The Best Private Schools in Taylors Falls, Minnesota
Discover 3 exceptional private schools in Taylors Falls. Find the perfect educational environment for your child with our comprehensive reviews and ratings.
School Overview
Top-Rated Private Schools
St. Croix Preparatory Academy
St. Croix Preparatory Academy
St. Croix Preparatory Academy is a highly-rated IB World School serving the St. Croix Valley region, including Taylors Falls. The school offers a rigorous college-preparatory curriculum with strong emphasis on critical thinking and global perspectives. With modern facilities, extensive extracurricular programs, and small class sizes, the school consistently achieves high academic performance. The IB Diploma Program prepares students for top universities, while comprehensive arts, athletics, and STEM programs provide well-rounded development.
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Trinity School at River Ridge
Trinity School at River Ridge
Trinity School at River Ridge offers a unique classical education combined with the International Baccalaureate program, serving students from across the Twin Cities metro area including Taylors Falls. The school's rigorous academic program emphasizes critical thinking, classical languages, and Socratic dialogue. With exceptional faculty-to-student ratios and comprehensive arts and athletics, Trinity prepares students for leadership and academic excellence. The school's beautiful campus and strong community make it a top choice for families seeking both classical and IB education.
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Stillwater Christian School
Stillwater Christian School
Stillwater Christian School provides a comprehensive Christian education serving families throughout the St. Croix Valley, including Taylors Falls. The school combines strong academics with biblical integration across all subjects. Features include dedicated faculty, personalized learning approaches, and robust fine arts and athletic programs. The college preparatory curriculum ensures students are well-prepared for higher education, while the close-knit community environment fosters character development and spiritual growth.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about private schools in Taylors Falls, Minnesota
Are there any private schools physically located within Taylors Falls, MN, or do families typically look to neighboring towns?
There are no private K-12 schools physically located within the city limits of Taylors Falls itself. Families in Taylors Falls typically consider well-regarded private schools in the broader St. Croix River Valley area. The most prominent options include St. Croix Preparatory Academy in nearby Stillwater, Trinity School at River Ridge in Eagan, and Stillwater Christian School. This means commuting is a standard consideration, and many families carpool or utilize school-provided transportation options from central locations.
What is the tuition range for private schools serving Taylors Falls, MN, families, and are there Minnesota-specific financial aid options?
Tuition for the primary private schools accessible to Taylors Falls residents varies. For the 2024-2025 academic year, St. Croix Preparatory Academy tuition ranges from approximately $12,000 to $15,000, while Stillwater Christian School is generally lower. Trinity School at River Ridge is typically higher, reflecting its college-preparatory focus. Minnesota offers specific aid options like the K-12 Education Credit and Subtraction, which can provide state tax benefits for qualifying educational expenses, including tuition, textbooks, and tutoring. All schools also offer their own need-based financial aid and scholarship programs.
How do the academic specializations of the top private schools near Taylors Falls, MN, differ to help us choose?
The schools have distinct academic profiles. **St. Croix Prep** is a public charter academy (a tuition-free option) known for its Classical, liberal arts curriculum and strong STEM programming. **Trinity School at River Ridge** is a private, classical Christian school with a rigorous, integrated curriculum emphasizing great books and Socratic discussion, preparing students for top-tier universities. **Stillwater Christian School** offers a Bible-based curriculum with a focus on character development and a comprehensive arts and athletics program. Your choice depends on whether you seek a classical, faith-based, or charter model.
What are the key enrollment timelines and processes for competitive private schools in the Taylors Falls, MN, area?
Planning ahead is crucial. For schools like St. Croix Prep (a charter), there is an annual open enrollment period, typically in January/February, with a lottery if applications exceed seats. For private schools like Trinity, the process often begins in the fall prior to the desired enrollment year, involving applications, student assessments, family interviews, and financial aid paperwork. Stillwater Christian School may have rolling admissions but encourages early application. Given Taylors Falls is a smaller community, connecting with admissions offices early to understand transportation logistics is highly recommended.
How does the environment of a private school in the St. Croix Valley compare to the public Chisago Lakes School District for a Taylors Falls resident?
As a Taylors Falls resident, your assigned public district is Chisago Lakes, which offers a comprehensive education. The key differences lie in educational approach, community size, and choice. Private/charter options like those near Taylors Falls often provide smaller class sizes, specific pedagogical models (classical, faith-based), and a self-selected community of families committed to that model. The trade-off involves tuition (except for the charter), a commute, and potentially less direct access to hyper-local extracurriculars. It becomes a choice between your neighborhood public school and actively selecting a specialized educational philosophy, even if it requires travel.
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