As any parent knows, there’s no “one size fits all” when it comes to how we raise our kids. The same is true with their schooling—not every school will meet every child’s needs! That’s why we are blessed to have so many great options for schooling here in the STMA area, from top-notch public schools to faith-based private schools to tuition-free charter schools.

In celebration of National School Choice Week, we’re sharing a list of alternatives to traditional public schools that are within 15 minutes of STMA.

(If you have little kids, click here to view instead a list of preschools in the STMA area)

Private Schools

Private Schools are tuition-based and supported by private organizations or individuals rather than by the government. Many, but not all, are faith-based.

St. Michael Catholic School
14 Main Street N, St Michael
Supporting parents in the education of the whole child by instilling Catholic teachings, nourishing faith in Jesus Christ, and strengthening individual commitment to holiness and academic excellence
Pre-K–8th grade
Website | Facebook | 763-497-3887

Impact Christian Academy
1601 Hwy 25 North, Buffalo
Partnering with parents to train students to be lifelong learners and equip them to serve God and their community
Kindergarten–10th grade
Website | Facebook | 612-812-7301

Trilogy Stem Academy
14020 Northdale Blvd, Rogers
Opened in Fall of 2022, Trilogy is Minnesota’s only STEM-focused private school.
5th–12th grade
Website | Facebook | 763-453-4375

Salem Lutheran School
9615 Pioneer Trail, Greenfield
Partnering with families to provide a Christ-centered education to encourage, equip, and educate students for Christian living
Pre-K–8th grade
Website | Facebook | 763-498-7283

Mary Queen of Peace Catholic School
21201 Church Ave, Rogers
Faith-based environment that emphasizes strong academic skills and values essential life-long success
Preschool–5th grade
Website | Facebook | 763-428-2355

Holy Spirit Academy
1001 7th Street E, Monticello
Independent, Catholic high school with a mission to prepare students to be thoughtful leaders in service to God, the Church, and humanity
High school (9th–12th grade)
Website | Facebook | 763-220-2402

Saint Andrew Catholic School
428 Irving Ave NW, Elk River
Catholic elementary school nurturing students toward a lived discipleship and helping them develop the knowledge, skills and work habits needed to excel academically
Preschool–5th grade
Website | Facebook | 763-441-2216

Charter Schools

Charter Schools are publicly funded, tuition-free independent schools established by teachers, parents, or community groups. These schools operate independently from the local school districts.

Kaleidoscope Charter School
7525 Kalland Ave NE, Otsego
Community-focused environment with small class sizes that allow for tailored learning. Committed to developing well-rounded individuals who achieve personal excellence through an inclusive community, family involvement, and service learning
Kindergarten–12th grade
Website | Facebook | 763-428-1890

Spectrum Middle & High School
17796 Industrial Circle NW, Elk River
Small school setting that provides a college preparatory education with an emphasis on technology. Students can take courses for college credit while remaining within the secure structure of their high school community.
6th–12 grade
Website | Facebook | 763-241-8703

Three Rivers Montessori
17267 Yale Street NW, Elk River
Empowering students to reach their full potential and instilling a connection and commitment to the environment through authentic, experiential Montessori learning
Kindergarten–6th grade
Website | Facebook | 763-595-1213

Swan River Montessori
500 Maple Street, Monticello
Montessori learning environment designed to foster a whole-child approach by meeting the child’s inherent needs of self-discovery, creativity, independence, and competence
Kindergarten–6th grade
Website | Facebook | 763-271-7926