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

• Eden Prairie, MN•

• Private School•

• PK, K-12

• •
  Rating 4.38 out of 5  74 reviews

Parent: Our children received a world-class education at ISM. They were extremely well-prepared for college and both received merit-based Regent Scholarships (full-ride tuition) for all four years of their university expreriences thanks to the International School of Minnesota. The math program is second to none in the Twin City area, with most students successfully completing all AP math courses offered by the College Board by their junior year and then taking at least one more year of college level math before graduating. Teachers at ISM are passionate about the subjects they teach. The school is passionate about students' success in academics, in citizenship, and in extra-curriculars. One of the greatest aspects of the school is the annual all-school musical where students from first to twelfth grade work together to create extraordinary, memorable performances! Our children learned to accept and celebrate diversity from the earliest age at ISM and are avid world travelers & citizens.... Read 74 reviews

• grade A+

• Students 310

• Student-teacher ratio 8:1

• Saint Paul, MN•

• Private School•

• K-12

• •
  Rating 4.32 out of 5  101 reviews

Middle school student: I moved to this school in 4th Grade because I have a parent who works at SPA. As soon as I walked in the door, the school scenery and aesthetic was amazing. From the convenient gender-neutral bathrooms to the many flexible classrooms and technology, SPA is a place of moving forward and shaping the minds and hearts of children. The teachers at this school are out of this world and are some of the nicest human beings you will ever meet. They form strong connections with me and my peers that are important in a class. SPA has many programs that help with kids that are behind or in need of more attention as well. Overall, SPA is a place of joy and professionalism and I definitely recommend going here!... Read 101 reviews

• grade A+

• Students 890

• Student-teacher ratio 8:1

• St. Paul, MN•

• Private School•

• PK, K-12

• •
  Rating 4.69 out of 5  163 reviews

Parent: Our family unexpectedly found ourselves seeking a private school for our children last year. We were hesitant to start an independent school search as we were concerned the atmosphere would feel elitist and stray from our down-to-earth values. We were blown away by MPA, and our concerns were left at the door. MPA is the most inviting and warm environment, with the perfect blend of challenging academics and a nurturing approach. Once starting the school year, our children were immediately seen as a part of the community and valued for their strengths while the fantastic teachers honed in on their growth areas. We are so fortunate for MPA and have not looked back since enrolling. We can not recommend MPA enough!... Read 163 reviews

• grade A+

• Students 582

• Student-teacher ratio 8:1

• Hopkins, MN•

• Private School•

• PK, K-12

• •
  Rating 4.06 out of 5  101 reviews

Parent: Absolutely exceptional school! The staff and teachers are 1000% committed to student success. The preparation and training is parallel to none. Each year builds upon another in ways missing from other schools. Students are nurtured to excel and thrive, to find their passions. Yes it’s competitive, but so is life and students are set up for success.... Read 101 reviews

• grade A+

• Students 1,370

• Student-teacher ratio 11:1

• Minneapolis, MN•

• Private School•

• PK, K-12

• •
  Rating 4.31 out of 5  107 reviews

Senior: Teachers have always been readily available and happy to help no matter the time of day. The dining service is absolutely outstanding with many options for people on various diets. The campus and building are always excellently maintained by the facilities staff. There’s a lot of promotion to join clubs, sports, special programs and other activities and I’m pretty sure none of them have cuts. From a culture stand point, it is incredible welcoming and there are numerous yearly events that are unique to the school. Some of the less greats thing would be the sports equipment and facilities (especially baseball and swimming) could use a little work. Also, as much of the school promotes open conversations in the end the school is very much liberal so more moderate or conservative viewpoints may not be as inclined to speak up. However, in my four years, I have never heard of instances of discrimination because of political beliefs... Read 107 reviews

• grade A+

• Students 1,218

• Student-teacher ratio 9:1

• Minneapolis, MN•

• Private School•

• PK, K-12

• •
  Rating 4.43 out of 5  118 reviews

Parent: Minnehaha is a wonderful school! We have three kids who've attended Minnehaha ranging from middle school through graduation. Minnehaha has prepared them extremely well for college and beyond. The small class sizes allow for students to engage with the faculty frequently to foster continued learning. In addition to exceptional academics, Minnehaha creates an environment where students grew and develop as unique individuals. While intentionally rooted in the Christian faith tradition, Minnehaha allows for students to explore their own faith journey in a safe community. We would highly recommend Minnehaha Academy to families!... Read 118 reviews

• grade A+

• Students 844

• Student-teacher ratio 9:1

• Wayzata Public Schools, MN•

• 9-12

• •
  Rating 4.08 out of 5  496 reviews

Sophomore: Wayzata high school is an interesting place.It’s so true that if you don’t care about style n brands you may as well be invisible n looked at as weird. Having our own iPads are nice. The math classes you have homework in every night, that’s a negative. The social workers are helpful it may be hard to set up a time, but if you Need someone to talk too the office is good at finding someone you can talk too and remain calm when waiting. The counselors are helpful with schedule changes and to converse with. The deans are very controversial from my experiences and my friends, there is a ton of miscommunication and biased punishments. The associate principals are doing too much they may look intimidating, but don’t let it get to you, they don’t really care about the students. The student supervisors are all different but they are all nice and helpful especially Norm Molly and Kelli. The office people are friendly. The bathrooms sometimes smell like iced guava and za but you get used to it!... Read 496 reviews

