2024 Best Catholic Schools in the Minneapolis-St. Paul Area

• St. Paul, MN•

• Private School•

• 9-12

• •
  Rating 4.06 out of 5  295 reviews

Parent: We have had three kids graduate from Cretin-Derham Hall, and have a current rising sophomore. We have loved everything about CDH! Academically, our children have been challenged and extremely well prepared for college, and it has shown in their successful college performances. The administration and teachers are dedicated and insightful, and have been wonderful resources for the kids. All of our kids have participated in multiple extracurricular activities, which they have enjoyed immensely and which have made them well-rounded students. There is substantial diversity, including racial and socio-economic diversity. That has really opened all of our minds to new ways of viewing the world and its challenges and opportunities. The facilities are great, especially for a 150-year old land-locked inner city school! Our kids have always felt very safe at CDH ... it's been like a home away from home. We cannot imagine sending our kids to any other school! Go Raiders!... Read 295 reviews

• grade A+

• Students 940

• Student-teacher ratio 12:1

• Richfield, MN•

• Private School•

• 9-12

• •
  Rating 4.31 out of 5  185 reviews

Alum: The academy of holy angels is a private catholic high school in Minnesota. The best part of the school was how everyone knew each other, the uniforms were pretty cute and customizable, and the sports funding is great (for the guys sports). Despite the next things I will say, Holy Angels did a great job preparing most students for college. The school is very white and upper class. While many students are on some sort of partial scholarship, there continues to be a materialistic atmosphere throughout the whole school. The school also has very wishy-washy stances on anything controversial; I remember in my time there, a fantastic gay teacher was either implicitly or explicitly not asked to return, and a student-led LGBT support group was squashed by the archdiocese and the administration. The sports funding is awesome, the arts funding is depressing. Students are also not allowed to take AP classes before junior year, which can make college more expensive.... Read 185 reviews

• grade A+

• Students 629

• Student-teacher ratio 12:1

• Mendota Heights, MN•

• Private School•

• 6-12

• •
  Rating 4.32 out of 5  97 reviews

Senior: I really like this school! However, one thing that is incredibly huge for me is for there to be a strong fine arts presence at school. However, most of the fine arts aspects take place at our sister school, Visitation. Overall, it's a great school with great academics!... Read 97 reviews

• grade A

• Students 600

• Student-teacher ratio 10:1

• Plymouth, MN•

• Private School•

• PK, K-12

• •
  Rating 4.03 out of 5  150 reviews

Parent: I have a lower school and middle school student currently enrolled in Providence for our 3rd year at this school and I can say with confidence that this is the school my children will graduate from. From the moment we first entered the building for a tour, we felt something special. Not only is the school building beautiful inside and out but the community is equally amazing. From day one, both of my children came home saying "Everyone is so nice, there are no bullies" and this has not changed. By parent-teacher conferences of our first year (two months after the start of the school year) I felt like the teachers had gotten to know my children at their core: strengths and growth areas. This is true even for my middle school student who had 7 teachers! Everyone at Providence, from the amazing private chefs to the wonderful teachers/faculty/admin to the protective security guards to the kind custodians is there to support every student to become the best human they can be.... Read 150 reviews

• grade A

• Students 941

• Student-teacher ratio 13:1

• Mendota Heights, MN•

• Private School•

• PK, K-12

• •
  Rating 4.43 out of 5  186 reviews

Parent: We are relatively new to the Visitation community, but it immediately felt like home. From the first time we set foot in the door of the Portress we knew that it was special. Our daughters were welcomed by their fellow students with open arms, which isn't always the case with tween/teenage girls. The teachers are masters of their crafts and it shows in their passion and engagement with the girls. They know how girls learn and how to teach girls -- the extra help that they have for students who need it is amazing. And the opportunities that are available to these girls are absolutely incredible -- we feel so blessed that Vis has been such a great fit for our family. We tell everyone who asks how much we love it and we can't wait until our younger girls can walk the halls at Vis! If you are looking for a school that really knows girls and what they are cabable of -- schedule a tour! You won't regret it.... Read 186 reviews

