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

• St. Paul, MN•

• Private School•

• 9-12

• •
  Rating 4.06 out of 5  294 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 294 reviews

• grade A+

• Students 940

• Student-teacher ratio 12:1

• Richfield, MN•

• Private School•

• 9-12

• •
  Rating 4.31 out of 5  183 reviews

Alum: Some things that I liked from this school was the wide range in academics and subjects to study. They had a variety of electives that allows students to explore their interests and potential careers. Furthermore, they are high in academic standards and do a well job in prepping students for college. Their college requirements and programs are perfect for incoming college students because it allows the seniors to be more prepared about college and have an understanding of what's its really like. Something to improve upon would be to increase more opportunities outside of school for students to spark an interest in potential career options... Read 183 reviews

• grade A+

• Students 629

• Student-teacher ratio 12:1

• Mendota Heights, MN•

• Private School•

• 6-12

• •
  Rating 4.32 out of 5  96 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 96 reviews

• grade A

• Students 600

• Student-teacher ratio 10:1

• Plymouth, MN•

• Private School•

• PK, K-12

• •
  Rating 4 out of 5  145 reviews

Senior: The teachers are great at accomodating students and helping them strive in everything they do. The atmosphere at a school of this size is great and you get to do so many more fun activities as a whole high school such as sled races, kickball championships and karaoke. There are so many different clubs and sports that are easy to join because you aren't compeeting so much to even get in. Overall if you do not mind going to a smaller school it is a great opportunity.... Read 145 reviews

• grade A

• Students 941

• Student-teacher ratio 13:1

• Mendota Heights, MN•

• Private School•

• PK, K-12

• •
  Rating 4.45 out of 5  184 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 184 reviews

• grade A

• Students 601

• Student-teacher ratio 11:1

• St. Louis Park, MN•

• Private School•

• 7-12

• •
  Rating 4.03 out of 5  162 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 162 reviews

• grade A

• Students 1,152

• Student-teacher ratio 13:1

• Victoria, MN•

• Private School•

• 9-12

• •
  Rating 4.13 out of 5  98 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 98 reviews

• grade A

• Students 553

• Student-teacher ratio 13:1

• Fridley, MN•

• Private School•

• 9-12

• •
  Rating 3.95 out of 5  203 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 203 reviews

• grade A

• Students 682

• Student-teacher ratio 14:1

• Maplewood, MN•

• Private School•

• 6-12

• •
  Rating 4.04 out of 5  122 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 122 reviews

• grade A minus

• Students 1,006

• Student-teacher ratio 12:1

• Saint Paul, MN•

• Private School•

• PK, K-12

• •
  Rating 3.06 out of 5  80 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 80 reviews

• grade B

• Students 822

• Student-teacher ratio 15:1

• 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

• 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 3.57 out of 5  7 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 7 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

• Eagan, MN•

• Private School•

• PK, K-8

• •
  Rating 5 out of 5  2 reviews

Works Here: As both an employee and parent at the school, I am impressed with efforts to have current & technology and best resources to meet academic standards, and how the school continues maintain low class sizes and a nurturing environment. FSCS is as much a family as it is a school.... Read 2 reviews

• grade unavailable

• Students 490

• Student-teacher ratio 15:1

• West Saint Paul, MN•

• Private School•

• PK, K-8

• •
  Rating 3 out of 5  1 review

• grade unavailable

• Students 461

• Student-teacher ratio 14:1

• New Brighton, MN•

• Private School•

• PK, K-8

• •
  Rating 3.75 out of 5  4 reviews

Parent: Our children immediately felt welcome and so did we. The teachers are amazing and the students are as well. Our children are young And I am excited to watch them grow in this community.... Read 4 reviews

• grade unavailable

• Students 442

• Student-teacher ratio 18:1

• Coon Rapids, MN•

• Private School•

• PK, K-8

• •
  Rating 4 out of 5  1 review

Parent: Epiphany School was a great option for our child. I appreciated both the size of the school and the classrooms. I loved the weekly mass, opportunity for being an altar server, and monthly adoration. I liked the variety of classes offered and most of the classes challenged my child. Several of the teachers were outstanding and even went above and beyond in working with my child. The sports programs were great and a wonderful addition to the school program. I was also impressed with the variety of off site field trips and learning experiences.... Read 1 review

• grade unavailable

• Students 415

• Student-teacher ratio 16:1

• Wayzata, MN•

• Private School•

• PK, K-6

• grade unavailable

• Students 408

• Student-teacher ratio 13:1