The Best Private Schools in Saint Francis, Minnesota
Discover 3 exceptional private schools in Saint Francis. Find the perfect educational environment for your child with our comprehensive reviews and ratings.
School Overview
Top-Rated Private Schools
Parnassus Preparatory School
Hillsdale College Curriculum School
Parnassus Preparatory School provides a rigorous classical education model serving families throughout the northwest metro, including Saint Francis. The school follows the Hillsdale College classical curriculum with strong emphasis on liberal arts, great books, and classical languages. Programs include Latin instruction from elementary grades, comprehensive humanities curriculum, and advanced mathematics and sciences. The school is known for its academic excellence, with graduates consistently gaining admission to top colleges. Facilities support the classical model with dedicated language labs, science facilities, and extensive library resources. Parent reviews highlight the challenging curriculum and exceptional teacher quality.
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Legacy Christian Academy
Independent Christian School
Legacy Christian Academy is a highly-regarded private Christian school serving the Saint Francis and broader Anoka County area. The school offers comprehensive education from preschool through 12th grade with a strong college preparatory focus. Academic programs include Advanced Placement courses, robust STEM curriculum, and extensive fine arts opportunities. The campus features modern classrooms, science labs, athletic facilities, and performing arts spaces. Parent satisfaction is notably high with praise for academic rigor, dedicated faculty, and strong community atmosphere. The school maintains small class sizes and emphasizes character development alongside academic excellence.
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Spectrum High School
Charter/Private STEM School
Spectrum High School is a premier STEM-focused private charter school serving the Elk River area and surrounding communities including Saint Francis. The school specializes in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics education with project-based learning approaches. Academic programs include advanced computer science, engineering pathways, biotechnology, and extensive college partnership opportunities for dual credit. The school features state-of-the-art STEM labs, collaborative workspaces, and technology-rich learning environments. Parent satisfaction is particularly strong regarding college preparation and real-world skill development. The school maintains strong industry partnerships and career pathway programs alongside traditional college preparatory curriculum.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about private schools in Saint Francis, Minnesota
What are the primary private school options available within the Saint Francis, MN, community, and what are their educational approaches?
Saint Francis, MN, is served by a few notable private schools, primarily clustered in the broader Anoka County area. The top options include Legacy Christian Academy (PreK-12), which offers a college-preparatory curriculum integrated with a Christian worldview; Parnassus Preparatory School (grades 5-12), which follows the rigorous, classical education model of the Hillsdale College curriculum; and Spectrum High School (grades 7-12), a STEM-focused charter school that is tuition-free. While Spectrum is technically a public charter school, it is often considered alongside private options due to its specialized focus. For families strictly seeking private, faith-based education, Legacy Christian is the primary local option, with Parnassus providing a secular classical alternative nearby.
How does tuition for private schools in the Saint Francis, MN, area compare, and what financial aid options are available under Minnesota state programs?
Tuition varies significantly among the school options near Saint Francis. Legacy Christian Academy's tuition ranges approximately from $7,000 to $10,000 per year depending on grade level. Parnassus Preparatory School's tuition is typically higher, often exceeding $10,000 annually, reflecting its classical model. Importantly, Minnesota has several state programs that can help offset costs. These include the K-12 Education Credit and Subtraction, which allows for tax deductions on educational expenses, and the Opportunity Scholarship tax credit program for donations to scholarship-granting organizations. Additionally, many schools offer their own need-based financial aid and sibling discounts. It's crucial to inquire directly with each school's admissions office for the most current tuition schedules and aid applications.
What unique academic programs or specializations do private schools near Saint Francis, MN, offer that differentiate them from local public schools?
The private and charter schools near Saint Francis offer distinct specializations. Parnassus Preparatory School is distinguished by its classical liberal arts "trivium" model, emphasizing grammar, logic, and rhetoric, with a strong focus on Great Books and Socratic seminars. Legacy Christian Academy integrates faith throughout its curriculum and offers robust arts, athletics, and college-prep Advanced Placement (AP) courses. Spectrum High School, as a STEM-focused charter, provides deep immersion in science, technology, engineering, and math, with project-based learning and potential partnerships with local tech industries. These focused approaches contrast with the broader, standards-based curriculum of the Saint Francis Public Schools (ISD 15), allowing families to choose an environment aligned with specific pedagogical or subject-matter priorities.
What is the typical enrollment timeline and process for private schools in the Saint Francis, MN, area, and are there waitlists?
The enrollment process for private schools near Saint Francis generally begins in the winter for the following fall semester. For schools like Legacy Christian Academy and Parnassus Preparatory School, open houses and shadow days typically occur from October through February. Application deadlines are often in early spring (March/April), with admission decisions communicated shortly thereafter. Due to limited seats, especially in popular grades, these schools can have waitlists. It is highly advisable to begin research and campus visits a full year in advance. Spectrum High School, as a public charter, has a separate lottery-based enrollment process if applications exceed available space, with lottery dates usually announced in early winter. Checking each school's website in September or October is the best way to get exact dates.
For a family living in Saint Francis, MN, what are the key considerations when choosing between the local public school district and a private school?
Families in Saint Francis should weigh several local factors. The Saint Francis Public School District (ISD 15) provides a comprehensive, tuition-free education with extensive extracurriculars and special education services. Choosing a private school like Legacy or Parnassus involves a significant financial investment but offers smaller class sizes, a specific value-based or classical curriculum, and often a more close-knit community. Transportation is a key practical consideration; while ISD 15 provides busing, private schools usually require parents to arrange transportation, which can be a challenge in this more spread-out, semi-rural area of Anoka County. Additionally, consider the child's specific needs: a STEM-focused student might thrive at Spectrum, while a family seeking rigorous humanities training might prefer Parnassus. Ultimately, visiting both public and private options is essential to feel the difference in culture and approach.