The right education can open doors and lead to future success, but how do you find the best school for your child (or yourself)? What environment is the best fit? Public or private? A traditional curriculum or an open and flexible culture? Is it diverse? What technology and resources are available? Will your child receive personal guidance and academic mentoring? What extracurricular programs are offered?
There’s a lot to consider. We highlight the schools that can unlock your child’s potential.
Amos and Celia Heilicher Minneapolis Jewish Day School
Barry Family Campus
4330 Cedar Lake Road
Minneapolis, MN 55416
952-381-3500
hmjds.org
2015-16 tuition: $15,050 – $15,430 (depending on grade level). HMJDS is an independent, K-8 school.
Our students … are inspired to realize the height of their potential and empowered to use their knowledge, critical thinking skills, and creativity to enrich our world.
Our school … offers rigorous academic and engaging creative arts coursework integrated with Hebrew and Judaic Studies in our Lower School (K-4) and Upper School (5-8). Academic achievement, growing self confidence, and pride in Jewish identity are hallmarks of an HMJDS education.
Unique programs: Interdisciplinary curriculum with individualized enrichment and reinforcement; low student-teacher ratios; focus on public speaking and leadership; early introduction of research methods and analysis; comprehensive art, music, and physical education curricula; intensive second-language learning beginning in kindergarten; hands-on community service. HMJDS is accredited by the Independent Schools Association of the Central States, and affiliated with the Minnesota Association of Independent Schools.
Photo courtesy of Amos and Celia Heilicher Minneapolis Jewish Day School
The Blake School
Campuses in Wayzata (Pk-5), Hopkins (Pk-8), and Minneapolis (9-12)
952-988-3420
blakeschool.org
2015-16 tuition: Ranges from $15,900 to $27,925.
Our school … is the preeminent independent day school in the Upper Midwest with a national reputation for academics. Its comprehensive, rigorous curriculum prepares students to advance to the most selective colleges and universities.
Our students … aren’t just book-smart. They also strive for excellence in athletics and the arts. They are committed to improving their local and global community.
Our instructors … combine subject expertise with attention to each individual. Approximately 73 percent hold advanced degrees.
Unique programs: Global Online Academy, Math in Focus, K-12 language study, and comprehensive college counseling.
How is Blake distinctive? Students encounter thoughtfully prepared curriculum along with abundant opportunities for travel, service, sports, and artistic endeavors. Tour a campus, attend an open house, or meet with our faculty and staff.
Photo courtesy of The Blake School
Breck School
123 Ottawa Avenue North
Golden Valley, MN 55422
763-381-8100
breckschool.org
2015-16 tuition: $15,385 – $27,995 (includes fees and lunch)
Our students … flourish and grow in a supportive academic, artistic, and social environment. A vibrant learning community allows students to uncover their full potential.
Our instructors … are talented, experienced guides helping children throughout their time at Breck. They envelop each student in a caring community, and open up the world to his or her inquisitive mind.
Unique programs: Breck promotes real-world experience in science, history, and mathematics through advanced research opportunities, and encourages a deeper understanding of the world through community engagement and service—a tradition embedded in our curriculum.
How is your school distinctive? Breck goes beyond just good students. We nurture good people. Breck joins 14 grades (P-12) together on one beautiful campus, encouraging our older students to be role models to our younger students. Visit during the Admissions Information Meeting on Nov. 19 at 6:30 p.m. at Breck.
Photo courtesy of Breck School
Calvin Christian School
Campuses in Edina and Blaine (K-8), Fridley (9-12)
612-900-7300
calvinchristian.org
2015-16 tuition: $7,200-$9,400, K-8 (less for 3-day K); $7,650-$9,900, high school; financial aid is available.
Our students … are engaged and motivated, recognized for their individual talents, and prepared to be confident, life-long learners.
Our instructors … are gifted, licensed educators who know their students as individuals and shape creative learning experiences that respond to diverse student needs.
Unique programs: K-8 Learning Resource Program (addressing learning difficulties); K-5 Challenge Program (providing enrichment opportunities); Spanish beginning in first grade; 9-12 individual laptop computers, independent projects, service learning, off-campus learning opportunities.
How is your school distinctive? We are dedicated to partnering with parents to provide second-to-none education, fully integrated with a biblical knowledge of God and his world. Visit our campuses at your convenience, scheduling a school-day visit that fits into your schedule. Admission to Calvin Christian is on a first-come, first-served basis, so early application is encouraged.
Photo courtesy of Calvin Christian School
Minnesota Virtual Academy
mnva.k12.com
2015-16 tuition: Tuition-free
Our students … receive a personalized education tailored to their specific needs through individualized learning plans that are developed and supported by state-licensed teachers.
Our instructors … are all highly qualified, state-licensed and committed to inspiring and educating students to achieve the highest academic level.
Unique programs: Advanced Learner Program; 80+ virtual clubs; Mentor Program for new families to assist with the transition to virtual learning; Post-Secondary Enrollment Option that allows 11th and 12th graders to earn college credit tuition-free while in high school.
Noteworthy awards and/or recognition: Minnesota Virtual Academy is one of the first statewide accredited, online programs in Minnesota, operating since 2002, and is both a Minnesota Department of Education approved provider of online education and ranked as a Tier 1 Military School allowing students to enter military immediately after graduation.
