The Best Private Schools in Des Lacs, North Dakota
Discover 3 exceptional private schools in Des Lacs. Find the perfect educational environment for your child with our comprehensive reviews and ratings.
School Overview
Top-Rated Private Schools
Bishop Ryan Catholic School
Diocese of Fargo
Bishop Ryan Catholic School is a highly-regarded PreK-12 private Catholic school serving the greater Minot area, including Des Lacs. With over 60 years of educational excellence, the school offers a comprehensive college preparatory curriculum with strong emphasis on faith formation, academic rigor, and character development. The campus features modern facilities including science labs, technology centers, and athletic complexes. Students benefit from small class sizes, dedicated faculty, and extensive extracurricular opportunities including competitive sports, fine arts programs, and community service initiatives. The school maintains a 100% college acceptance rate and consistently produces graduates who excel in higher education.
Programs:
Trinity Lutheran School
Lutheran Church-Missouri Synod
Trinity Lutheran School has been providing quality Christian education to the Minot region for over seven decades, serving families from Des Lacs and surrounding communities. This PreK-8 school combines strong academic fundamentals with Christian values in a nurturing environment. The curriculum emphasizes literacy, mathematics, science, and social studies while integrating technology and faith-based learning. Students participate in music programs, art classes, and physical education. The school features updated classrooms, a library, and playground facilities. Parents consistently praise the dedicated teachers, safe environment, and strong sense of community that characterizes this established educational institution.
Programs:
Minot Catholic Schools - Little Flower Campus
Minot Catholic Schools
Minot Catholic Schools' Little Flower Campus serves PreK-5 students from Des Lacs and the greater Minot area with a comprehensive elementary education program rooted in Catholic traditions. The school provides a strong academic foundation with emphasis on core subjects, faith development, and social-emotional learning. Features include modern classrooms, technology integration, library resources, and dedicated spaces for art and music. The school offers before and after-school care, extracurricular activities, and maintains small class sizes for personalized attention. With nearly 50 years of operation, this institution has built a reputation for academic excellence, community involvement, and preparing students for success in middle school and beyond.
Programs:
Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about private schools in Des Lacs, North Dakota
What are the private school options for families living in or near Des Lacs, North Dakota?
While Des Lacs itself is a small community, families typically look to nearby Minot, approximately 20 miles away, for private school options. The primary institutions serving the area are Bishop Ryan Catholic School (grades 9-12), Trinity Lutheran School (preschool-8), and Minot Catholic Schools, which includes the Little Flower Campus (preschool-5). These schools are common choices for Des Lacs residents seeking faith-based education. Transportation is a key consideration, as parents must arrange for their child's daily commute to Minot.
How does tuition at North Dakota private schools near Des Lacs compare, and are there financial aid options?
Tuition varies by school and grade level. For the 2024-2025 academic year, Trinity Lutheran School's tuition is approximately $4,000-$5,000 annually for elementary grades, while Bishop Ryan Catholic School's high school tuition is around $6,000-$7,000. Minot Catholic Schools have a similar tiered structure. Importantly, North Dakota offers a state-funded K-12 Tuition Reimbursement Program, which provides assistance to families with household incomes below a certain threshold. Additionally, all these schools offer parish subsidies for active church members and have their own need-based financial aid and scholarship programs.
What unique academic or extracurricular programs do private schools in the Minot/Des Lacs area offer that differentiate them from public schools?
Schools like Bishop Ryan Catholic School offer a distinctive college-prep curriculum integrated with Catholic theology, along with robust programs in agriculture and FFA, which resonate with the rural communities like Des Lacs. Trinity Lutheran School emphasizes a classical Christian education model. A significant differentiator is smaller class sizes, often 15-20 students, allowing for personalized attention. For extracurriculars, Bishop Ryan provides competitive athletics in the Class B North Dakota High School Activities Association, which can be a draw for student-athletes from Des Lacs seeking a specific team environment.
What is the enrollment process and timeline for private schools serving Des Lacs, ND families?
The enrollment process typically begins in January or February for the following fall, with priority often given to siblings of current students and active parish members. For example, Minot Catholic Schools and Trinity Lutheran have formal open houses in early winter. The process involves submitting an application, academic records, a pastor's reference (for Catholic schools), and a registration fee. Due to limited space, especially in the lower grades, Des Lacs families are advised to initiate contact with the admissions office by December to secure a spot and discuss transportation logistics.
For a family in Des Lacs, what are the practical considerations when choosing between the local public school and a private school in Minot?
The decision hinges on several location-specific factors. The Des Lacs-Burlington Public School District offers the convenience of a very short commute and strong community integration. Choosing a private school in Minot involves a daily 40+ minute round-trip commute, impacting family schedules and costs. However, private schools offer a specific faith-based environment and often different curricular approaches. Families should consider the value of the religious component, the desire for smaller class sizes, and willingness to manage transportation against the benefits of a local, tuition-free public education with its own set of programs and community ties.
Nearby Cities
Explore private schools in nearby cities