2023 Best Private Schools in Minnesota

• Eden Prairie, MN•

• Private School•

• PK, K-12

• •
  Rating 4.27 out of 5  62 reviews

Parent: My two daughters have had a truly outstanding experience this school year at ISM! The teachers and staff have created a community of friendly, passionate, and caring people that make it such a welcoming environment. The fact that my family had a built-in support system, due to the ISM Parent Ambassador program, which led to quick acclimation to the school community - is a truly unique bonus. The academics are outstanding, and a real focus toward increasing student afterschool programming has energized the parent/student base. We are excited and lucky to have our children in a SABIS school, as our kids will have a network of thousands of other graduates they can utilize for career connections. The Student Life Organization prepares students with accountability, leadership by-design, and the soft skills to set them apart from others. We've enjoyed the process of joining this school, and look forward to many years at ISM with our children growing with the support of our school.... Read 62 reviews

• grade A+

• Students 310

• Student-teacher ratio 8:1

• St. Paul, MN•

• Private School•

• PK, K-12

• •
  Rating 4.72 out of 5  115 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 115 reviews

• grade A+

• Students 578

• Student-teacher ratio 8:1

• Hopkins, MN•

• Private School•

• PK, K-12

• •
  Rating 4.1 out of 5  93 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 93 reviews

• grade A+

• Students 1,380

• Student-teacher ratio 11:1

• Minneapolis, MN•

• Private School•

• PK, K-12

• •
  Rating 4.38 out of 5  98 reviews

Alum: I absolutely loved my time at Breck! Breck's faculty is unparalleled and every teacher is beyond committed to furthering each student's academic and personal growth. Small classroom sizes and intentional, individualized time with teachers allows for a space in which passion, friendships, and knowledge are richly cultivated. Furthermore, Breck granted me the opportunity to explore every interest I had and to be involved in a variety of co-curricular activities ranging from sports to the arts to academic clubs. The involvement from all the students speaks volumes to the culture of the school and how supportive Breck is of such a wide variety of activities. Similarly, having pre-k through seniors on one campus opens the door for an incredibly cohesive environment in which relationships are built from a very early age that lasts all the way, and far past, graduation. My time at Breck was truly transformative and is an absolute highlight of my life!... Read 98 reviews

• grade A+

• Students 1,187

• Student-teacher ratio 8:1

• Saint Paul, MN•

• Private School•

• K-12

• •
  Rating 4.32 out of 5  98 reviews

Alum: As I reflect back on my experience at SPA, as a student who attended K-12, I feel so grateful. SPA saved my life - literally. I wasn’t a strong student, and struggled with a lot of personal and family issues. Paired with the teenage years, I was really sinking. SPA noticed this, and quickly offered me psychological help. Not only did they offer this help to me, they introduced me to mental health help for the first time. This was huge in “turning myself around”. The guidance counselor who helped me was 10/10. Aside from this, SPA prepares each student for success. As a student at an Ivy, I feel capable and confident in my ability to thrive. The closeness of the school, passionate teachers, and thorough education proves to be worth the price tag. Thanks SPA!... Read 98 reviews

• grade A+

• Students 901

• Student-teacher ratio 8:1

• Collegeville, MN•

• Private School•

• 6-12

• •
  Rating 4.4 out of 5  134 reviews

Parent: St John's Prep has been a beautiful welcoming community for my son. I have witnessed so many examples of how the teachers, staff, and students work together to encourage each other, build togetherness, and support curiosity. My son has had opportunities to try new things and experience the world around him in ways he would otherwise not have. He has grown much stronger in his learning, social-emotional skills, and physical fitness in just one academic year at Prep. We are eager for our other children to attend this incredible school!... Read 134 reviews

