Photo by Amber Rishavy/Groves Academy
Students at Groves Academy
Groves Academy
Compiled by Kelsey Gavnik
Academy of Holy Angels
Richfield, 612-798-2600, academyofholyangels.org
In a nutshell: A strong focus on college prep gets 9th–12th graders ready for the next steps in their academic careers. Religious affiliation: Catholic
Ave Maria Academy
Maple Grove, 763-494-5387, avemariaacademy.org
In a nutshell: Ave Maria offers schooling for pre-K–grade 8. Parents and faculty work as a team to build strong academia and a strong community. Religious affiliation: Catholic
Benilde-St. Margaret’s
St. Louis Park, 952-927-4176, bsmschool.org
In a nutshell: Educating 7th–12th graders for more than 30 years, Benilde offers rigorous programs in arts, athletics, and college prep.Religious affiliation: Catholic
Bethany Academy
Bloomington, 952-831-8686, bethanyacademy.org
In a nutshell: K-12 education at Bethany is grounded in faith and knowledge, incorporating partnerships with parents that encourage students to be their best. Religious affiliation: Christian
Photos courtesy of The Blake School
Students at The Blake School
The Blake School
The Blake School
Hopkins, Minneapolis, Wayzata, 952-988-3420, blakeschool.org
In a nutshell: Pre-K–12 students experience rigorous academics in traditional core subjects. A caring faculty encourages young artists and athletes to explore their passions in depth. Blake’s global programs allow students to travel abroad, where they’ll develop cultural competence and a thorough understanding of global issues. Religious affiliation: None
Breck School
Golden Valley, 763-381-8100, breckschool.org
In a nutshell: Faculty members encourage teamwork, artistic expression, and diversity for all age groups while maintaining a challenging preparatory curriculum for their pre-K–12th graders. Religious affiliation: Episcopal
Concordia Academy
Roseville, 651-484-8429, concordiaacademy.com
In a nutshell: High school students at Concordia are encouraged to unlock their potential through academics, extracurriculars, and spirituality. Religious affiliation: Lutheran
Cretin-Derham Hall
St. Paul, 651-690-2443, cretin-derhamhall.org
In a nutshell: The faculty and staff at Cretin provide a values-centered, comprehensive education for high school students. Religious affiliation: Catholic
Fourth Baptist Christian School
Plymouth, 763-417-8240, fourthbaptistchristianschool.org
In a nutshell: K-12 students receive a Christ-centered education through rigorous academics, arts, and athletics. Religious affiliation: Baptist
Good Shepherd School
Golden Valley, 763-545-4285, gsgvschool.org
In a nutshell: The faculty and staff at Good Shepherd work to ensure that every student in K–6th grade is given the opportunity to succeed through STEM, arts programs, and more. Religious affiliation: Catholic
Groves Academy
St. Louis Park, 952-920-6377, grovesacademy.org
In a nutshell: Groves Academy is the only established independent school in Minnesota that focuses on providing an attentive, comprehensive education for grade-school students with dyslexia, ADHD, and other learning disabilities. Faculty and staff work to build confidence, success, and purpose into their specialized curriculum, also placing an emphasis on integrity and respect to foster a welcoming environment for students of all abilities. Religious affiliation: None
Heritage Christian Academy
Maple Grove, 763-463-2200, heritageweb.org
In a nutshell: This pre-K–12 academy provides an attentive environment for young learners and preps older students for college. Religious affiliation: Christian
Hill-Murray School
Maplewood, 651-777-1376, hill-murray.org
In a nutshell: Hill-Murray’s wide variety of AP and CIS courses, arts programs, and athletics foster a lifetime love of learning in students grades 6–12. Religious affiliation: Catholic
Hope Academy
Minneapolis, 612-540-2000, hopeschool.org
In a nutshell: Hope Academy pursues and encourages the remarkable in its K–12 students. The faculty and staff seek to prepare students for leadership roles post-graduation.Religious affiliation: Christian
The International School of Minnesota
Eden Prairie, 952-918-1800, internationalschoolmn.org
In a nutshell: ISM provides a diverse and inclusive international learning environment and college-prep programs that prepare pre-K–12th grade students to take part in the future global economy. Religious affiliation: None
Photo courtesy of Liberty Classical Academy
Students at Liberty Classical Academy
Liberty Classical Academy
Liberty Classical Academy
White Bear Lake, 651-772-2777, libertyclassicalacademy.org
In a nutshell: A pre-K through 12th grade classical Christian school, Liberty Classical aims to build lives that inspire by training students with the greatest in academics, art, history, and virtue. The school has built a creative, energetic, and richly inspiring learning environment in the Twin Cities. Religious affiliation: Multi-denominational Christian
Maranatha Christian Academy
Minneapolis, 763-488-7900, mcamustangs.org
In a nutshell: This private pre-K–12 school fosters intellect and spirituality through its specialized arts and STEM programs. Religious affiliation: Christian
Photo courtesy of Minnehaha Academy
Student at Minnehaha Academy
Minnehaha Academy
Minnehaha Academy
Minneapolis, Mendota Heights,612-728-7722, minnehahaacademy.net
In a nutshell: From pre-K to grade 12, Minnehaha preps students for college while encouraging them to discover their unique talents. Within a caring community, students will cultivate their interests and skills through exceptional academics, arts programs, and athletics. College counseling in the upper school teaches career-readiness skills and social-emotional care. Religious affiliation: Christian
