The Best Private Schools in Sartell, Minnesota
Discover 3 exceptional private schools in Sartell. 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
Independent Catholic School
St. John's Preparatory School, located just minutes from Sartell in Collegeville, is one of Minnesota's most prestigious private schools. The school offers both Advanced Placement and International Baccalaureate programs, providing exceptional college preparation. Students benefit from a 9:1 student-teacher ratio, state-of-the-art facilities including recently renovated science labs and performing arts center, and access to the resources of St. John's University. The school consistently ranks among Minnesota's top private schools for academic achievement, with graduates attending highly selective colleges nationwide.
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Cathedral High School
Diocese of St. Cloud
Cathedral High School is a highly-regarded Catholic college preparatory school serving the Sartell and greater St. Cloud area. With over a century of educational excellence, the school offers a rigorous academic curriculum with 17 Advanced Placement courses, comprehensive STEM programs, and extensive fine arts opportunities. The campus features modern science labs, performing arts spaces, and athletic facilities. Students consistently achieve above-average ACT scores and maintain a 100% college acceptance rate. The school emphasizes character development through service learning and spiritual formation.
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All Saints Academy
Independent Catholic School
All Saints Academy serves families throughout the Sartell-St. Cloud region with a comprehensive PreK-12 Catholic education. The school features small class sizes, individualized learning plans, and a strong emphasis on faith-based character development. Academic programs include advanced mathematics and science courses, comprehensive language arts, and college preparatory curriculum. Facilities include modern classrooms, science laboratories, art studios, and athletic spaces. The school maintains high parent satisfaction through strong community engagement and excellent teacher-student relationships.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about private schools in Sartell, Minnesota
What are the primary private school options available for families residing in Sartell, Minnesota?
Families in Sartell, MN, are served by several notable private institutions, though it's important to note that most are located in neighboring communities. The most prominent options include All Saints Academy, a PreK-8 Catholic school with a campus in nearby St. Cloud, and two highly-regarded secondary schools: Cathedral High School in St. Cloud and St. John's Preparatory School in Collegeville. While Sartell itself has a robust public school district, these private schools are common choices for Sartell families seeking faith-based education or specific academic environments. Transportation to these schools is typically a family responsibility.
How does tuition at private schools like All Saints Academy or Cathedral High School compare, and are there Minnesota-specific financial aid options?
Tuition varies significantly. For the 2024-2025 academic year, All Saints Academy's elementary tuition is approximately $5,000-$6,000, while Cathedral High School's tuition is around $10,000-$11,000. St. John's Prep, as a boarding and day school, is higher, with day student tuition exceeding $20,000. A critical Minnesota-specific benefit is the K-12 Education Tax Credit and Subtraction, which allows families to subtract a portion of private school tuition and other educational expenses from their state taxable income. Additionally, all these schools offer need-based financial aid, and some participate in local scholarship funds like the Catholic Schools Center of Excellence (CSCOE) scholarships.
What unique academic or extracurricular programs do Sartell-area private schools offer that differ from the public school system?
The private schools near Sartell offer distinct programs rooted in their missions. St. John's Preparatory School leverages its connection to Saint John's University, offering advanced college-prep courses, extensive study abroad programs, and unique environmental learning on its 2,700-acre campus. Cathedral High School provides a comprehensive Catholic education with a strong focus on service learning and a 1:1 iPad program. All Saints Academy emphasizes a continuous, faith-integrated PreK-8 curriculum. These schools often have smaller average class sizes than Sartell's public schools, allowing for more individualized attention, but may offer fewer broad elective pathways in areas like specialized technical education compared to Sartell High School.
What is the typical enrollment timeline and process for private schools like Cathedral High School for a student coming from Sartell Public Schools?
The process typically begins a full year in advance. For fall enrollment, most private schools in the St. Cloud area (serving Sartell) open applications in September or October, with priority deadlines in January or February. The process for a transfer student involves submitting an application, academic records from Sartell schools, teacher recommendations, and often a family interview or student shadow day. For faith-based schools, baptismal records may be required. It's crucial to contact the admissions office directly, as some grades, particularly 9th grade at Cathedral High, may have waiting lists. Financial aid applications usually run concurrently with admissions deadlines.
For a family living in Sartell, what are the key considerations when choosing between the highly-rated Sartell Public Schools and nearby private options?
The decision hinges on several factors unique to the Sartell context. **Sartell Public Schools** are consistently high-performing, tuition-free, and offer extensive facilities, athletics, and clubs within the community. Choosing a **private school** often involves a commitment to a faith-based environment, a different educational philosophy, or a specific program (like St. John's Prep's global focus). Key practical considerations include: the daily commute to St. Cloud or Collegeville, annual tuition costs versus property taxes funding public schools, and the social transition for the child. Many Sartell families value the community cohesion of the local public system, while others seek the specific mission and often smaller, disciplined setting of the private institutions. Attending open houses for both types of schools is highly recommended.
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