• grade A+

• Students 283

• Student-teacher ratio 7:1

• Minneapolis, MN•

• Private School•

• PK, K-12

• •
  Rating 4.46 out of 5  108 reviews

Parent: We have 3 children who attend MA - 2 in the Lower School, 1 in the Middle School. We moved them from a local public school in fall of 2020. Things we appreciate: 1. Ability to cater to both my straight A student AND my child who needs extra supports. 2. Teachers who know my kids. I mean truly take time to KNOW them. Our first conferences left me shedding a tear about how much they care about my kids. 3. Smaller class sizes. We all understand the importance of this. 4. I have confidence decisions from administration have been planned, thought out, etc. Even if I don’t agree 100% I do feel like they go through a due process. 5. MA is a Christian school but I don’t feel like religion is being “forced” on my kids. What could use improvement: Increase diversity - staff and student body. There is work around this, but needs to be mentioned!... Read 108 reviews

• grade A+

• Students 810

• Student-teacher ratio 10:1

• Plymouth, MN•

• Private School•

• PK, K-12

• •
  Rating 4.01 out of 5  144 reviews

Parent: Providence Academy is a school like no other! When we chose to send our daughter there for kindergarten, we knew it was a special place. Now that we are almost at the end of the school year, it is hard to put into words just how special it is! The love, faith, virtues, and knowledge that are poured into the children sets Providence apart. Our daughter has learned so much academically, and even more importantly, she has learned to go to Jesus first and has felt loved and supported by her teachers every day. She genuinely loves going to school, and even in light of distance learning this year, she continues to thrive and smiles every time she "sees" her teacher and classmates in their daily meetings. We couldn't be more proud to be a part of this incredible community. Thank you PA for going above and beyond in every aspect of education!... Read 144 reviews

• grade A+

• Students 931

• Student-teacher ratio 13:1

• Faribault, MN•

• Private School•

• 6-12

• •
  Rating 4.15 out of 5  94 reviews

Freshman: I love going to Shattuck, the teachers care about the students and the athletics are amazing! Shattuck is getting me ready for College by working on my timemamgement skills, study habits, and teaching us how to take responsibility of ourselves and our actions. My coaches work very hard to make us better and think about what we want to do and where we want to go after high school. We pend time in the weight room and have practice 4-5 days a week so we are getting so much out of being here learning from these professionals. My soccer schedule is worked into my academic schedule and the teachers, coaches, advisors all work with me to help me create good habits in and out of the classroom. I feel like I have lots of support from teachers and the classroom size is small enough I can get help when I need it. I have teammates from all over the world and I feel Shattuck does a very good job making everyone feel welcome and I love making friends from all over the world.... Read 94 reviews

• grade A+

• Students 404

• Student-teacher ratio 5:1

• Mendota Heights, MN•

• Private School•

• 6-12

• •
  Rating 4.35 out of 5  93 reviews

Parent: Our son loves attending school here! He is now in the upper school, and also attended the middle school at STA. There are many clubs and activities to be involved with. We have found the STA community very welcoming.... Read 93 reviews

• grade A+

• Students 621

• Student-teacher ratio 11:1

• Mendota Heights, MN•

• Private School•

• PK, K-12

• •
  Rating 4.45 out of 5  182 reviews

Parent: We came to visitation from the public school system after much deliberation over loyalty to our public school system and teacher’s community. Our first experience was total commitment by the staff and upper school students to meet our girls exactly where they are and build them into successful, independent and resourceful women. We have experienced a feeling of belonging from all angles including parent involvement opportunities, a plethora of clubs that fit all interests, and a willingness and generosity of our teachers to use they time to guide and build confidence in our girls. We found that the ability to have small classroom, resources for teacher and staff dedication has given our girls the confidence to speak their voices. This coupled with the independent and rigorous curriculum has been our reason for joining the visitation school and why we will stay.... Read 182 reviews

• grade A+

• Students 601

• Student-teacher ratio 11:1

• Minneapolis, MN•

• Private School•

• 9-12

• •
  Rating 4.34 out of 5  53 reviews

Senior: DeLaSalle has a really inclusive and diverse community! The teachers all have after and before school hours to offer additional help and tutoring to students in need of more learning. Each class is inclusive, and the class size is good for focused learning and attention. The food is ok, but the menu is fun and changing.... Read 53 reviews

• grade A+

• Students 701

• Student-teacher ratio 15:1

• St. Paul, MN•

• Private School•

• 9-12

• •
  Rating 4.04 out of 5  286 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 286 reviews