Mounds Park Academy
St. Paul, 651-777-2555, moundsparkacademy.org
In a nutshell: A hands-on learning environment helps pre-K–12th grade students learn critical-thinking skills, creativity, and collaboration. Religious affiliation: None
New Life Academy
Woodbury, 651-459-4121, newlifeacademy.org
In a nutshell: New Life Academy is committed to keeping faith at the core of its K–12 academics, arts, and athletics. Variable tuition available by application. Religious affiliation: Christian
Photo courtesy of Providence Academy/by Jeff Achen
Providence Academy
Providence Academy
Providence Academy
Plymouth, 763-258-2500, providenceacademy.org
In a nutshell: Providence’s motto, “Faith, Knowledge, Virtue,” is at the core of this pre-K–12 college prep academy. Grounded in principles of Christianity and the founding of this country, Providence Academy prepares young people for the leadership America and the world need. Opportunities abound in academics, arts, athletics, and other extracurricular activities. Religious affiliation: Catholic
Saint Agnes School
St. Paul, 651-925-8700, saintagnesschool.org
In a nutshell: Named one of the “Top 50 Catholic High Schools in the Nation” by the Cardinal Newman Society, Saint Agnes combines rigorous academia with religious enrichment. Religious affiliation: Catholic
St. Croix Lutheran Academy
West St. Paul, 651-455-1521, stcroixlutheran.org
In a nutshell: This middle andhigh school provides its diverse student body with more than 25 college credit offerings, and numerous arts and athletic programs. Religious affiliation: Lutheran
St. Jude of the Lake Catholic School
Mahtomedi, 651-426-2562, stjudeofthelakeschool.org
In a nutshell: St. Jude of the Lake incorporates the International Baccalaureate framework into its curriculum to foster natural curiosity in its pre-K–5 students. Religious affiliation: Catholic
Photo by Scott Streble/St. Paul Academy
Students at St. Paul Academy
St. Paul Academy
St. Paul Academy and Summit School
St. Paul, 651-698-2451, spa.edu
In a nutshell: SPA prides itself on the diversity, community, and academic rigor of its K–12 program. Its two campuses in the Macalester-Groveland neighborhood provide a quiet and safe environment in which students can explore their talents and love of learning. The school’s mission: to shape the minds and hearts of the people who will change the world. Religious affiliation: None
St. Paul Preparatory School
St. Paul, 651-288-4606, stpaulprep.org
In a nutshell: This private high school offers intensive college prep through culturally rich academics, arts programs, and English learning programs. Religious affiliation: None
Photo courtesy of Saint Thomas Academy
Students at St. Thomas Academy
Saint Thomas Academy
Saint Thomas Academy
Mendota Heights, 651-454-4570, cadets.com
In a nutshell: STA provides male students grades 6–12 with an education geared toward college prep, military leadership, and character development. The new state-of-the-art Innovation Center provides students with tools, activities, and full courses that encourage an interest in engineering, STEM fields, and real-world problem-solving skills that students will carry throughout their education. Religious affiliation: Catholic
Totino-Grace High School
Fridley, 763-571-9116, totinograce.org
In a nutshell: The faculty at Totino-Grace partner with parents to create a welcoming environment focused on rigorous academics, arts, and athletics. Religious affiliation: Catholic
Photo courtesy of Trinity School at River Ridge
Students at Trinity School at River Ridge
Trinity School at River Ridge
Trinity School at River Ridge
Eagan, 651-789-2890, trinityschools.org/riverridge
In a nutshell: The Trinity School aims to provide an excellent education and personal enrichment for its 6-12 students in single-sex classrooms. Religious affiliation: Christian
Minnesota’s Top Public High Schools
Here’s how U.S. News & World Report ranks our state’s public and charter schools, and how they stack up nationally.
1. Nova Classical Academy Upper School (St. Paul) National Ranking: #186
2. Orono Senior High National Ranking: #210
3. Long Prairie-Grey Secondary School National Ranking: #246
4. Math and Science Academy (Woodbury) National Ranking: #338
5. Great River School (St. Paul) National Ranking: #356
6. Edina Senior High National Ranking: #430
7. Mahtomedi Senior High National Ranking: #453
8. St. Anthony Village Senior High National Ranking: #506
9. Eagan Senior High National Ranking: #524
10. Chanhassen High School National Ranking: #561
11. Minnetonka Senior High National Ranking: #568
12. Eastview Senior High (Apple Valley) National Ranking: #571
13. Mounds View Senior High National Ranking: #575
14. Harbor City International Charter (Duluth) National Ranking: #644
15. Mankato West Senior High National Ranking: #695
16. Wayzata High School National Ranking: #718
17. Chaska High School National Ranking: #759
18. Century Senior High National Ranking: #803
19. Sartell Senior High National Ranking: #887
20. East Ridge High School (Woodbury) National Ranking: #1,032
21. Irondale Senior High (New Brighton) National Ranking: #1,146
22. Eden Prairie Senior High National Ranking: #1,168
23. Jefferson Senior High (Bloomington) National Ranking: #1,170
24. Woodbury Senior High National Ranking: #1,262
25. Mound-Westonka High School (Minnetrista) National Ranking: #1,276
