The Best Private Schools in Morristown, Minnesota
Discover 3 exceptional private schools in Morristown. Find the perfect educational environment for your child with our comprehensive reviews and ratings.
School Overview
Top-Rated Private Schools
The School of Environmental Studies
Independent School District 196
Located approximately 45 minutes from Morristown, The School of Environmental Studies is a nationally recognized magnet high school operated in partnership with the Minnesota Zoo. This innovative school offers a rigorous, project-based curriculum focused on environmental science and sustainability. Students benefit from college-level coursework, extensive field research opportunities, and access to the zoo's resources and experts. The school consistently ranks among Minnesota's top high schools for academic achievement and college readiness, with graduates attending prestigious universities nationwide.
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Shattuck-St. Mary's School
Shattuck-St. Mary's School
Shattuck-St. Mary's is a premier co-educational boarding and day school located just 20 miles from Morristown. Founded in 1858, this historic institution offers a rigorous college preparatory curriculum with exceptional academic and athletic facilities. The school is renowned for its specialized centers of excellence including STEM programs, arts conservatories, and premier athletic academies for hockey and soccer. With small class sizes averaging 12 students, personalized attention ensures academic success. The 250-acre campus features state-of-the-art facilities including science labs, performing arts centers, and athletic complexes.
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PACT Charter School
PACT Charter School
PACT Charter School serves students from Morristown and surrounding communities with a comprehensive K-12 program based on the Core Knowledge curriculum. The school emphasizes academic excellence through a structured, content-rich educational approach with strong STEM components. Character development and parent partnership are central to the school's mission. With small class sizes and dedicated faculty, PACT provides personalized learning experiences that prepare students for college and career success. The school features modern facilities including science labs, technology centers, and performing arts spaces.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about private schools in Morristown, Minnesota
What are the primary private school options available to families in or near Morristown, Minnesota?
While Morristown itself is a small community, it is within reasonable driving distance of several notable private and charter school options. The most prominent is Shattuck-St. Mary's School in Faribault, a prestigious boarding and day school known for its hockey, arts, and college-prep academics. In the wider area, families also consider The School of Environmental Studies (a public magnet school in Apple Valley focused on environmental science) and PACT Charter School in Ramsey, which offers a character-focused, Core Knowledge curriculum. For Morristown residents, these schools require commuting, making transportation a key consideration.
How does the tuition at a school like Shattuck-St. Mary's compare to local public schools, and what financial aid is available for Minnesota residents?
Shattuck-St. Mary's, as a premier independent boarding school, has a significant tuition cost, often exceeding $60,000 for boarding students and around $30,000 for day students. This contrasts sharply with the free tuition of Morristown's public schools. However, Shattuck-St. Mary's offers substantial need-based financial aid, and Minnesota residents may also utilize the state's K-12 Education Tax Credit and Subtraction for qualifying expenses. It's crucial to contact the school's financial aid office directly, as aid packages can make attendance feasible for qualified students from a range of economic backgrounds.
What unique academic or extracurricular specializations can private schools near Morristown offer that local public schools may not?
The schools in this region offer distinct specializations. Shattuck-St. Mary's is nationally recognized for its Center for Academic Achievement, specialized Arts programs, and elite athletic training centers (particularly for hockey and figure skating). The School of Environmental Studies provides an immersive, project-based curriculum entirely focused on environmental science and leadership, with extensive field work. PACT Charter School emphasizes a structured Core Knowledge sequence and character education. These focused models differ from the broader, general curriculum typically offered by a small public school district like Morristown's, providing alternatives for students with specific passions or learning styles.
What is the typical enrollment timeline and process for private schools serving the Morristown, MN area?
Timelines vary by school but generally begin a full year in advance. For Shattuck-St. Mary's, the application process for the fall semester often starts in the prior September, with deadlines in January or February. It involves standardized testing (SSAT/ISEE), interviews, and teacher recommendations. Charter schools like PACT and magnet schools like The School of Environmental Studies usually have open enrollment periods in the winter (e.g., January-February), with lotteries held in March if applications exceed space. Morristown families must plan ahead, as these schools draw from a wide region and spaces can be competitive.
For a Morristown family, what are the key logistical considerations when choosing a private school outside the district?
The foremost consideration is transportation. Morristown is not centrally located to these schools, with commutes to Faribault, Apple Valley, or Ramsey ranging from 30 to 60+ minutes each way. Families must assess the daily time commitment and cost of driving or arranging carpools. Secondly, involvement in school community events becomes more challenging with distance. Finally, aligning the school's schedule with your family's routine is important, as private and charter schools may have different holiday breaks or daily hours than Morristown Public Schools, which can complicate childcare for siblings. Weighing the unique benefits of the program against these logistical realities is essential.
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