School Overview
Top-Rated Private Schools
The Blake School
The Blake School
The Blake School is a highly regarded independent day school serving students from pre-kindergarten through grade 12 across three campuses in the Minneapolis area. Known for its rigorous academic program, Blake offers a comprehensive college preparatory curriculum with extensive Advanced Placement opportunities. The school emphasizes global education, innovative teaching methods, and character development. Facilities include state-of-the-art science labs, performing arts centers, and athletic complexes. With small class sizes and dedicated faculty, Blake consistently produces graduates who attend top-tier colleges and universities nationwide.
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Breck School
Breck School
Breck School is an Episcopal-affiliated independent day school offering education from pre-kindergarten through grade 12. The school is recognized for its International Baccalaureate program and strong emphasis on both academic excellence and character formation. Breck's campus features modern academic buildings, extensive athletic facilities, and dedicated arts spaces. The school offers a balanced approach to education with robust STEM programs, comprehensive arts curriculum, and competitive athletics. Breck maintains small class sizes and personalized attention, with a focus on developing well-rounded students prepared for college and beyond.
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The Academy of Holy Angels
Academy of Holy Angels
The Academy of Holy Angels is a Catholic co-educational college preparatory high school serving the Minneapolis metropolitan area. With a strong academic reputation spanning over seven decades, Holy Angels offers a comprehensive curriculum including honors and Advanced Placement courses. The school features specialized programs in STEM, fine arts, and leadership development. Campus facilities include modern science labs, performing arts spaces, and athletic complexes. Holy Angels emphasizes community service, spiritual development, and academic excellence, preparing students for success in college and life with a supportive, faith-based environment.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about private schools in Minneapolis, Minnesota
What are the main types of private schools available in Minneapolis, MN, and how do they differ?
Minneapolis offers a diverse range of private school options, primarily categorized as independent secular schools, Catholic/parochial schools, and other faith-based institutions. Top independent schools like The Blake School and Breck School offer rigorous college-preparatory curricula with extensive arts, athletics, and global programs. The Academy of Holy Angels represents the strong Catholic school tradition in the Twin Cities, offering a faith-based education with a college-prep focus. Additionally, Minneapolis has Montessori, progressive, and specialty schools. A key local consideration is that many top schools, like Blake, have multiple campuses across Minneapolis and its western suburbs, allowing families to choose a location that best fits their commute.
How does tuition for Minneapolis private schools compare to the state average, and what financial aid options are uniquely available in Minnesota?
Tuition at Minneapolis's top-tier independent schools like Blake and Breck often exceeds the Minnesota state average for private schools, ranging significantly but frequently between $30,000 to $40,000+ for upper grades. However, Minnesota offers unique financial support mechanisms that can help families. Most notable is the Minnesota K-12 Education Tax Credit and Subtraction, which allows for state tax benefits for tuition and other educational expenses. Additionally, all major Minneapolis private schools have substantial need-based financial aid endowments. Many also participate in local scholarship programs, and the state's "Dual Enrollment" program allows high school students to take college courses at public expense, a benefit accessible to private school students.
What are the typical enrollment timelines and key deadlines for applying to competitive private schools in Minneapolis?
The application timeline for Minneapolis's most sought-after private schools is highly structured and begins early. For entry in the fall, the process typically starts in August or September of the prior year with open houses and tours. Application deadlines for schools like Breck, Blake, and Holy Angels are often in mid-to-late January for the following academic year. Admissions testing (like the ISEE or SSAT) and interviews are usually completed between January and February. Decision notifications are released in March, with enrollment contracts due shortly thereafter. It's crucial to start researching Minneapolis schools 12-18 months in advance, especially for entry into competitive middle or high school grades, as spaces are limited.
Beyond academics, what unique programs or opportunities do Minneapolis private schools leverage due to their location in the Twin Cities?
Minneapolis private schools deeply integrate the cultural, corporate, and natural resources of the Twin Cities metro area into their programs. This includes robust partnerships with Fortune 500 companies headquartered in the region (like Target, General Mills, and UnitedHealth Group) for STEM internships, business courses, and mentorship. Schools also utilize world-class institutions such as the Guthrie Theater, Minneapolis Institute of Art, and the University of Minnesota for specialized classes and research opportunities. Furthermore, environmental and outdoor education is a hallmark, with programs utilizing Minnesota's lakes, parks, and boundary waters for leadership and science expeditions, which is a distinct advantage of the location.
For a family considering both options, what are the primary practical differences between attending a top Minneapolis Public School (like those in Southwest Minneapolis) and a leading private school?
The key differences lie in resources, program scale, and enrollment boundaries. Top Minneapolis public schools in districts like Southwest High's attendance area are excellent and tuition-free, but their curriculum and offerings are bound by public funding and district policies. Leading private schools like Blake or Breck have significantly lower student-to-teacher ratios, larger per-pupil expenditures, and can offer more specialized courses, global travel programs, and tailored college counseling. Private schools have selective admissions and draw from the entire metro, creating a different demographic mix. A practical Minneapolis-specific consideration is transportation; while MPS provides busing, private school families often manage carpools or use school-sponsored buses from designated hubs, which is a key logistical factor.
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