The Best Private Schools in Stewartville, Minnesota
Discover 3 exceptional private schools in Stewartville. Find the perfect educational environment for your child with our comprehensive reviews and ratings.
School Overview
Top-Rated Private Schools
Lourdes High School
Roman Catholic Diocese of Winona-Rochester
Lourdes High School is a highly-regarded Catholic college preparatory school serving the Rochester area and surrounding communities including Stewartville. The school offers a rigorous academic curriculum with 17 Advanced Placement courses, comprehensive STEM programs, and competitive athletics. With small class sizes and dedicated faculty, Lourdes maintains a 100% college acceptance rate. The campus features modern facilities including science labs, performing arts spaces, and athletic complexes. The school emphasizes character development and community service alongside academic excellence.
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Schaeffer Academy
Independent Christian School
Schaeffer Academy is a classical Christian school serving families throughout southeastern Minnesota, including Stewartville. The school employs a time-tested classical education model integrated with Christian worldview across all subjects. The curriculum emphasizes critical thinking, rhetoric, and logical reasoning while offering strong college preparatory programs. Students benefit from small class sizes, dedicated Christian faculty, and a comprehensive arts and athletics program. The school maintains high academic standards with graduates consistently accepted to top colleges and universities.
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Rochester Central Lutheran School
Lutheran Church-Missouri Synod
Rochester Central Lutheran School provides Christ-centered education for students from preschool through 8th grade, serving families throughout Olmsted County including Stewartville. The school offers a comprehensive academic program grounded in Lutheran theology with strong emphasis on core subjects, STEM education, and character development. Facilities include modern classrooms, science labs, gymnasium, and dedicated music and art spaces. The school features small class sizes, experienced teachers, and a supportive community environment that prepares students for success in high school and beyond.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about private schools in Stewartville, Minnesota
What are the primary private school options for families living in Stewartville, MN, and how accessible are they?
While Stewartville itself has limited private K-12 institutions, families commonly look to nearby Rochester, MN, for primary options. The most prominent are Lourdes High School (Catholic, 9-12), Schaeffer Academy (Christian, K-12), and Rochester Central Lutheran School (Lutheran, PreK-8). These schools are accessible via a 15-20 minute commute from Stewartville. For Stewartville residents, this means factoring in transportation, but it provides access to a range of religious affiliations and academic philosophies without needing to relocate.
How does tuition for Rochester-area private schools compare for Stewartville, MN, residents, and are there any state-specific financial aid programs?
Tuition for the Rochester-area schools varies. For the 2024-25 school year, Lourdes High School tuition is approximately $9,500, Schaeffer Academy around $8,900 for K-6 and $9,500 for 7-12, and RCLS around $7,500. As Minnesota residents, Stewartville families can benefit from state tax deductions and credits for educational expenses, including private school tuition. Minnesota offers the K-12 Education Credit and Subtraction, which can provide significant tax relief. Additionally, all these schools offer need-based financial aid and parish subsidies for member families.
What unique academic or extracurricular programs do the private schools near Stewartville, MN, offer that differentiate them from local public schools?
The private schools near Stewartville provide distinct programs shaped by their missions. Lourdes High School offers a comprehensive college-prep curriculum with notable STEM and arts programs, plus competitive athletics in the Hiawatha Valley League. Schaeffer Academy emphasizes a classical Christian education with a strong focus on humanities, logic, and Latin. Rochester Central Lutheran School provides a strong foundation with integrated faith-based learning and smaller class sizes. These schools often have more flexibility in curriculum design, allowing for specialized instruction that may differ from the Stewartville Public School's offerings.
What is the typical enrollment timeline and process for families in Stewartville applying to private schools in Rochester, MN?
The enrollment process is school-specific but generally follows an annual cycle. For schools like Schaeffer Academy and RCLS, application windows for the following academic year often open in January, with deadlines in February or March for priority consideration. Lourdes High School typically has an open enrollment period in the winter. As a Stewartville resident, it's crucial to apply early, as some grades have waiting lists. The process usually involves an application, student and family interviews, academic records review, and often an entrance assessment. Contacting the admissions office by early fall of the year prior to desired enrollment is highly recommended.
For a family in Stewartville, what are the key considerations when choosing between the local public school district and a private school in Rochester?
The decision hinges on several factors unique to the Stewartville location. Key considerations include: **Commute & Logistics** (a daily drive to Rochester vs. walking or short bus ride to Stewartville schools), **Cost** (free public education vs. significant tuition investment), **Educational Philosophy** (the faith-based or classical model of private schools vs. the secular, comprehensive model of Stewartville Public Schools), and **Community** (being part of the local Stewartville community versus joining a regional private school community). Academically, Stewartville Public Schools are highly rated, so the choice often centers on values alignment, specific program offerings, and desired class size rather than a simple quality comparison.
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