Photo courtesy of Minnesota Virtual Academy
Minnesota Life College
7501 Logan Avenue South #2A
Richfield, MN 55423
612-869-4008
minnesotalifecollege.org
2015-16 full-time tuition: All-inclusive at $46,350. Tuition assistance available.
Our students … learn differently in all aspects of life. We teach personal and financial self-sufficiency to young adults (ages 19-26) on the autism spectrum and with learning differences.
Our instructors … are skilled autism specialists, specific learning disabilities educators, and staff with degrees in education, social work, and vocational rehabilitation.
Unique programs: Summer internship program; three-year undergraduate program; lifelong community living program.
How is your school distinctive? Since 1996, Minnesota Life College students have been engaged in a challenging work-readiness and independent living skills curriculum, gaining Real Skills For Real Life. Internship sites, student apartments, community grocery stores and banks, health clubs, and public transportation are all classroom settings at MLC. After graduating from our three-year program, over 90 percent of our students live on their own.
Photo courtesy of Minnesota Life College
Saint John’s Prep School
2280 Watertower Road
Collegeville, MN 56301 (the heart of the Saint John’s University campus)
1-800-525-7737
sjprep.net
2015-16 tuition: Day student $15,623; seven-day boarding $35,945; five-day boarding $32,178
Our students … are challenged academically to develop strong critical and analytical thinking skills. Our students come from 17 countries and five states, and consistently score above both state and national averages on college placement exams.
Our instructors … encourage students to stretch themselves academically and socially and inspire them to passionately pursue their academic interests. Our faculty members, 76 percent with advanced degrees, work to understand each student’s unique abilities and help them to succeed.
Unique programs: A 6th-12th grade co-ed prep school, we are the only private Minnesota high school to offer the International Baccalaureate Diploma. A robust co-curricular program offers athletics and fine arts. Prep students have the opportunity to to take college classes at Saint John’s University and the College of Saint Benedict at no charge. Additional educational programming includes international travel, fine arts exploration, and scientific research.
Photo courtesy of Saint John’s Prep School
St. John the Baptist Catholic Parish School
845 2nd Avenue NW
New Brighton, MN 55112
651-633-1522
stjohnnyb.org
2015-16 tuition: $4,300 for full-time K-8 tuition
Our students … are ready to succeed at the highest levels in academics, faith, and global perspective, developing in a safe and nurturing environment. They are inspired to develop a personal faith relationship with Jesus and to serve others.
Our instructors … prepare students to strive for excellence spiritually, academically, physically, and socially to become lifelong learners who make a difference in the world.
Unique programs: Band in grades 4-8, art, music, Spanish, media, and phy ed instruction for all K-8 students; middle school electives in areas of technology, science, art, shop, music, history, and finance; Olweus anti-bullying program; Prayer Partner Program; drama production; athletic teams.
Noteworthy awards and/or recognition: Fully accredited preschool through eighth grade by Minnesota Non-Public School Accrediting Association and National Association for the Education of Young Children; received Sun Focus “Best Private School,” “Best Preschool,” and “Best Teacher” awards.
Photo courtesy of St. John the Baptist Catholic Parish School
Trinity School at River Ridge
601 River Ridge Parkway
Eagan, MN 55121
651-789-2890
tsrr.org
2015-16 tuition: $11,100 (7-8) / $12,000 (9-12). Financial aid and scholarships available.
Our students … twice read the Scriptures together and study the doctrine of their own denomination (Catholic, Protestant, or Orthodox), perform in concerts, read classic literature, enter artwork in art shows, learn a computer programming language to solve calculus-based physics problems, and write around 30 full-length essays in an environment of curiosity, exploration, discussion, and collaboration.
Our faculty … model Christian character and lifelong learning. We have small class sizes, single gender classrooms, and a 9:1 student-to-faculty ratio.
Unique programs: Robust classical reading list; Latin and modern languages; arts for every student; integrated mathematics, sciences, and computer programming.
Noteworthy achievements: Two-time U.S. Department of Education Blue Ribbon Award winner. Consistently top five in SAT scores and National Merit recognition in Minnesota.
Photo courtesy of Trinity School at River Ridge
Minnesota Waldorf School
70 County Road B East
St. Paul, MN, 55117
651-487-6700
mnwaldorf.org
2015-16 tuition: $4,090 – $12,060 for EC/kindergarten; $12,540 grades 1-8.
Our students … thrive in an environment that sparks creativity, stimulates critical thinking and creates a lifelong love of learning.
Our instructors … skillfully weave academics, arts, foreign language, music and movement to create a joyful and meaningful learning experience.
Unique programs: Handwork, French, string ensemble, agriculture, service and community projects
How is your school distinctive? The Minnesota Waldorf School is located on eight acres in St. Paul featuring areas of prairie and oak savannah restoration, wetlands, a small orchard and chickens! Our school is a haven for curious minds, active bodies, and open hearts.
One more thing: Contact Vaara Ostrin for more information or to schedule a tour of the school: 651-487-6700 ext. 202 or enrollment@mnwaldorf.org.