• grade A+

• Students 940

• Student-teacher ratio 12:1

• Eagan, MN•

• Private School•

• 6-12

• •
  Rating 4.46 out of 5  91 reviews

Alum: I cannot say enough positive things about my experience at Trinity at River Ridge. The school's unique classical approach to education prepared me well not only for academic and professional success, but also taught me how to think critically and apply foundational philosophical and theological concepts to other aspects of life. The friends I formed at Trinity both during school hours and through extracurricular activities are still some of my closest, and being part of this community of learners has provided me with lifelong mentors. I would recommend this school to anyone who is seeking an education that will foster a love of learning that will last a lifetime!... Read 91 reviews

• grade A+

• Students 270

• Student-teacher ratio 9:1

• Duluth, MN•

• Private School•

• 4-12

• •
  Rating 3.95 out of 5  40 reviews

Parent: We have had a phenomenal experience at Marshall. We chose Marshall for our daughter because of the individualized attention and small class size - she was getting lost in her public school classroom and kind of pushed aside so the teachers could focus on the students who were struggling most. We've found that the small class size at Marshall allows teachers to really know their students, and know how they learn, and as an independent school, they have the complete freedom to tailor their teaching and lessons accordingly. Education is important to our family, and we feel that the best we can do as parents is give our daughter the strongest possible foundation early on, that it will serve her well through her entire life - and that Marshall is the place for that. Also, financial aid significantly helped. My daughter's favorite things are lunch (haha), the 3D-printer in the art room, and the science lab. We also love the close community, safety, passionate teachers, and beautiful campus!... Read 40 reviews

• grade A

• Students 445

• Student-teacher ratio 11:1

• Richfield, MN•

• Private School•

• 9-12

• •
  Rating 4.31 out of 5  180 reviews

Alum: The teachers here are extremely great. They are good at their job, friendly with everyone, understand people's circumstances, and most importantly, inspired students. I met the teacher that changed my life forever with his kindness. I was not very good at school, lack confidence and motivation, and basically a troubled kid. I thought everyone looking at me the same way but from friends to teachers, they all believed in me. This school is full of positive people, and international friendly too!... Read 180 reviews

• grade A

• Students 670

• Student-teacher ratio 12:1

• St. Louis Park, MN•

• Private School•

• 7-12

• •
  Rating 3.99 out of 5  157 reviews

Junior: BSM was the best decision I ever made! Throughout my time here I have grown in so many areas. Being a college preparatory school, they gave me so many opportunities for growth through internships, large class selection, huge number of clubs, all while emphasizing faith, community, and professionalism. All of the teachers and even members of the staff really do become your mentors and friends because they treat you like family. I highly recommend BSM to students of all kinds.... Read 157 reviews

• grade A

• Students 1,152

• Student-teacher ratio 13:1

• Victoria, MN•

• Private School•

• 9-12

• •
  Rating 4.13 out of 5  97 reviews

Parent: Holy Family is a great school. Their commitment to students has been exceptional. They stayed in the classroom during the pandemic, knowing that for many students that is the only way for them to learn. They went above and beyond to ensure students received a quality education while ensuring students overall health both mental and physical was a top priority.... Read 97 reviews

• grade A

• Students 553

• Student-teacher ratio 13:1

• White Bear Lake, MN•

• Private School•

• PK, K-12

• •
  Rating 4.44 out of 5  18 reviews

Parent: Our family is incredibly blessed to be a part of the Liberty community. This is our son's 4 year at the school and each year we become more and more impressed by his experience. The academic rigor, unapologetic Christian worldview, outstanding and caring staff, safe and fun learning environment, and commitment to excellence along with the time-tested classical method of teaching are all reasons we LOVE Liberty Classical Academy. Critical thinking, undaunted perseverance, and HARD WORK are just a few examples what we see taught, celebrated and demonstrated at Liberty. We are grateful.... Read 18 reviews

