The Best Private Schools in Preston, Minnesota
Discover 3 exceptional private schools in Preston. Find the perfect educational environment for your child with our comprehensive reviews and ratings.
School Overview
Top-Rated Private Schools
Lourdes High School
Roman Catholic Diocese of Winona-Rochester
Lourdes High School is a highly-regarded Catholic college preparatory school serving southeastern Minnesota, including the Preston area. The school offers a rigorous academic program with 17 Advanced Placement courses, comprehensive STEM education, and competitive athletics programs. With small class sizes and dedicated faculty, Lourdes maintains a 100% college acceptance rate and provides extensive college counseling services. The campus features modern facilities including science labs, performing arts spaces, and athletic complexes.
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Schaeffer Academy
Independent Christian School
Schaeffer Academy is a classical Christian school serving families throughout southeastern Minnesota, including Preston. The school employs a time-tested classical education model integrated with biblical worldview across all subjects. Academic programs emphasize critical thinking, rhetoric, and logic while maintaining strong college preparatory standards. The school features dedicated facilities for science, technology, and arts, along with competitive athletic teams and extensive extracurricular opportunities.
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Cotter Schools
Winona Area Catholic Schools
Cotter Schools is a comprehensive Catholic educational institution serving students from Preston and surrounding communities. As Minnesota's first International Baccalaureate World School, Cotter offers the prestigious IB Diploma Programme alongside traditional college preparatory tracks. The school features state-of-the-art facilities including science laboratories, performing arts center, and athletic complexes. With a strong emphasis on academic excellence and character formation, Cotter maintains small class sizes and provides personalized attention to students.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about private schools in Preston, Minnesota
What are the primary private school options available for families in and around Preston, Minnesota?
The Preston area is served by a few notable private institutions, though many are located in nearby communities. Directly in Preston, you'll find Lourdes High School, a Catholic college-preparatory school. A short drive away in Rochester, families have access to Schaeffer Academy (a nondenominational Christian K-12 school) and Cotter Schools (a Catholic PreK-12 system in Winona). This means Preston residents often consider a commute for private education, with options spanning Catholic, Christian, and college-prep models. It's advisable to visit each campus to assess the commute and community fit.
How does tuition at private schools like Lourdes High School in Preston compare to state averages, and what financial aid options exist for Minnesota families?
Tuition at Lourdes High School is generally competitive with similar Catholic schools in Minnesota. For the 2023-2024 academic year, tuition was approximately $8,000-$9,000, which is below the state average for private high schools. Minnesota offers significant financial support through tax benefits, including the K-12 Education Credit and Subtraction, which can reduce the net cost for qualifying families. Additionally, Lourdes and schools like Schaeffer Academy and Cotter offer need-based financial aid, parish subsidies for members, and multi-child discounts. It's crucial to apply for aid early and consult with the school's financial office.
What unique academic or extracurricular programs are offered by private schools accessible to Preston, MN residents?
Schools serving Preston families offer distinct programs shaped by their missions. Lourdes High School emphasizes a college-prep curriculum with strong STEM and arts programs, and its affiliation with the Diocese of Winona-Rochester provides theology and service-learning components. Schaeffer Academy in Rochester is known for its classical Christian education model, focusing on grammar, logic, and rhetoric. Cotter Schools in Winona offers International Baccalaureate (IB) and Advanced Placement (AP) courses, along with renowned arts and robotics programs. For Preston families, these specialized offerings mean choosing a school often aligns with choosing an educational philosophy.
What is the typical enrollment timeline and process for private schools like Lourdes High School, and are there considerations for families moving into the Preston area?
The enrollment process for Lourdes High School and similar area schools typically begins in the winter (January-February) for the following fall, with priority given to current families and parish members. However, rolling admissions often continue if spaces remain. The process usually involves an application, student records review, family interview, and placement testing. For families relocating to Preston outside this window, contacting the admissions office directly is key, as mid-year enrollment is possible. Given the smaller size of these schools, it's advisable to initiate inquiries early, especially for specific grades that may have waitlists.
How do private schools in the Preston, MN area compare to the public Fillmore Central School District, particularly in terms of class size and community environment?
The most direct comparison is between Lourdes High School (approx. 300 students) and Fillmore Central High School in nearby Harmony. The primary differences are size and educational approach. Lourdes offers smaller average class sizes (often 15-20 students) and a faith-based environment with a required theology curriculum. Fillmore Central provides a broader range of extracurriculars due to its larger student body and is tuition-free. For Preston families, the choice often hinges on whether they seek a specific religious foundation and close-knit community or prefer the comprehensive offerings and geographic convenience of the public district. Transportation can also be a factor, as private schools may not provide district bussing.
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