• grade A

• Students 601

• Student-teacher ratio 11:1

• Minneapolis, MN•

• Private School•

• 9-12

• •
  Rating 4.3 out of 5  57 reviews

Alum: My experience at DeLaSalle was interesting considering that the pandemic began my freshman year, and we had to shift to distance learning. I feel like DeLaSalle handled the pandemic in the best way possible. This was an abrupt shift, but the school made it work. Then when we shifted to hybrid, then full in person, it was weird but we made it work. The teachers at DeLaSalle made it very easy to come to them for extra help whether it was after school or before school. My time at DeLaSalle made me a more disciplined student and person.... Read 57 reviews

• grade A

• Students 701

• Student-teacher ratio 15:1

• St. Louis Park, MN•

• Private School•

• 7-12

• •
  Rating 4.03 out of 5  163 reviews

Parent: BSM was such a great school for our two boys who graduated in 2020 and 2023. Overall, they found a community where they were able to thrive academically, spiritually and socially. We are grateful for their teachers who were committed to their education and but also cared about them as people. Both boys had positive experiences as members of the soccer, football and track teams. Their coaches were invested in their development as athletes and but also in their character as team leaders. BSM helped prepared our boys for college and life...it truly was a special place for our kids to "grow up"!... Read 163 reviews

• grade A

• Students 1,152

• Student-teacher ratio 13:1

• Victoria, MN•

• Private School•

• 9-12

• •
  Rating 4.13 out of 5  99 reviews

Senior: My experience at Holy Family has, for the most part, been extremely positive and has taught me many things besides just academics. Although I've faced many challenges getting accustomed to the high school life, Holy Family has taught me so many unforgettable things. I learned how to make new friends, work well with others, be a great team player, be a leader, think outside the box, and so many other pieces of knowledge. In my first year at Holy Family, I was welcomed with open arms into the school by not just the teachers but also many of my fellow students that would soon become my friends. The exciting sports programs coupled with the fun and engaging classes had brought us closer during that year and they also showed me that I belonged at Holy Family. Overall, my experience was life changing and has proved to be a positive influence on my character. My memories and experiences at Holy Family will stick with me forever.... Read 99 reviews

• grade A

• Students 553

• Student-teacher ratio 13:1

• Fridley, MN•

• Private School•

• 9-12

• •
  Rating 3.95 out of 5  204 reviews

Parent: My second child is now coming through TG and it has been a wonderful experience. I will say it best in that TG offers a "no distraction" learning environment where it is "cool" to get good grades. The teachers are 100% invested in these students, go the extra mile and will make sure your kid does not fall in the cracks. Every teacher knows every student's name. It is impressive. I have a highly academic child and a child that requires more attention and TG is a great fit for both. Private school does not guarantee any outcome but it sure improves your odds! I have nothing but GREAT things to say about TG!... Read 204 reviews

• grade A

• Students 682

• Student-teacher ratio 14:1

• Maplewood, MN•

• Private School•

• 6-12

• •
  Rating 4.05 out of 5  123 reviews

Alum: Im an alum, class of 85 and parent of two kids there. Bill Lechner does a great job with the hockey 🏒 program and I can't say enough great things about the teachers and staff. Kudos to Johnny and Krissy!... Read 123 reviews

• grade A minus

• Students 1,006

• Student-teacher ratio 12:1

• Hopkins, MN•

• Private School•

• 9-12

• •
  Rating 4.21 out of 5  24 reviews

Junior: Chesterton is the best! Regarding academics, I find school to be challenging but super enjoyable. We have normal classes like math and lit, but there's also a big focus on the arts and such. Many of our classes are discussion-based, and the ones that aren't still end up in important conversations. The teachers are great at explaining whatever you need (especially random/off-topic questions/philosophical problems). They definitely like to pile on the homework, though! Regarding the community: practically everybody, from the staff to the students, is Catholic, and discussions about the faith seep into just about everything. We have daily mass (epic!) with confession available after, theology class, grade-level retreats, the Handmaids next door, and the adoration chapel and church to pray in before, during, or after school. The small class sizes mean that students are closer to each other and more welcoming to new students. This makes it so much easier to find virtuous, lasting friends.... Read 24 reviews

• grade A minus

• Students 141

• Student-teacher ratio 9:1

• Minneapolis, MN•

• Private School•

• 9-12

• •
  Rating 4.19 out of 5  63 reviews

Alum: Being part of the Cristo Rey Jesuit High School-Twin Cities community has been one of many wonderful experiences in my life much of which were able to be done with the continuous support the school has for each student. One of my best experiences at Cristo Rey has been with my supervisors at my Corporate Work Study Program. One of the many things that makes Cristo Rey so different from other high schools is there strive to help prepare each student for college and work at the same time. At my CWSP job I was treated more than just a "teenage high school intern." I was treated like any other adult in the room and what made my time there more special was how invested my supervisors were in my successes throughout and after high school. They always encouraged and persuaded me to try out new things and to not be afraid to ask questions, even to this day I still have contact with my supervisor's.... Read 63 reviews

