The Best Private Schools in Pease, Minnesota
Discover 3 exceptional private schools in Pease. Find the perfect educational environment for your child with our comprehensive reviews and ratings.
School Overview
Top-Rated Private Schools
Princeton Christian Academy
Independent Christian School
Princeton Christian Academy is a highly-regarded private Christian school located approximately 15 miles from Pease. The school offers a comprehensive college preparatory education with small class sizes and individualized attention. Their academic program emphasizes rigorous coursework in core subjects while integrating biblical principles throughout the curriculum. The school features modern facilities including science labs, technology-enhanced classrooms, and dedicated art and music spaces. Extracurricular offerings include competitive athletics, drama productions, and community service opportunities. Parents consistently praise the school's strong community atmosphere, dedicated faculty, and excellent college preparation.
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St. John's Preparatory School
Independent Catholic School
St. John's Preparatory School is a prestigious college preparatory school located approximately 20 miles from Pease in Collegeville. This historic institution offers both traditional college prep and International Baccalaureate programs, providing students with multiple pathways to academic excellence. The school boasts exceptional facilities including state-of-the-art science laboratories, extensive athletic facilities, performing arts centers, and a beautiful campus setting. Students benefit from a 10:1 student-teacher ratio and extensive college counseling. The school offers robust extracurricular programs including championship athletics, extensive arts programs, and numerous clubs and activities. Alumni consistently achieve high college acceptance rates at selective institutions nationwide.
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Holy Family Catholic School
Diocese of St. Cloud
Holy Family Catholic School serves students from Pease and surrounding communities with a comprehensive faith-based education. Located about 25 miles from Pease, this long-established school offers a balanced curriculum that combines academic excellence with character formation. The school features updated technology labs, a dedicated STEM program, and strong arts education including music, band, and visual arts. Their athletic program includes basketball, volleyball, and track. The school community is known for its welcoming environment and strong parent involvement. Recent facility upgrades include modern classroom technology and security enhancements.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about private schools in Pease, Minnesota
What are the private school options available for families living in or near Pease, Minnesota?
While Pease itself is a small community, families have access to several well-regarded private schools in the surrounding Benton and Sherburne County area. The primary options include Princeton Christian Academy (K-12) in nearby Princeton, Holy Family Catholic School (PreK-6) in Sauk Rapids, and St. John's Preparatory School (6-12), a college-preparatory boarding and day school located on the grounds of Saint John's University in Collegeville. For Pease residents, these schools typically involve a commute, but they offer distinct educational philosophies—faith-based, Catholic, and rigorous college-prep, respectively. Transportation arrangements are an important consideration for Pease families.
How does tuition for private schools near Pease, MN, compare, and are there state-specific financial aid programs?
Tuition varies significantly among the schools accessible to Pease families. Princeton Christian Academy and Holy Family Catholic School generally have more moderate tuition rates, often ranging from $4,000 to $7,000 annually for elementary grades. St. John's Prep, with its boarding program and extensive facilities, has a higher tuition, often exceeding $15,000 for day students. Minnesota offers critical financial support through its Tax Credit and Deduction programs. The K-12 Education Credit allows a refundable credit for tuition and other educational expenses, while the Subtraction allows you to subtract these costs from your taxable income. Additionally, all these schools offer their own need-based financial aid and, for Catholic schools, parish subsidies may be available to active members.
What unique academic or extracurricular programs do private schools near Pease offer that leverage the local environment?
Private schools in this region of Minnesota often integrate the natural and cultural resources of Central Minnesota into their programs. St. John's Preparatory School provides unparalleled access to the 2,700-acre Saint John's Abbey Arboretum for environmental science, outdoor education, and retreats. Princeton Christian Academy may emphasize agricultural science or outdoor activities reflective of the local community. Holy Family Catholic School and others often participate in regional faith-based academic competitions and service projects within the Diocese of St. Cloud. Furthermore, proximity to colleges like St. John's University and the College of St. Benedict allows for advanced course partnerships and mentorship opportunities not commonly found in public schools.
What is the typical enrollment timeline and process for private schools serving Pease, Minnesota, families?
Enrollment processes for schools like Holy Family Catholic, Princeton Christian Academy, and St. John's Prep generally begin in the winter for the following fall semester, often with open houses held between January and March. Application deadlines can be as early as February or March, especially for St. John's Prep, which may have entrance exam requirements. It's crucial to inquire early, as some grades (particularly kindergarten and 6th grade) may have limited spaces. For Pease residents, an early start is also recommended to coordinate transportation plans and understand any geographic enrollment boundaries, particularly for parish-based schools. Many schools also host shadow days for prospective students.
For a family in Pease, what are the key considerations when choosing between the local public school (Rush City Public Schools) and a private school option?
The decision often hinges on educational philosophy, class size, and specific program offerings. Pease is part of the Rush City School District (ISD 139), which provides a consolidated K-12 public education. Choosing a private school like those near Pease typically means seeking a specific religious foundation (Christian or Catholic), a particularly rigorous college-prep environment (St. John's Prep), or smaller class sizes. The trade-off involves cost, daily commuting time to Princeton, Sauk Rapids, or Collegeville, and potentially reduced access to immediate, local extracurriculars. However, private schools may offer more specialized arts, language, or advanced STEM tracks. It's advisable to visit both your local public school and the private options to compare cultures and facilities directly.