The Best Private Schools in Savage, Minnesota
Discover 3 exceptional private schools in Savage. Find the perfect educational environment for your child with our comprehensive reviews and ratings.
School Overview
Top-Rated Private Schools
St. John the Baptist Catholic School
Archdiocese of Saint Paul and Minneapolis
St. John the Baptist Catholic School is a highly-rated parochial school serving Savage and surrounding communities. The school offers a comprehensive Pre-K through 8th grade education rooted in Catholic values while providing strong academic foundations. The curriculum emphasizes faith formation alongside rigorous academics, with dedicated programs in STEM, fine arts, and technology. Facilities include modern classrooms, a dedicated chapel, gymnasium, and updated learning spaces. Parents consistently praise the school's caring community, dedicated teachers, and strong parent-teacher partnerships that create a supportive learning environment.
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Holy Trinity Catholic School
Archdiocese of Saint Paul and Minneapolis
Located in neighboring Prior Lake, Holy Trinity Catholic School serves families throughout the Savage area with its comprehensive Pre-K through 8th grade program. The school is known for its strong academic performance, with students consistently testing above national averages. The curriculum integrates faith, academics, and character development while offering specialized programs in advanced mathematics, Spanish language instruction from early grades, and comprehensive arts education. The school features modern facilities including science labs, technology-integrated classrooms, and dedicated spaces for music and art. Parent reviews highlight the school's welcoming community and excellent teacher-student ratios.
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Minnehaha Academy
Minnehaha Academy
Minnehaha Academy is a prestigious Pre-K through 12th grade Christian college preparatory school that serves families throughout the Twin Cities metro area, including Savage. With over a century of educational excellence, the school offers a rigorous academic program with outstanding college placement rates. The comprehensive curriculum includes advanced placement courses, a renowned STEM Academy, extensive fine arts programs, and competitive athletics. The campus features state-of-the-art facilities including science laboratories, performing arts centers, and athletic complexes. While located in Minneapolis, the school provides transportation options and serves many families from Savage who value its strong Christian foundation and exceptional academic reputation.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about private schools in Savage, Minnesota
What are the primary private school options available for families living in Savage, Minnesota?
Savage, MN, is served by a few key private institutions, though many families also consider schools in neighboring communities. Within Savage itself, St. John the Baptist Catholic School (PreK-8) is a prominent parochial option. Just across the border in nearby Prior Lake, Holy Trinity Catholic School (PreK-8) is another popular choice. For secondary education, many Savage families look to Minnehaha Academy, which has a Lower School campus in Bloomington (PreK-4) and Middle/Upper School campuses in Minneapolis. There are also various private preschools and early learning centers within Savage. Due to the limited number of in-city options, exploring schools in adjacent suburbs like Burnsville, Prior Lake, and Shakopee is common.
How does tuition for private schools in the Savage, MN, area compare, and are there financial aid options specific to Minnesota?
Tuition in the Savage area varies by school and grade level. For the 2024-2025 academic year, St. John the Baptist Catholic School tuition ranges from approximately $4,500 to $5,500 for parishioners, with higher rates for non-parishioners. Minnehaha Academy's tuition is significantly higher, often exceeding $20,000 annually for middle and upper school. Minnesota offers unique financial support options that Savage families can utilize. Most importantly, the state's K-12 Education Tax Credit and Subtraction can provide substantial tax relief for qualifying educational expenses. Additionally, many schools offer need-based financial aid, and some participate in Minnesota's "ACE" (Academics Choice for Excellence) program, which provides scholarships. It's crucial to inquire directly with each school about their specific aid packages and deadlines.
What unique academic or extracurricular programs do private schools serving Savage, Minnesota, offer?
Private schools in the Savage corridor often emphasize distinctive programs to complement their core curricula. St. John the Baptist and Holy Trinity Catholic Schools integrate faith-based learning with STEM initiatives and character education. Minnehaha Academy is renowned for its robust college-preparatory curriculum, extensive arts programs (including theater and music), and competitive athletics. A notable feature for Savage families is the proximity to the Minnesota River Valley and regional parks, which some local schools use for environmental science and outdoor education programs. Furthermore, several schools offer specialized instruction in Spanish, strong music and band programs starting in elementary grades, and partnerships with local organizations for service learning, aligning with the community-focused values of the area.
What is the typical enrollment timeline and process for private schools in Savage, Minnesota, and how competitive is admission?
The enrollment process for Savage-area private schools generally begins in the fall or winter for the following academic year. For Catholic schools like St. John the Baptist, priority is often given to registered parishioners and siblings of current students, with open enrollment starting in January. Minnehaha Academy typically has an earlier and more comprehensive process, starting in September, involving application forms, student assessments, teacher recommendations, and family interviews. Admission competitiveness varies; the Catholic schools usually have space but may have waiting lists for specific grades, while Minnehaha Academy is more selective due to its regional draw. It is highly recommended for Savage parents to attend fall open houses, schedule shadow visits, and submit applications well before the stated deadlines to secure a spot.
For families in Savage, what are the key considerations when comparing the local public school district (Prior Lake-Savage Area Schools) with private options?
The key considerations for Savage families include educational approach, class size, cost, and community. Prior Lake-Savage Area Schools (PLSAS) offer a large, comprehensive public system with diverse programs, no tuition, and extensive extracurriculars. Private options provide smaller class sizes, often with a specific religious or values-based foundation (like the Catholic schools), or a rigorous college-prep focus (like Minnehaha Academy). Transportation is a major factor: PLSAS provides busing throughout Savage, while private school families are typically responsible for transportation, which can be a significant logistical consideration given Savage's suburban layout. Many families choose private schools for their specific mission or community feel, while others value the investment in public schools through local taxes and their broad, inclusive programming.
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