• grade B+

• Students 410

• Student-teacher ratio 15:1

• Saint Paul, MN•

• Private School•

• PK, K-12

• •
  Rating 3.13 out of 5  84 reviews

Senior: I have been at St. Agnes all 13 years of school! It is a wonderful school that provides each child with the tools to strive in life after high school. It is a private, Catholic school, but you do not need to be catholic to attend. They do not teach us what to think but how to think. This is important to me because we as individuals get to make our own judgments and have our own opinions and that is accepted and encouraged, and no one is judged for having a different opinion. I have enjoyed my time at St. Agnes, but the main thing I would change is the community building aspect. I have a good community of friends around me because I have built it. They do not do a whole lot of activities where I can get to know those who I do not play a sport with or who I am in a club with. I would love to get to know those who I would not otherwise talk to, but I am so busy that I would love time during school to build a bigger and better community with my fellow students.... Read 84 reviews

• grade B

• Students 822

• Student-teacher ratio 15:1

• Minneapolis, MN•

• Private School•

• PK, K-8

• •
  Rating 5 out of 5  9 reviews

Parent: OLP is an amazing small Catholic elementary school, within a wonderful neighborhood. When we started thinking about preschool for our daughter, we looked to OLP because it was close by. We did a little more research, completed a tour, but we didn't put too much else into the decision. Boy, did we luck out! It is a hidden gem of a school, and we quickly realized this after hearing from others at different schools, and later touring many other schools due to a move. The staff are incredible, the facilities are safe, clean and welcoming, and the community can't be beat. I would highly recommend OLP.... Read 9 reviews

• grade A+

• Students 218

• Student-teacher ratio 12:1

• Forest Lake, MN•

• Private School•

• PK, K-8

• •
  Rating 4.75 out of 5  72 reviews

Parent: Choosing to enroll my kiddos at St. Peter's has been one of the best parenting decisions We've made. We wish we would have done it sooner. Everything about the school is wonderful! From the staff communications/updates/responses, to the smaller class sizes and all the student support from their teachers! My kids have made great strides in their academics since coming to STP. As a parent, you are heard and involved in any decisions regarding your child. The community is so inviting and family-like. Honestly, I cannot think of 1 less than desirable experience we've had at St. Peter's.... Read 72 reviews

• grade A+

• Students 334

• Student-teacher ratio 14:1

• Excelsior, MN•

• Private School•

• PK, K-8

• •
  Rating 5 out of 5  5 reviews

Parent: I cannot say enough amazing things about St. John the Baptist Catholic Montessori School. I have now had children in each level, from Toddler through Middle School, and my love for the Montessori method and this school only continues to grow. While distance learning was a challenge for parents across the world this past spring, I have to admit, the opportunity to see, up close, how my children learn, was a silver lining. I am impressed every day with how my children have grown in their independence, love of learning, and appreciation for doing a task from start to finish. The guides and assistants are incredible role models for my children and I could not ask for a better staff to guide, love and care for my children each and every day. We are definitely counting the days until school resumes this fall!... Read 5 reviews

• grade A

• Students 105

• Student-teacher ratio 8:1

• Minneapolis, MN•

• Private School•

• PK, K-8

• •
  Rating 4.27 out of 5  30 reviews

Parent: The teachers and staff at Annunciation Catholic School are amazing and second to none! We are so happy the school remained open during the pandemic, and we feel our kids are far ahead of their peers. The only concern is moving away from the Faith, as many parents do not go to church and/or are not Catholic, so the school needs to ensure it maintains its roots as a CATHOLIC school, and not a private, privileged hockey school.... Read 30 reviews

• grade A

• Students 411

• Student-teacher ratio 16:1

• Savage, MN•

• Private School•

• PK, K-8

• •
  Rating 4.63 out of 5  8 reviews

Parent: Great small school investment, does not require parish membership. Welcoming, diverse community that feels like family. Educators are respected, although some have been doing things the same way for too long and need to adapt for current learners and their families' needs. Overall the outstanding educators made up for the average ones and we have been happy for several years there now. Give it a try, you will feel at home here!... Read 8 reviews

