The Best Private Schools in Plainview, Minnesota
Discover 3 exceptional private schools in Plainview. Find the perfect educational environment for your child with our comprehensive reviews and ratings.
School Overview
Top-Rated Private Schools
St. Pius X School
Diocese of Winona-Rochester
St. Pius X School is a Catholic parochial school serving Pre-K through 8th grade students in Plainview. With over 60 years of educational excellence, the school provides a faith-based education combined with strong academic fundamentals. The school features small class sizes, dedicated teachers, and a comprehensive curriculum that includes STEM education, fine arts, and competitive athletics. The tight-knit school community emphasizes character development and family involvement, making it a cornerstone of education in the Plainview area.
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Lourdes High School
Diocese of Winona-Rochester
Lourdes High School is a premier Catholic college-preparatory school located in nearby Rochester, serving students from Plainview and surrounding communities. The school offers a rigorous academic program with numerous Advanced Placement courses, a dedicated STEM Academy, and outstanding fine arts programs. With state-of-the-art facilities including modern science labs, performing arts center, and athletic complexes, Lourdes provides comprehensive educational opportunities. The school boasts a 100% college acceptance rate and strong athletic traditions, particularly in football and basketball.
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Schaeffer Academy
Independent Christian School
Schaeffer Academy is an independent classical Christian school in Rochester that serves families from Plainview and the surrounding region. The school offers a distinctive classical education model combined with Christian worldview integration from kindergarten through 12th grade. The curriculum emphasizes great books, Socratic discussion, Latin, and rigorous college preparation. With small class sizes and dedicated faculty, Schaeffer Academy provides a challenging academic environment while maintaining strong community values. The school features comprehensive athletic programs, fine arts opportunities, and a track record of successful college placements.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about private schools in Plainview, Minnesota
What are the private school options available for families living in or near Plainview, Minnesota?
While Plainview itself is a smaller community, families have access to several well-regarded private schools in the immediate and surrounding area. The primary options include St. Pius X School in Plainview, which serves grades Pre-K through 6. For secondary education, many Plainview families consider Lourdes High School (grades 9-12) in Rochester, approximately a 30-minute drive, which is a popular choice for its college-prep curriculum and athletics. Another notable option is Schaeffer Academy (K-12), also in Rochester, known for its classical Christian education model. The proximity to Rochester significantly expands the choices for Plainview residents seeking private education.
How does tuition at Plainview, MN private schools compare, and are there financial aid options specific to Minnesota?
Tuition varies by school and grade level. St. Pius X School in Plainview typically has lower tuition due to its parish support and smaller scale, often ranging significantly less than the Rochester-based schools. Lourdes High School and Schaeffer Academy have higher tuition structures reflective of their comprehensive programs and facilities. A critical financial consideration for Minnesota families is the "K-12 Education Credit" and "Education Deduction" on state income taxes, which can provide substantial savings for qualifying educational expenses, including private school tuition. Additionally, all these schools offer need-based financial aid, and some participate in scholarship programs like the Minnesota AIM (Academic Investment in Minnesota) GOAL Scholarship for lower-income families.
What unique academic or extracurricular programs do the private schools serving Plainview, MN offer?
The schools provide distinct educational approaches. St. Pius X emphasizes a faith-based foundation with a strong community feel integrated into the small town of Plainview. Lourdes High School offers a robust college preparatory program with advanced placement (AP) courses, extensive arts, and competitive athletic teams competing in the Hiawatha Valley League. Schaeffer Academy is distinguished by its classical, trivium-based curriculum (grammar, logic, rhetoric) and intensive study of Latin and Western classics. For Plainview students, this means choosing between a local parish school experience or commuting for specialized college-prep or classical models, with some schools offering transportation or carpool networks from the area.
What is the typical enrollment timeline and process for private schools like St. Pius X that serve Plainview directly?
For St. Pius X School in Plainview, the enrollment process often begins in early winter (January-February) for the following academic year, with priority given to registered parishioners and current families. Open houses are typically held during Catholic Schools Week in late January. For the Rochester schools like Lourdes and Schaeffer, timelines are similar but more formalized, with application deadlines often in February or March. It's crucial for Plainview parents to plan for potential entrance assessments, submission of records, and, for the Rochester schools, consideration of the daily commute. We recommend contacting the schools directly by November to request information and schedule shadow visits.
For a family in Plainview, what are the key considerations when choosing between the local public school district and a private school option?
The decision involves several location-specific factors. Plainview's public schools are part of the Plainview-Elgin-Millville (PEM) School District, offering the convenience of no commute and a comprehensive K-12 pathway. Key considerations for opting for a private school include: desire for a specific religious education (Catholic at St. Pius/Lourdes or Christian classical at Schaeffer), smaller class sizes, and specialized curricula not available in the public district. The trade-off is cost and, for the Rochester schools, a significant daily commute (approx. 25-35 minutes each way). Many families value the close-knit community of St. Pius X for elementary years, while others may prefer PEM for secondary extracurriculars like agriculture (FFA) or specific sports before considering a switch to a private high school.
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