The Best Private Schools in Warroad, Minnesota
Discover 3 exceptional private schools in Warroad. Find the perfect educational environment for your child with our comprehensive reviews and ratings.
School Overview
Top-Rated Private Schools
Sacred Heart School
Diocese of Crookston Catholic Schools
Sacred Heart School is a highly-regarded Catholic private school located in nearby Roseau, approximately 20 miles from Warroad. Serving students from preschool through 6th grade, the school provides a strong academic foundation integrated with Catholic values and traditions. The school features small class sizes, dedicated teachers, and a comprehensive curriculum that includes STEM education, literacy programs, and faith formation. Facilities include modern classrooms, a library, gymnasium, and dedicated spaces for music and art. The school community is known for its family atmosphere and strong parent involvement, with many families commuting from Warroad and surrounding communities.
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St. Bernard's Catholic School
Diocese of Crookston Catholic Schools
St. Bernard's Catholic School in Thief River Falls serves families throughout northwestern Minnesota, including Warroad residents. This K-6 institution offers a rigorous academic program within a faith-based environment, emphasizing character development and academic excellence. The school features updated technology resources, including computer labs and classroom technology integration. Academic programs are complemented by strong offerings in music, art, and physical education. Parent reviews consistently praise the dedicated faculty, safe learning environment, and strong community values. The school maintains small class sizes and individualized attention, with many families choosing to commute from Warroad for the quality Catholic education.
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Holy Family Catholic School
Diocese of Crookston Catholic Schools
Holy Family Catholic School in Grand Forks serves as a regional private school option for families throughout the Red River Valley, including those from Warroad seeking comprehensive PreK-8 education. The school offers an academically challenging curriculum with particular strengths in mathematics, language arts, and science. Students benefit from specialized instruction in music, art, physical education, and technology. The campus includes modern classrooms, science labs, a gymnasium, and library facilities. Holy Family maintains strong athletic programs and extracurricular activities. While located approximately 80 miles from Warroad, the school attracts regional families seeking a faith-based education with proven academic results and college preparatory focus.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about private schools in Warroad, Minnesota
What are the private school options for K-12 education in Warroad, Minnesota?
Warroad, MN, offers a small but dedicated set of private school options, all with a faith-based foundation. The primary institutions are Sacred Heart School (PreK-6), St. Bernard's Catholic School, and Holy Family Catholic School. It's important for parents to note that these schools typically cover elementary and middle school grades, with no private high school physically located within Warroad itself. Families seeking private secondary education often look at boarding options, online academies, or may commute to schools in larger nearby communities like Thief River Falls or Roseau, making transportation a key consideration in Warroad.
How does tuition at Warroad's private Catholic schools compare to state averages, and are there financial aid programs specific to Minnesota?
Tuition at Warroad's Catholic schools is generally below the state average for private education, reflecting the rural community and often operating with parish support. For the 2023-2024 school year, typical annual tuition ranges from $2,500 to $4,500 per student, with discounts for multiple children. Minnesota-specific financial aid is a significant benefit. All families can apply for the **Minnesota K-12 Education Tax Credit** and **Subtraction**, which can offset tuition costs. Additionally, many schools participate in diocesan aid programs and local scholarship funds, such as those from the Warroad Area Community Fund, to assist families in the Lake of the Woods County region.
What unique academic or extracurricular programs do Warroad private schools offer that leverage the local community and environment?
Warroad's private schools integrate the unique Northwoods and lakeside environment into their programs. This includes outdoor education focused on local ecology of the Lake of the Woods, cross-country skiing as a staple winter sport, and projects connected to local industries like fishing and manufacturing (e.g., Marvin Windows). Academically, they often emphasize small, multi-grade classrooms that allow for personalized instruction—a hallmark of rural Minnesota private education. Their faith-based curriculum also incorporates community service projects that partner with local organizations, fostering a strong sense of small-town connection and civic responsibility.
What is the typical enrollment timeline and process for private schools in Warroad, and how does it differ from the public school district?
Enrollment for Warroad's private schools typically begins in early spring (February-March) for the following fall, which is earlier than the open enrollment period for Warroad Public Schools. The process involves submitting an application directly to the school, often requiring baptismal records for Catholic schools, and a family interview. A key difference is that space is very limited due to small class sizes, and priority is usually given to parish members and siblings of current students. Therefore, interested families are strongly encouraged to connect with the school principal or parish office well before the public school registration period in summer to secure a spot.
For families in Warroad, what are the primary considerations when choosing between the local public school and a private Catholic school?
The decision in Warroad often centers on class size, educational philosophy, and cost. Warroad Public Schools offer larger facilities, a wider array of extracurriculars (notably its renowned hockey program), and no tuition. The private Catholic schools provide very small student-to-teacher ratios, a values-based education integrated with religious instruction, and a tight-knit community feel. A major practical consideration is transportation, as the school district does not provide bussing for private school students within Warroad. Families must also weigh the continuity of education, as attending a local private school typically means transitioning to the public Warroad High School for 9-12 grade.
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