The Best Private Schools in Rockville, Minnesota
Discover 3 exceptional private schools in Rockville. Find the perfect educational environment for your child with our comprehensive reviews and ratings.
School Overview
Top-Rated Private Schools
St. John's Preparatory School
Order of St. Benedict / Independent Catholic School
St. John's Preparatory School is a highly prestigious private Catholic school located in Collegeville, serving grades 6-12. Founded in 1857, it offers a rigorous college preparatory curriculum with extensive Advanced Placement courses, strong STEM programs, and robust fine arts and athletics. The school is known for its small class sizes, dedicated faculty, and beautiful campus affiliated with St. John's University. It consistently achieves high academic outcomes and parent satisfaction, with a focus on holistic student development.
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Cathedral High School
Diocese of St. Cloud
Cathedral High School is a private Catholic high school in St. Cloud, serving grades 9-12 and the broader Rockville area. Established in 1881, it provides a comprehensive college preparatory education rooted in Catholic values. The school features strong academic programs, including honors and AP courses, along with diverse extracurriculars in athletics, arts, and community service. With a commitment to faith-based learning and student success, it has a reputation for high graduation rates and supportive faculty.
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St. Cloud Christian School
Independent Christian School
St. Cloud Christian School is a private Christian school serving students from kindergarten through 12th grade, including those from Rockville. Founded in 1978, it offers a biblically integrated curriculum with college preparatory focus, STEM initiatives, and a variety of athletic and arts programs. The school emphasizes small class sizes, individualized attention, and a strong sense of community, leading to high parent satisfaction and academic achievement. Its facilities include modern classrooms, science labs, and sports amenities.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about private schools in Rockville, Minnesota
What are the primary private school options available for families in or near Rockville, Minnesota?
Rockville, MN, is part of the greater St. Cloud metropolitan area, which provides several private school options. The most prominent local institutions include St. John's Preparatory School in nearby Collegeville (a college-preparatory school with a strong liberal arts tradition), Cathedral High School in St. Cloud (a diocesan Catholic school), and St. Cloud Christian School. While Rockville itself is a smaller community, these schools are the primary private options serving families in the area, with many providing transportation or carpool networks. Parents should also explore smaller parochial schools in surrounding Stearns County towns.
How does tuition at private schools in the Rockville, MN, area compare, and what financial aid options are available?
Tuition in the Rockville/St. Cloud area varies significantly. For the 2024-2025 academic year, St. John's Preparatory School's tuition is approximately $15,000-$18,000, while Cathedral High School and St. Cloud Christian School are typically in the $7,000-$10,000 range. Minnesota offers unique financial support through the K-12 Education Credit and Subtraction, which can provide state tax relief for qualifying educational expenses, including private school tuition, fees, and supplies. All major local schools also offer need-based financial aid, parish subsidies for Catholic families, and multi-child discounts. It's crucial to apply for aid directly through the school's financial aid portal (often using the FACTS system) as early as possible.
What unique academic or extracurricular programs do private schools near Rockville, Minnesota, offer that distinguish them?
Private schools in this region leverage their specific missions to offer distinctive programs. St. John's Prep, located on the campus of Saint John's University, offers unparalleled access to university-level labs, libraries, and a renowned arboretum for environmental science. Its Global Studies certificate and extensive arts programs are notable. Cathedral High School emphasizes its STEM Academy and strong service-learning requirements integrated with Catholic theology. St. Cloud Christian School provides a distinctively Bible-integrated curriculum across all subjects and may offer smaller class sizes. For Rockville families, these programs provide alternatives to the standard public school curriculum, often with a focus on character and faith formation.
What is the typical enrollment timeline and process for private schools serving Rockville, Minnesota families?
The enrollment process for schools like St. John's Prep, Cathedral, and St. Cloud Christian generally begins in the fall prior to the desired enrollment year, with open houses held from September to January. Application deadlines for priority financial aid consideration are often in February or March. The process typically involves submitting an application, academic records, teacher recommendations, and a family interview or shadow day for the student. Given that these schools draw from a wide region including Rockville, early application is advised, especially for competitive grades. Many schools also host summer orientation programs for newly enrolled students to ease the transition.
For a family in Rockville, what are the key considerations when choosing between the local public school (ROCORI district) and a private school in the area?
Rockville is part of the ROCORI public school district, which is highly regarded. The choice often hinges on specific family values and needs. Key considerations include: **Educational Approach:** Private schools offer mission-driven education (e.g., Catholic, Christian, or college-prep liberal arts) with integrated values, while ROCORI provides a secular, comprehensive curriculum. **Class Size:** Private schools generally have significantly smaller class sizes, allowing for more individualized attention. **Cost:** ROCORI is taxpayer-funded, whereas private schools require tuition, though tax benefits and aid can offset costs. **Logistics:** Transportation to private schools in St. Cloud or Collegeville requires family coordination, while ROCORI provides busing within the Rockville attendance area. **Extracurriculars:** ROCORI, as a larger district, may offer a wider array of sports and activities, while private schools often have strong niche programs and may allow participation in some ROCORI activities through cooperative agreements.
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