The Best Private Schools in Waterville, Minnesota
Discover 3 exceptional private schools in Waterville. Find the perfect educational environment for your child with our comprehensive reviews and ratings.
School Overview
Top-Rated Private Schools
Holy Cross Catholic School
Diocese of Winona-Rochester
Holy Cross Catholic School serves students from Waterville and surrounding communities with a comprehensive PreK-8 education program. The school emphasizes faith-based education combined with strong academic foundations, featuring modern STEM labs, music and art programs, and competitive athletics. With small class sizes and dedicated faculty, the school maintains high parent satisfaction ratings and serves as a regional Catholic education center for southern Minnesota communities.
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Bethlehem Academy
Catholic Independent School
As one of Minnesota's oldest Catholic college preparatory schools, Bethlehem Academy serves students from Waterville and throughout Rice County with rigorous academic programs from grades 6-12. The school features advanced placement courses, competitive athletics programs, and comprehensive fine arts offerings. With a strong track record of college acceptance and a commitment to character development, Bethlehem Academy provides transportation options for students from Waterville and surrounding communities.
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Shattuck-St. Mary's School
Independent Boarding School
Shattuck-St. Mary's is a prestigious independent boarding and day school located in nearby Faribault that serves students from Waterville and internationally. The school offers exceptional college preparatory programs with specialized centers in STEM, hockey, figure skating, and performing arts. With state-of-the-art facilities including science laboratories, athletic complexes, and performing arts centers, the school provides both day and boarding options for students seeking a world-class private education within commuting distance of Waterville.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about private schools in Waterville, Minnesota
What are the primary private school options available for families in Waterville, Minnesota, and what are their core educational models?
Waterville, MN, is served by a few distinctive private schools, each with a different focus. **Holy Cross Catholic School** in nearby Webster offers a faith-based, K-8 education rooted in Catholic values. **Bethlehem Academy** in Faribault, a short commute away, is a Catholic, co-educational college-preparatory high school. The most prominent is **Shattuck-St. Mary's School** in Faribault, an internationally renowned independent Episcopal boarding and day school for grades 6-12, famous for its specialized Centers of Excellence in programs like hockey, figure skating, soccer, and biomedical sciences. For Waterville families, these represent a spectrum from local parish school to world-class specialized boarding programs.
How does the tuition for private schools near Waterville, MN, compare, and are there financial aid options specific to Minnesota?
Tuition varies significantly based on the school and boarding status. Holy Cross Catholic School has the most accessible tuition, often under $5,000 annually, with parish subsidies available. Bethlehem Academy's high school tuition is typically in the $10,000-$12,000 range. Shattuck-St. Mary's, as a premier boarding school, has a comprehensive fee that can exceed $60,000 for boarding students, with day student tuition being a portion of that. Critically for Minnesota residents, the **Minnesota K-12 Education Tax Credit** and **Subtraction** can provide substantial state tax relief for qualifying educational expenses, including tuition, textbooks, and supplies. All these schools also offer their own need-based financial aid and merit scholarships.
What unique academic or extracurricular programs are offered by private schools accessible from Waterville, MN, that aren't typically found in public schools?
The schools near Waterville offer several unique programs. **Shattuck-St. Mary's School** is nationally recognized for its **Centers of Excellence**, allowing students to intensively train in areas like hockey (with a legendary pipeline to college and pro teams), figure skating, soccer, and performing arts alongside a rigorous academic schedule. Their **Biomedical Sciences Center** offers advanced research opportunities. **Bethlehem Academy** provides a strong college-prep curriculum with a dedicated focus on Catholic identity and service learning. **Holy Cross Catholic School** integrates religious education and character formation into every subject. These specialized tracks and faith-based integration are distinct from the standard public school curriculum.
What is the typical enrollment timeline and process for private schools serving the Waterville, Minnesota area?
Timelines differ by school. For **Holy Cross Catholic School**, enrollment for the following academic year often opens in early winter (January/February) for existing families and then to new parishioners and the public. **Bethlehem Academy** typically has open houses in the fall and winter, with application deadlines in the spring for the next school year. **Shattuck-St. Mary's** has a more complex process due to its boarding nature and specialized programs; it operates on a rolling admissions basis but encourages applications by January/February for the best chance at placement and financial aid. For all schools, especially those with competitive programs, starting the process 12-18 months in advance is advisable, including campus visits and interviews.
For a family in Waterville considering both public and private options, what are the key local factors to weigh in the decision?
Key Waterville-specific factors include **commute, community size, and educational specialization**. Waterville's public schools are part of a smaller, tight-knit district (WEM), offering convenience and strong local community ties. The private options require a commute to Faribault or Webster (15-30 minutes), which adds to the daily schedule. Families must consider if they seek a specific **faith-based education** (Catholic/Episcopal), desire a **boarding school experience** (Shattuck-St. Mary's), or have a student who would thrive in a **highly specialized training program** (e.g., elite athletics). The cost is a major factor, but Minnesota's tax benefits can help offset private tuition. Ultimately, the decision hinges on whether the unique missions and programs of the private schools align with the family's educational goals and are worth the investment and logistics.
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