The Best Private Schools in Outing, Minnesota
Discover 3 exceptional private schools in Outing. Find the perfect educational environment for your child with our comprehensive reviews and ratings.
School Overview
Top-Rated Private Schools
Crosslake Community School
Crosslake Community School
Crosslake Community School is a highly-rated charter school located approximately 15 miles from Outing, serving the broader Brainerd Lakes area. This STEM-focused institution emphasizes hands-on, project-based learning with strong integration of outdoor education that leverages the natural environment of the Cass County region. The school maintains small class sizes and personalized learning approaches, with particular strength in science and mathematics education. Facilities include modern classrooms, technology labs, and extensive access to outdoor learning spaces. The school has built a strong reputation for academic excellence and community engagement in the region.
Programs:
St. Francis of the Lakes Catholic School
Diocese of Duluth
St. Francis of the Lakes Catholic School is a well-established private institution located in Brainerd, approximately 30 miles from Outing, serving families throughout the greater Brainerd Lakes region. This faith-based school offers a comprehensive PreK-8 education with strong academic foundations in core subjects complemented by robust STEM programming, fine arts, and athletic opportunities. The school features modern facilities including science labs, technology integration, chapel, gymnasium, and dedicated art and music spaces. With over six decades of operation, the school has maintained excellent parent satisfaction ratings and strong academic outcomes for students across Cass and Crow Wing counties.
Programs:
St. Mathias Catholic School
Diocese of Duluth
St. Mathias Catholic School, located approximately 25 miles from Outing in the Brainerd area, serves the rural communities of central Minnesota with a classical education approach rooted in Catholic tradition. The school offers PreK-8 education with emphasis on foundational academics, character development, and faith formation. Notable programs include comprehensive music education, outdoor learning that utilizes the natural surroundings, and strong parent involvement. The campus features traditional classrooms, chapel, playgrounds, and access to natural areas for environmental education. The school has built a strong reputation for academic rigor and community values while serving families across the Brainerd Lakes region.
Programs:
Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about private schools in Outing, Minnesota
What are the private school options specifically available for families living in or near Outing, Minnesota?
Outing, MN, is a small, rural community, so local private school options within the town itself are limited. However, families in the Outing area typically look to nearby communities in the Brainerd Lakes Region. The top schools serving the area include Crosslake Community School (a public charter school in Crosslake, often considered alongside private options), St. Francis of the Lakes Catholic School in Brainerd (PreK-6), and St. Mathias Catholic School in St. Mathias (PreK-6). For higher grades, families may need to consider Catholic schools in Brainerd like St. Francis Middle School or explore other private or charter options with longer commutes. The choice often involves a commitment to driving, which is a key consideration for Outing residents.
How does tuition at private schools near Outing, MN, compare, and are there any Minnesota-specific financial aid programs?
Tuition for the Catholic schools near Outing, like St. Francis and St. Mathias, typically ranges from approximately $3,500 to $5,500 per year for parishioners, with higher rates for non-parishioners. Minnesota offers specific financial aid opportunities that benefit Outing-area families. The most significant is the K-12 Education Credit and Subtraction, which allows families to subtract a portion of educational expenses (including tuition, tutoring, and supplies) from their state taxable income. Additionally, many Minnesota private schools participate in scholarship funds like the AIM (Academic Investment in Minnesota) program. It's crucial to inquire directly with each school about parish subsidies, multi-child discounts, and need-based aid.
What unique academic or extracurricular programs do private schools in the Outing, MN, area offer that leverage the local environment?
Private schools in the Brainerd Lakes Region surrounding Outing often integrate the natural environment into their curricula. For instance, schools like St. Francis of the Lakes and Crosslake Community School may emphasize environmental science, outdoor education, and stewardship of Minnesota's lakes and forests. Programs can include nature-based learning, field trips to local state parks (like the nearby Cuyuna Country State Recreation Area), and outdoor recreational activities. This focus provides a distinctive educational experience that connects classroom learning with the region's defining characteristics, offering children a strong sense of place and practical environmental knowledge.
What is the typical enrollment timeline and process for private schools serving Outing, Minnesota families?
For the Catholic schools serving the Outing area, the enrollment process typically begins in January or February for the following fall. St. Francis of the Lakes and St. Mathias Catholic Schools often host open houses in the winter. Priority is usually given to active parishioners of supporting churches, siblings of current students, and then new families. Given the limited seats in these small schools, early inquiry and application are strongly advised. Unlike large urban districts, these schools may have rolling admissions until classes are full, so contacting the school office directly in the fall prior to your desired enrollment year is the best course of action.
For an Outing, MN resident, what are the primary considerations when choosing between the local public school (Pine River-Backus) and a private school option?
The decision often centers on commute, community, and curriculum. Outing is part of the Pine River-Backus School District (ISD 2174). Choosing the local public school means no tuition and minimal transportation time. Opting for a private school like St. Francis or St. Mathias involves a daily commute of 30-45 minutes to Brainerd or St. Mathias, plus tuition, but offers a specific faith-based education and often smaller class sizes. The charter option, Crosslake Community School, offers an alternative, project-based public education but also requires a commute. Parents must weigh the value of a religious education, smaller community feel, and specialized programs against the convenience and cost-savings of the local public school.
Nearby Cities
Explore private schools in nearby cities