The Best Private Schools in Rosemount, Minnesota
Discover 3 exceptional private schools in Rosemount. Find the perfect educational environment for your child with our comprehensive reviews and ratings.
School Overview
Top-Rated Private Schools
Trinity School at River Ridge
Independent
Trinity School at River Ridge is a highly-regarded classical Christian school serving the southern Twin Cities metro area, including Rosemount. The school offers a rigorous academic program grounded in the classical tradition with a strong emphasis on critical thinking, character development, and faith formation. Students benefit from small class sizes, dedicated faculty, and comprehensive college preparatory curriculum. The campus features modern facilities including science labs, art studios, and athletic spaces. Extracurricular offerings include competitive athletics, drama, music, and various clubs.
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Saint Thomas Academy
Independent Catholic
Saint Thomas Academy is a prestigious all-boys Catholic college preparatory school with a military tradition that serves families throughout the southern metro, including Rosemount. The school is renowned for its academic excellence, leadership development, and strong sense of community. The comprehensive curriculum includes advanced placement courses, robust STEM programs, and extensive fine arts offerings. The 70-acre campus features state-of-the-art facilities including a new STEM center, performing arts center, and extensive athletic complexes. The school's military leadership program develops character, discipline, and leadership skills.
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Holy Family Catholic High School
Archdiocese of Saint Paul and Minneapolis
Holy Family Catholic High School serves students from Rosemount and throughout the southwestern Twin Cities metro with a comprehensive college preparatory education rooted in Catholic values. The school offers a challenging academic program with numerous AP and honors courses, strong STEM offerings, and extensive fine arts programs. The modern campus features advanced science labs, technology-enhanced classrooms, performing arts spaces, and competitive athletic facilities. The school emphasizes faith formation, service learning, and character development while preparing students for college success and lifelong learning.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about private schools in Rosemount, Minnesota
What are the primary private school options available for families residing in Rosemount, Minnesota, and are there any located directly within the city?
While Rosemount itself is primarily served by the highly-regarded Rosemount-Apple Valley-Eagan (District 196) public schools, several prestigious private schools are accessible in the broader southern Twin Cities metro area. The most prominent include Trinity School at River Ridge (PreK-12) in Eagan, Saint Thomas Academy (all-male, grades 6-12) in Mendota Heights, and Holy Family Catholic High School (co-ed, 9-12) in Victoria. There are no major private K-12 campuses physically located within Rosemount's city limits, so commuting to neighboring communities is typical. Many Rosemount families choose these schools for their college-preparatory rigor, single-gender or faith-based education, and smaller class sizes.
How does tuition for private schools near Rosemount, MN, typically compare, and what financial aid options are available under Minnesota state programs?
Tuition for the top private schools near Rosemount varies. For the 2024-25 academic year, expect ranges of approximately $20,000-$25,000+ for upper schools like Saint Thomas Academy and Holy Family Catholic High School, with Trinity School at River Ridge being similarly priced. Minnesota offers specific financial support programs that benefit eligible families, most notably the K-12 Education Credit and Subtraction, which can provide significant state tax relief for tuition, tutoring, and other educational expenses. Additionally, all major private schools offer their own need-based financial aid and merit scholarship programs. It's crucial to apply for financial aid directly through the school (using platforms like FACTS) and to consult a tax professional about Minnesota's unique education tax benefits.
What unique academic or extracurricular programs do private schools in the Rosemount area offer that differentiate them from local public options?
Private schools near Rosemount provide specialized programs that may not be as extensively available in public districts. Saint Thomas Academy is renowned for its Naval Junior ROTC program, leadership training, and engineering focus. Holy Family Catholic High School emphasizes a faith-integrated curriculum alongside strong STEM and arts initiatives. Trinity School at River Ridge offers a classical, liberal arts education rooted in the Western tradition, featuring integrated humanities and rhetoric programs. These schools often have more flexibility for specialized academic tracks, global travel opportunities, and distinctive athletic or arts concentrations (like Trinity's renowned choir) that cater to specific educational philosophies.
What is the typical enrollment timeline and process for competitive private high schools like Saint Thomas Academy or Holy Family Catholic near Rosemount?
The enrollment process for these selective schools is cyclical and begins early. The timeline typically starts with open houses in the fall (September-November) for the following academic year. Application deadlines are often in January or February, with required components including standardized testing (like the HSPT), transcripts, teacher recommendations, and a family interview. Admissions decisions are usually released in March. For Saint Thomas Academy, which includes a middle school, applying for 6th or 9th grade is the most common entry point. Due to their competitiveness and limited seats, especially for non-feeder school students, it is highly advised for Rosemount families to begin research and campus visits at least 12-18 months in advance.
For a family in Rosemount comparing the local public school district (196) to nearby private schools, what are the key decision factors specific to this Minnesota community?
The decision often hinges on educational philosophy, class size, and specific program offerings. District 196's Rosemount High School is a large, comprehensive public school with extensive AP course options, nationally recognized activities, and no tuition. The nearby private alternatives offer smaller, more intimate learning environments (often with a 10:1 student-teacher ratio), a distinct moral or religious foundation, and a focused college-prep culture. For Rosemount families, the commute is a practical factor—attending these private schools requires daily transportation to Eagan, Mendota Heights, or Victoria. The choice may also be influenced by a desire for single-gender education (STA) or a classical curriculum (Trinity) that isn't available in the public system, balanced against the significant financial investment.
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