• grade A

• Students 419

• Student-teacher ratio 17:1

• Minneapolis, MN•

• Private School•

• PK, K-8

• •
  Rating 3.31 out of 5  26 reviews

Parent: We've loved our experience with Carondelet! The faculty and staff are amazing and we've seen tremendous growth in our children both academically and emotionally. We highly recommend the school to anyone looking for an exceptional education and community school.... Read 26 reviews

• grade A

• Students 398

• Student-teacher ratio 13:1

• Saint Paul, MN•

• Private School•

• PK, K-8

• •
  Rating 4.2 out of 5  5 reviews

Parent: Before moving to Saint Paul a little over 3 years ago, my biggest fear was finding the right school for our children. We happened to land nearby Highland Catholic and we could not have been luckier. From the preschool to the main school, Hi-C is filled with incredible people. The community is so supportive. The education is stellar. My oldest came home telling me things all about Saturn the other day, things that I never knew. There is a wonderful balance between secular and religious education. The teachers encourage students to do their best and always push them to grow. In my opinion, education is an investment. My children’s education is continuously building and Hi-C is helping them become productive members of the community.... Read 5 reviews

• grade A

• Students 485

• Student-teacher ratio 22:1

• Chanhassen, MN•

• Private School•

• PK, K-8

• •
  Rating 3.25 out of 5  8 reviews

Parent: The teachers have been very nice to our son and he really enjoys the school. The education has been great and he certainly feels the overall learning experience is fun. The Catholic teachings I think are at a good amount as well. There are a number of hands on activities during the lessons which I like, it isn't just sitting in front of a screen, little kids need to interact, not just push buttons.... Read 8 reviews

• grade B+

• Students 725

• Student-teacher ratio 13:1

• Saint Paul, MN•

• Private School•

• K-8

• •
  Rating 3 out of 5  2 reviews

Alum: Prepared me well for High school. I learned not only the academics but also learned how to treat, and respect people. My friends I had here still are great friends even though some went to different high schools. The teachers are very knowledgable about their subject and seem to enjoy teaching. Nativity has many clubs, sports, and activities for students to choose from. Overall this is a great school.... Read 2 reviews

• grade unavailable

• Students 768

• Student-teacher ratio 17:1

• Shakopee, MN•

• Private School•

• PK, K-8

• •
  Rating 3.6 out of 5  5 reviews

Parent: We could not be happier with our decision to switch to SACS. We have children prospering in both their preschool and grade school programs. The kids are appropriately challenged for where they are on their growth curve and continually feel supported on their educational journey. The teachers create a warm, trusting environment for the children to learn in and the energy at the school is contagious... you just want to be a part of it! On top of all that, children also develop value and moral frameworks by multiple service projects throughout the year; even in preschool, they learn the importance of helping others. It really is so much more than a school... it's a community we are proud to be a part of.... Read 5 reviews

• grade unavailable

• Students 732

• Student-teacher ratio 16:1

• Woodbury, MN•

• Private School•

• K-8

• •
  Rating 2.25 out of 5  4 reviews

Parent: Amazing academic experience focused on the whole child all through the lens of Christian values and Catholic tradition. Teachers have helped us recognize learning issues with our children and supported them once diagnosed. Both are excelling academically while growing into respectful, caring young people.... Read 4 reviews

• grade unavailable

• Students 724

• Student-teacher ratio 15:1

• Shoreview, MN•

• Private School•

• PK, K-8

• •
  Rating 5 out of 5  1 review

Parent: We transferred our child at the end of 2016. Our child was looking to make more friends and looking for a well rounded and better focused school with more to offer. St. Odilia is under new leadership with Mr. Ragatz and has a much different feel which was easily noticeable. The kids and teachers were upbeat, friendly, compassionate and approachable. My son asked if he could start the next day following his shadow day at St. O's. His friend from the same school shadowed recently and made the exact same comment with the same reaction asking to change to St O's right away. He is now an A student in all his subjects thanks to the careful lesson planing, homework, demonstrations. If you spend time at any of the area schools sitting in on classes and touring schools you will find St. O's stands above the rest. My wife and I thought choosing St. O's was a no brainer and the decision of selecting St. O's for our sons education was an easy choice with absolutely no regrets what so ever!... Read 1 review

• grade unavailable

• Students 535

• Student-teacher ratio 17:1