The Best Private Schools in Waverly, Minnesota
Discover 3 exceptional private schools in Waverly. Find the perfect educational environment for your child with our comprehensive reviews and ratings.
School Overview
Top-Rated Private Schools
Holy Family Catholic School
Holy Family Catholic Church
Holy Family Catholic School serves students from Waverly and surrounding communities with a comprehensive faith-based education. The school offers small class sizes and individualized attention with a strong academic foundation integrated with Catholic values. Programs include advanced STEM curriculum, comprehensive arts education, and extensive extracurricular activities. The school maintains excellent parent satisfaction ratings and serves preschool through 8th grade students with a focus on character development and academic excellence.
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St. James Lutheran School
St. James Lutheran Church
St. James Lutheran School provides Christ-centered education to students from Waverly and the broader Wright County area. The school features a rigorous academic program combined with strong spiritual formation. Facilities include modern classrooms, technology labs, and athletic facilities. The school serves grades PreK-8 with a comprehensive curriculum that includes advanced technology integration, competitive sports programs, and extensive music and arts opportunities. Parent reviews consistently praise the caring community and academic preparation.
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Mayer Lutheran High School
Lutheran Church-Missouri Synod
Mayer Lutheran High School serves students from Waverly and throughout the region as a premier Christian college preparatory school. The school offers rigorous academic programs including Advanced Placement courses, a specialized STEM Academy, and comprehensive fine arts programs. With state-of-the-art facilities including science labs, performing arts center, and athletic complexes, the school provides exceptional educational opportunities. The school maintains strong college acceptance rates and emphasizes character development through Christian leadership programs.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about private schools in Waverly, Minnesota
What are the K-12 private school options available to families residing in Waverly, Minnesota?
Waverly, MN, offers a few specific private school options, primarily with a religious affiliation. For elementary and middle school, families can consider Holy Family Catholic School (PreK-8) and St. James Lutheran School (K-8), both located in Waverly. For high school, the primary local private option is Mayer Lutheran High School, located in the nearby town of Mayer, about a 10-minute drive from Waverly. This provides a continuous private education pathway from kindergarten through 12th grade for families in the Waverly area seeking this environment.
How does tuition at Waverly's private schools compare, and are there financial aid options specific to Minnesota?
Tuition varies by school and grade level. For the 2024-2025 school year, Holy Family Catholic School and St. James Lutheran School typically have tuition ranging from approximately $4,000 to $5,500 annually for parish members, with higher rates for non-members. Mayer Lutheran High School tuition is higher, often around $10,000-$11,000. A significant financial consideration for Minnesota families is the "Minnesota K-12 Education Credit" and "Subtraction," which allow state income tax benefits for educational expenses, including private school tuition, fees, and supplies. Each Waverly-area school also has its own need-based financial aid, scholarships, and multi-child discounts, so it's essential to inquire directly.
What unique academic or extracurricular programs do private schools in the Waverly, MN, area offer?
The private schools near Waverly emphasize faith-based education while offering distinct programs. Holy Family Catholic School integrates STREAM (Science, Technology, Religion, Engineering, Arts, Math) and has a strong focus on service learning within the local community. St. James Lutheran School highlights its one-room classroom model for certain grades, promoting individualized learning and leadership. Mayer Lutheran High School is known for its robust athletics (competing in the Minnesota River Conference), fine arts programs, and college-preparatory curriculum, including Advanced Placement (AP) courses. Their proximity to the Twin Cities metro also allows for specialized field trips and partnerships.
What is the typical enrollment timeline and process for private schools in Waverly, Minnesota?
Enrollment timelines for Waverly-area private schools often begin in January or February for the following fall, with priority given to current families and members of the supporting church. Open houses are commonly held in winter. The process usually involves submitting an application, providing birth and baptismal certificates (for religious schools), academic records, and sometimes a family interview. Unlike some larger districts, these schools have smaller class sizes, so spaces can fill quickly, especially in early grades. It's highly recommended to contact the school office by early winter to express interest and get on their mailing list for specific dates.
For families in Waverly, what are the key considerations when choosing between the local public school (Waverly-Greenwood Elementary) and the available private options?
The key considerations include educational philosophy, class size, and cost. Waverly-Greenwood Elementary (part of Howard Lake-Waverly-Winsted Public Schools) offers a secular, tuition-free education with access to district-wide resources. The private options (Holy Family, St. James) offer much smaller class sizes (often 15-20 students) and integrate religious values throughout the curriculum. For families seeking a faith-based community and personalized attention, the private schools are compelling. The decision often hinges on the value placed on religious instruction versus the financial commitment of tuition, as well as the desire for a continuous private pathway through high school at Mayer Lutheran.
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