• grade A+

• Students 3,505

• Student-teacher ratio 20:1

• Eden Prairie Schools, MN•

• 9-12

• •
  Rating 4.18 out of 5  676 reviews

Senior: I started going to Eden Prairie Highschool as a junior. It was overwhelming to move from a school of 300 to 3000, but I was pleasantly surprised by how diverse the school was and how social everyone was. At first, I didn't actually care too much for the school outside of academics and graduating but with the wide array of clubs here, I found a few new interests. I'm apart of the DND club and I love it! Most clubs are completely student-run which makes it feel less like an extra class and more like a hangout to express your interests. Academic-wise, I'm actually stunned at the amount of interesting and unique classes you can be apart of. I mean, there's a whole class dedicated to historical assassinations and nothing else! Although, coming from Canada, the lack of information counselors give you about everything is kind of disappointing. I didn't know how important the ACT was, nor did I know where to go for scholarships. That's really my only complaint. Solid 9/10 otherwise!... Read 676 reviews

• grade A+

• Students 2,827

• Student-teacher ratio 18:1

• Minnetonka Public School District, MN•

• 9-12

• •
  Rating 4.18 out of 5  672 reviews

Senior: I have been at Minnetonka since kindergarten and I am incredibly grateful to be able to attend this school. The staff is great, and even though the class size is large, I still feel very connected with my peers. One thing that stands out at Minnetonka is academic excellence. Their programs are designed to help you succeed and learn quickly and efficiently while still enjoying what you’re doing. They have lots of different hands-on programs, such as VANTAGE, which replicates what workplace life is like, and MOMENTUM, which dabbles in the trades. Although Minnetonka has many great accomplishments and I could go on about how great they are, they do make some questionable calls. These past few years, the administration has come off as very disorganized and controlling without reason. One example is when they kept calling snow days half way through the school day! This was frustrating because they would call a snow day and school would be dismissed a half hour afterwards.... Read 672 reviews

• grade A+

• Students 3,504

• Student-teacher ratio 19:1

• Orono Public School District, MN•

• 9-12

• •
  Rating 3.97 out of 5  205 reviews

Senior: It has been a much more positive and supportive experience attending Orono High School than I ever could have hoped for when I started my Freshman year during the peak pandemic. I was so nervous to start my high school experience in a mask after not having had a normal orientation or having met any of my teachers. However, I was pleasantly surprised to see how they handled it all and how welcomed many of my peers and I felt. Some of my best experiences would include the annual pep fests and school dances held by my student body government. The only bad experiences I have with Orono High School are not connected to my high school but rather my own personal experience with growing up and this challenging time that is attending High School in itself. I would just like to see people being more accepting of each other and focusing on bringing each other up rather than pushing each other down. I think having a class or two outside during the warmer months would be really uplifting too!... Read 205 reviews

• grade A+

• Students 960

• Student-teacher ratio 20:1

• Edina Public School District, MN•

• 9-12

• •
  Rating 4 out of 5  402 reviews

Parent: Edina High School is an excellent school. We have two freshmen and two more kids that will attend in future years. My wife and I went to a smaller high school in Minnesota so we were unsure of them attending a 'bigger' high school, but we have been so impressed with the teachers and both the academic and extra-curricular options...we are so happy to have this high school in our district!... Read 402 reviews

• grade A+

• Students 2,680

• Student-teacher ratio 20:1

• Nova Classical Academy, MN•

• 6-12

• •
  Rating 3.71 out of 5  72 reviews

Senior: This school pushes you hard, and prepares you for higher education and an educated life. From Logic and Rhetoric to Latin and Ancient Lit., you receive a background steeped in classical knowledge. You will find a mind to comprehend, an ear to listen, and the learning to come up with solutions. The requirements are structured to simulate the difficulty of college, thereby most graduates claim that college was easier than high school! If you are not ready for the rigor, you may not be able to handle the heavy discussions and writing-intensive workload. However, if you are an individual, like me, who thrives beneath struggle and high expectations, this would be the place for you.... Read 72 reviews

• grade A+

• Students 508

• Student-teacher ratio 15:1

• Rosemount-Apple Valley-Eagan Independent School District No. 196, MN•

• 9-12

• •
  Rating 4.06 out of 5  426 reviews

Senior: The teachers are great and really understanding. They all want the best for their students and will take the extra leap to make sure their students get to where they need to be. There are tons of clubs and organizations for every student to enjoy: from mathletes, chess teams, and robotics to even a self-care club! Eastview school is very welcoming to new students like freshmen or transfers. In conclusion, Eastview is a diverse place where the teachers really care about their students and everyone has a chance to do what they like.... Read 426 reviews