• grade A

• Students 443

• Student-teacher ratio 12:1

• Brooklyn Park, MN•

• Private School•

• PK, K-12

• •
  Rating 4.14 out of 5  104 reviews

Junior: Teachers are knowledgeable are care deeply about students. A very substantial amount of teachers have graduated from Maranatha and have returned to teach. Although they don't get paid nearly as much as they would at a public high school, the teachers find this work as a form of ministry and I have never heard of such love for their students. I have never felt unsafe in this school. They have multiple armed security guards at all times during school and a few stay after hours. I am taking PSEO and am a semester in at Bethel University and feel extremely prepared for every class I'm taking. This school is very academically rigorous and definitely prepared me for college. I've heard about very deep bullying problems at other schools and it seems commonplace in our society but never in my nine years of attendance at Maranatha Christian Academy have I experienced bullying, it's just not in the culture. The cafeteria food is decently overpriced but students are encouraged to bring a lunch... Read 104 reviews

• grade A

• Students 871

• Student-teacher ratio 13:1

• Fridley, MN•

• Private School•

• 9-12

• •
  Rating 3.95 out of 5  201 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 201 reviews

• grade A

• Students 675

• Student-teacher ratio 14:1

• Maplewood, MN•

• Private School•

• 6-12

• •
  Rating 4.04 out of 5  120 reviews

Parent: We have our third child now at Hill-Murray and each has had different, but positive experiences at HM. Our oldest, a daughter, focused on volleyball and she adored many of the teachers and was challenged by all of them. She still talks about and has stayed in touch with one of her seventh grade teachers. Now she is a confident, verbal, socially-conscious second year law student and doing very well. Our second child, a son, snuck onto the football team after persuading my wife that he would just be a kicker. He was soon a starting receiver scoring touchdowns and enjoying the "ultimate team game" on Friday nights. Now a junior at Creighton, last year he came home and delivered a speech to the entire school body about what being a Pioneer meant to him. Our third child, a sophomore boy, is having a great time and excelling academically, athletically, and socially, despite covid. HM has made many positive changes over the years with communication and culture. Our family loves Hill-Murray!... Read 120 reviews

• grade A

• Students 946

• Student-teacher ratio 11:1

• Fergus Falls, MN•

• Private School•

• PK, K-12

• •
  Rating 4.55 out of 5  71 reviews

Parent: Our daughter has attended Hillcrest since 7th grade and she will graduate in 2022. We love the culture and the people! All staff genuinely care about the students and allow for individual personalities, they truly can excel while being allowed to be themselves. She has made lifelong friends and has grown academically, spiritually, and socially. She has had many positive experiences that will impact her for the rest of her life. Our only regret is that we didn’t send all of our children there.... Read 71 reviews

• grade A

• Students 344

• Student-teacher ratio 12:1

• Woodbury, MN•

• Private School•

• PK, K-12

• •
  Rating 4.21 out of 5  86 reviews

Senior: A good school with good teachers (mostly). Very conservative with traditional views on the bible. Arent extremely accepting of new world ideas. NLA has a very good support system and a tight-knit community. They are there to help you succeed. Dont attend this school for sports, it's a more art-centered school. They have fun traditions such as decade dance and pep fests.... Read 86 reviews

• grade A

• Students 748

• Student-teacher ratio 10:1

• Rochester, MN•

• Private School•

• 9-12

• •
  Rating 3.77 out of 5  61 reviews

Senior: I loved my high school years. I lettered for 4 years in soccer and 3 years in track. Since Lourdes is a catholic school, it kept me involved and learning daily about God. We had religion class every day and where able to go to Mass once weekly. My education excelled by going to the private school. The classes were small everyone knew the names of each student and teacher. We had to wear a uniform, but everyone looked well dressed and proper every day. What would I change? Lourdes had a tuition and my parents dreamed of their kids going to Lourdes, so they worked very hard at their jobs so they could pay tuition. My mom even picked up a second job to help pay. I would change the cost of the tuition to be a little lower, so families were not struggling to send there kids to a catholic school and unable to save for college. Thank you, Amelia Gossman... Read 61 reviews

• grade A

• Students 373

• Student-teacher ratio 12:1