2023 Best Schools in St. Paul

• 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  116 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 116 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

• 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

• Woodbury, MN•

• Public School•

• 6-12

• •
  Rating 4.04 out of 5  69 reviews

Senior: It’s a small school, which means you really get to know everyone and all the teachers get to know you. Since it’s a 6-12 school, the kids grew up together and are, as a result, very tight-knit. Regardless, they’re not very social either outside of their groups and are mostly academically-focused. This also means that there’s not very much drama and is usually peaceful. Since it’s a small school, the AP classes offered are limited, so most kids opt to do PSEO, or dual enrollment, during their junior and senior years as a result. Even so, the AP classes are taught well and teachers are understanding.... Read 69 reviews

• grade A+

• Students 543

• Student-teacher ratio 18:1

• Nova Classical Academy, MN•

• 6-12

• •
  Rating 3.74 out of 5  69 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 69 reviews

• grade A+

• Students 526

• Student-teacher ratio 16:1

• Eagle Ridge Academy Charter School, MN•

• 6-12

• •
  Rating 3.58 out of 5  78 reviews

Senior: The classes are hard but the teachers will help you through it .Most of the teachers come in early to help students and stay late. Our school is really small but is growing quickly so recently our administration is working on creating more community events. Course offerings in high school are not very diverse, but as our student body grows the school has shown interest in expanding course options. As an incoming senior who has been there since fifth grade, I have been through several moves and renovations with the school as it grows in size and each time we get a new space it is used and students are generally pleased with its use. We just got a new catering service and the pizza is so good I can't wait to try more of the food! Our school is small and rigorous, if you put in the work you will be well prepared for college and beyond.... Read 78 reviews

• grade A+

• Students 606

• Student-teacher ratio 14:1

• 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

• Minneapolis, MN•

• Public School•

• K-8

• •
  Rating 3.6 out of 5  15 reviews

Parent: This school is amazing - the teachers, administrators, and students. My son has been attending for 6 years. It is very structured - and can seem overwhelming (imagine being spoken to all day in a foreign language)! But, my son is happy. I think the teachers have high expectations, but are very nurturing and they provide additional help if the student is struggling academically (I know from personal experience). I am so impressed by the dedication of the teachers - they are always available and willing to communicate and partner on plans specific to individual students. With any immersion program, the first couple years are a struggle, as students may fall behind mainstream schools - however, by 5th grade, my son is scoring well above average. I highly recommend this school.... Read 15 reviews

• grade A+

• Students 833

• Student-teacher ratio 13:1

• Eagle Ridge Academy Charter School, MN•

• K-5

• grade A+

• Students 825

• Student-teacher ratio 16:1

• St. Croix Preparatory Academy, MN•

• 9-12

• •
  Rating 3.87 out of 5  152 reviews

Junior: SCPA is truly a small community, but this doesnt mean there aren’t opportunities. I believe the best part of the school, BY FAR, is the teachers ans staff. They are excellent. Second, I would say the range of coursework opportunities (AP+Honors). Oftentimes, it seems there is a lack of wide or diverse perspective however. This is simply because the school is amidst a couple of suburbs- so this is understandable. Through and through the school has plenty of opportunity to grow and expand. Especially when it comes to STEM. Science and Math Club galore.... art on the other hand is less represented and strong. Many people go on to Business or STEM at this school- but it isnt unheard of to see people go into Humanities. Overall, SCPA’s limitations and boundaries are offset by the faculty and numerous opportunities about. School is what you make of it- and SCPA is surely a place to thrive if you give determined effort!... Read 152 reviews

• grade A+

• Students 383

• Student-teacher ratio 18:1

• St. Croix Preparatory Academy, MN•

• K-4

• •
  Rating 3.25 out of 5  8 reviews

Parent: We have absolutely loved SCPA since day 1. Our children are now in the 7th and 4th grades. Teachers are awesome. K-12 together in one building makes for wonderful interactions between upper and lower school students and a fun and inclusive school environment. The school does not shy away from challenging it's students which is the number one reason that we chose this school for our children. They instill the importance of accountability at a very young age while also focusing on strong character traits & leadership. And try not to mistake the fact that they get homework in elementary school for it being an uncaring environment. Our children have always felt well loved by their teachers - even my rambunctious, sometimes in trouble, hard to sit still 4th grade boy! He needs boundaries & guidance and has been given that by each of his teachers in a caring & effective way. We have never felt intimidated by the staff or administration. In fact we are thankful that they run a tight ship!... Read 8 reviews

• grade A+

• Students 450

• Student-teacher ratio 17:1

• 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

• Nova Classical Academy, MN•

• K-5

• •
  Rating 3.24 out of 5  17 reviews

Parent: My daughter was a transfer student from another charter school. The previous school she went to wanted to put her in special education. I disagreed with this and turned that down. So when my daughter was accepted into nova we were thrilled. The new way she is being taught at nova is so much better she is no where near needing special ed. We love the curriculum at this school and are thankful to get in. She adjusted well to the new school and we are thankful... Read 17 reviews

• grade A

• Students 484

• Student-teacher ratio 21:1

• 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

• St. Croix Preparatory Academy, MN•

• 5-8

• •
  Rating 5 out of 5  1 review

Middle School Student: I love that there is a classical education and students are encouraged to share their opinions and ideas. students are pushed to be the best. Teachers are fun but also get things done. There isn't much diversity which is something I would like to see change.... Read 1 review

• grade A

• Students 371

• Student-teacher ratio 22:1

• Great River School, MN•

• 7-12

• •
  Rating 4.29 out of 5  24 reviews

Junior: Great River School is a Montessori and Is great at encouraging students to take risks, make new friends, and be independent. The curriculum is hands-on and engaging. The teachers and staff are all extremely kind and are very understanding of our needs as students for extensions and different requirements on work. I could walk up to any student in my grade and have a great conversation. The building is old and always seems to be either too hot or too cold which is not so fun. Overall I love this school and everyone here is so easy to get along with.... Read 24 reviews

• grade A

• Students 401

• Student-teacher ratio 15:1

• Edina, MN•

• Public School•

• PK, K-6

• •
  Rating 4.5 out of 5  8 reviews

Parent: ISLA has been such an incredible school for our children. Our kids love going to school, the staff is incredibly loving, nurturing and skilled. I’m so impressed with the IB curriculum and the reflection on being an engaged and caring global citizen. I also am so impressed with how strong my daughters’ Spanish has become! What a gift it is to have the ability to communicate in two languages. Also, I have loved the community. People care about each other and the well being of each other’s kids. The leadership it ISLA is beyond impressive and really cares about parent engagement and feedback. I feel like the school really cares about the whole family. I am so incredibly grateful for this strong academic opportunity for my kids.... Read 8 reviews

• grade A

• Students 380

• Student-teacher ratio 21:1

• 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