• grade A+

• Students 2,289

• Student-teacher ratio 21:1

• Woodbury, MN•

• Public School•

• 6-12

• •
  Rating 4.03 out of 5  73 reviews

Junior: My experience at the Math and Science Academy has been a journey that has allowed me to learn a lot. The best part of my experience is the teachers, students, and advisors. The teachers take the time to make sure that the students have a good understanding of the material and are always available for help. The community is very diverse and allowed me to meet people who have the same background as me. The clubs offered here allowed me to build a better relationship with my community and gain soft skills that I can use in the future. The worst part of my experience was the amount of coursework we got because I came here during freshman year so I wasn't used to the large amount of coursework. Something I would like to see change is the size of the classrooms because there isn't enough room for all the students. I would also want the clubs and sports to be better supported because some of them don't have any buses, so many of us have to rely on parents or others to participate.... Read 73 reviews

• grade A+

• Students 553

• Student-teacher ratio 17:1

• St. Paul, MN•

• Private School•

• 9-12

• •
  Rating 4.06 out of 5  296 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 296 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

• Fridley, MN•

• Private School•

• PK, K-12

• •
  Rating 4.29 out of 5  21 reviews

Junior: Being a student at Al-Amal School has been an awe-inspiring journey, brimming with personal growth, invaluable learning opportunities, and unforgettable moments. I consider myself incredibly fortunate to be a part of this exceptional institution that places equal emphasis on fostering academic excellence and nurturing character development. I definitely would love to see more changes as the school goes on. Especially with sports, clubs, and extracurriculars. Even though this is a academic school we need basic clubs to be more interactive with the school and create a closer community.... Read 21 reviews

• grade A+

• Students 393

• Student-teacher ratio 10:1

• 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

• St. Croix Preparatory Academy, MN•

• 9-12

• •
  Rating 3.87 out of 5  154 reviews

Senior: Since starting at St. Croix Prep in kindergarten, I have grown as a student, athlete, and member of my community. Through the excellent support of my teachers, I have learned that I can be a self-sufficient student as well as ask for help when I need it. Through the flexibility of my teachers and coaches, I have balanced being a top student in my class as well as an accomplished athlete. Finally, through the values St. Croix Prep places on service and integrity, I have learned the importance of serving my community in and outside of the school environment.... Read 154 reviews

• grade A

• Students 376

• Student-teacher ratio 18:1

• 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

• Rosemount-Apple Valley-Eagan Independent School District No. 196, MN•

• 9-12

• •
  Rating 4.03 out of 5  536 reviews

Senior: The best parts about my Eagan High School experience were by far the connections and relationships. The majority of the staff are good teachers and great human beings, which has made my experience overall positive. Most of the kids are great, and I truly feel I have established a couple life long connections, and other positive experiences. The worst part of Eagan High School is the blatant politics with the staff. Higher ranking staff within the school tend to disregard the rules, when it comes to punishment, ie. Making a student stay after school and clean the stadium for two hours bc she was tardy to home room. Some teachers also assume the worst, some seem to lack sympathy for student going through difficult circumstances. I would like mandatory training for all staff that makes them understand that some kids are dealing with difficult situations. They should also have to go through the High School handbook, which states what the proper punishment should be for different offenses.... Read 536 reviews

• grade A

• Students 2,111

• Student-teacher ratio 20:1

• Hopkins Public Schools, MN•

• 10-12

• •
  Rating 3.88 out of 5  415 reviews

Alum: Overall, I would say that my experience at Hopkins High School was pretty good. I unfortunately didn’t really get a full high school experience, as my sophomore year was impacted as a result of Covid. Aside from that, throughout my junior and senior year, I felt as though my teachers actually cared about me and my success. They were always willing to help, no matter the circumstance. One thing that I would like to see change is how administration chooses to prioritize issues inside the school. There were definitely times throughout my experience where some less serious issues were prioritized over the more serious ones. But other than that, my high school experience was pretty good.... Read 415 reviews

• grade A

• Students 1,599

• Student-teacher ratio 21:1

• Mounds View Public School District, MN•

• 9-12

• •
  Rating 3.91 out of 5  382 reviews

Senior: My experience with Mounds View High School was very positive. It was a very great learning environment and allowed me to succeed in advanced classes. Mounds View offers many different types of classes for every type of student. Class sizes average around 25 students per class which guarantees one-on-one time with teachers. Mounds View also offers many clubs which range from athletic to academic to social. We are class AAA and our sports compete against some of the top schools in the state. Our athletic program sends many teams and athletes to state every school year in a variety of sports. I have participated in 5 different teams at Mounds View and have thoroughly enjoyed every single one. It was a great way for me to meet new friends! Mounds View has set me up to get into respectable universities and to succeed in life.... Read 382 reviews

• grade A

• Students 1,897

• Student-teacher ratio 30:1