The Best Private Schools in South Saint Paul, Minnesota
Discover 3 exceptional private schools in South Saint Paul. Find the perfect educational environment for your child with our comprehensive reviews and ratings.
School Overview
Top-Rated Private Schools
Saint Thomas Academy
Independent Catholic School
Saint Thomas Academy is a premier all-boys Catholic military school serving South Saint Paul and the broader Twin Cities metro area. With a distinguished 140-year history, the school offers an elite college preparatory education within a military leadership framework. The academy features extensive STEM facilities, competitive athletic programs, and comprehensive arts offerings. Parents consistently rate the school highly for its academic rigor, character development programs, and exceptional college acceptance rates to top universities nationwide.
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St. Croix Lutheran Academy
Wisconsin Evangelical Lutheran Synod
St. Croix Lutheran Academy is a highly-regarded Christian private school serving the South Saint Paul area with a comprehensive college preparatory curriculum. The school emphasizes academic excellence within a faith-based environment, offering advanced placement courses, robust STEM programs, and competitive athletics. Facilities include modern science labs, performing arts spaces, and athletic complexes. Parents consistently praise the school's strong community atmosphere, dedicated faculty, and successful college placement record.
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Nova Classical Academy
Nova Classical Academy
Nova Classical Academy is a tuition-free public charter school with a private school-level academic experience serving the South Saint Paul region. The school follows a classical education model with rigorous academics including mandatory Latin instruction, honors courses, and comprehensive arts programs. The school features state-of-the-art facilities and competitive athletic teams. Parent reviews highlight the challenging curriculum, exceptional teacher quality, and strong student outcomes in college preparation.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about private schools in South Saint Paul, Minnesota
What are the primary private school options available for families residing in South Saint Paul, Minnesota?
While South Saint Paul itself is home to a limited number of private schools, families in the area commonly consider nearby institutions in the broader Twin Cities metro. Notably, St. Croix Lutheran Academy in West St. Paul is just minutes away and offers a co-ed Christian education for grades 6-12. For a classical education, Nova Classical Academy, a public charter school with a private-school-like model and admissions lottery, is located in St. Paul. For all-boys military education, Saint Thomas Academy in Mendota Heights is a highly-regarded option a short drive from South Saint Paul. Many families also explore Catholic and other faith-based schools in neighboring St. Paul and West St. Paul to find the best fit.
How does Minnesota's tax credit and deduction system impact the cost of private school tuition for South Saint Paul residents?
Minnesota offers specific financial benefits that can help offset private school costs. The state provides an Education Deduction for K-12 tuition, allowing families to deduct up to $1,625 per child in qualifying expenses (tuition, textbooks, etc.) from their state taxable income. More significantly, the K-12 Education Credit is a refundable credit for lower- and middle-income families, which can provide a larger direct benefit than the deduction. South Saint Paul parents should consult a tax professional and review the latest guidelines from the Minnesota Department of Revenue, as income limits and amounts can change. These programs make private education in the metro area more accessible than the sticker tuition price may suggest.
What unique academic or extracurricular programs are emphasized by private schools near South Saint Paul, MN?
Schools in the area distinguish themselves with specialized programs. St. Croix Lutheran Academy emphasizes college-prep academics integrated with faith, strong fine arts, and a wide array of athletic teams competing in the Twin Cities Metro West Conference. Saint Thomas Academy is renowned for its leadership-focused JROTC program (mandatory for all students), rigorous STEM curriculum, and a tradition of academic and athletic excellence. Nova Classical Academy offers a unique, rhetoric-based classical education model across grades K-12, with a strong focus on Latin, logic, and great books. These specialized approaches allow South Saint Paul families to choose a school based on a specific educational philosophy.
What is the typical enrollment timeline and process for private schools in the South Saint Paul area?
Timelines are school-specific but generally follow an annual cycle. Most private schools, like Saint Thomas Academy and St. Croix Lutheran, begin accepting applications in the fall (September-October) for the following academic year, with priority deadlines often in January or February. The process usually involves an application form, student records, teacher recommendations, a family interview, and sometimes entrance testing. Admission decisions are typically communicated in March. It's crucial to start early, especially for schools with competitive admissions or limited seats. We highly recommend attending open houses, which are usually held in the fall, and contacting the admissions office of each school directly, as some may have rolling admission after priority dates.
For a family in South Saint Paul, what are the key considerations when comparing the local public school district to area private schools?
Key considerations include educational approach, class size, cost, and community. South Saint Paul Public Schools (ISD #6) offer a no-tuition, comprehensive education with specific strengths, such as its specialized "Packers" career and technical programs. Private options offer distinct philosophies (e.g., classical, faith-based, military), often with smaller class sizes and more individualized attention, but at a significant financial cost. Transportation is another factor; while the public district provides it, private schools may offer limited bus service from central hubs, requiring a family commute. Ultimately, the decision often hinges on whether a family seeks a specific type of community or pedagogical approach not available in the public system, balanced against the financial investment.
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