The Best Private Schools in Upsala, Minnesota
Discover 3 exceptional private schools in Upsala. Find the perfect educational environment for your child with our comprehensive reviews and ratings.
School Overview
Top-Rated Private Schools
St. Mary's Cathedral School
Diocese of St. Cloud
St. Mary's Cathedral School offers a comprehensive Catholic education serving students from preschool through 8th grade. The school emphasizes academic excellence within a faith-based environment, featuring small class sizes and individualized attention. Their curriculum includes strong STEM components, literacy programs, and fine arts education. The school maintains modern facilities and offers extensive extracurricular activities including sports, music, and community service programs. Parent satisfaction is high due to the school's commitment to character development and academic preparation for high school.
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Holy Family Catholic School
Diocese of St. Cloud
Holy Family Catholic School serves students from preschool through 6th grade with a strong emphasis on academic achievement and spiritual formation. Located in nearby Little Falls, the school provides a nurturing environment with dedicated teachers and modern educational resources. The curriculum features advanced mathematics, comprehensive language arts, and technology integration. Extracurricular offerings include sports teams, choir, and various clubs. The school is known for its strong community involvement and high parent satisfaction rates, making it a popular choice for families in the Upsala area.
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All Saints Academy
Independent Catholic School
All Saints Academy is a regional Catholic school serving students from preschool through 8th grade across central Minnesota, including the Upsala community. The school offers a rigorous college-preparatory curriculum with strong emphasis on technology integration, featuring 1:1 device programs and STEM labs. Academic programs are complemented by comprehensive athletic offerings, fine arts, and character education. The school maintains modern facilities with recent upgrades and serves a diverse student population. High parent satisfaction stems from the school's academic results, experienced faculty, and strong community atmosphere.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about private schools in Upsala, Minnesota
What are the private school options for families living in or near Upsala, Minnesota?
Upsala, MN, is served by a small number of faith-based private schools, reflecting the community's character. The primary options are St. Mary's Cathedral School (PreK-6) and Holy Family Catholic School (PreK-6), both located in Upsala itself. For grades 7-12, families often look to nearby communities. All Saints Academy, with campuses in St. Cloud and Holdingford, is a common choice for continuing Catholic education beyond 6th grade. The limited number of in-town options means many Upsala families also consider private schools in larger regional hubs like Little Falls, St. Cloud, or Sauk Centre, which may offer different educational philosophies or extended grade levels.
How does tuition at Upsala's private schools compare to state averages, and what financial aid is typically available?
Tuition at Upsala's parish-based schools, like St. Mary's and Holy Family, is generally below the Minnesota state average for private elementary schools, often ranging from $2,500 to $4,500 per year for parishioners. Non-parishioner rates are higher but still competitive. These schools actively utilize Minnesota's tax-advantaged programs, such as the K-12 Education Credit and Subtraction, which can significantly reduce the net cost for eligible families. Additionally, local parish subsidies, multi-child discounts, and need-based aid from the Diocese of St. Cloud are commonly available. It's essential to speak directly with the school's office, as aid packages are highly individualized and tied to both parish membership and demonstrated need.
What unique academic or extracurricular programs do Upsala-area private schools offer that leverage the local community?
Upsala's private schools integrate their rural, central Minnesota setting into their programs. A strong emphasis on agricultural science and environmental stewardship is common, with outdoor learning and garden projects. Given their Catholic identity, faith formation and service learning are core, with students often participating in local community service projects. While limited by size, these schools often have strong partnerships for extracurriculars; for example, students may join athletic co-ops with the Upsala Public School district for sports like volleyball or basketball. The small class sizes ensure personalized attention, and programs frequently celebrate local heritage and traditions, fostering a tight-knit, community-centered educational experience.
What is the typical enrollment timeline and process for private schools in Upsala, MN?
Enrollment for the following academic year at Upsala's private schools typically opens in January or February, with priority given to current families and registered parishioners of the supporting churches. Open enrollment for new families usually follows in March. The process is personal and straightforward: contact the school office for a tour and application packet, which includes student records, a pastor/parish verification form (for Catholic schools), and a registration fee. Due to the small size of these schools, some grades may have waiting lists, so early inquiry is recommended. Importantly, these schools often welcome mid-year transfers, especially for families moving into the area, given their capacity to integrate new students into the close community.
For a family in Upsala, what are the key considerations when choosing between the local public school and a private Catholic school?
The decision in Upsala often centers on educational philosophy, community, and cost. The Upsala Public School District (K-12) offers a comprehensive, tax-funded education with a wider range of elective courses and extracurricular activities in the upper grades. The private Catholic schools (PreK-6) provide a faith-based education integrated with daily religion, smaller class sizes, and a consistent values framework aligned with the local parishes. For families deeply involved in the Upsala Catholic community, the private school offers seamless continuity between church, home, and school. Financially, public school has no tuition, while private school requires investment, albeit offset by state tax benefits. Many families use the local Catholic schools for elementary education and then transition to the public junior/senior high for its broader academic and athletic offerings.
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