Pulse Reviews and Analysis
Top 10 Private High Schools in Minneapolis-St. Paul
Curated by Chief Revenue Officer Kory White · CRO Syndicate
Top 10 Private High Schools in Minneapolis-St. Paul
Direct Answer
The Best Overall private high school in the Minneapolis-St. Paul metro is The Blake School, a top-ranked nonsectarian college-preparatory school whose near-100% college matriculation, deep AP and advanced course offerings, and exceptional resources set the regional standard.
The Best Value pick is Cretin-Derham Hall, a respected Catholic college-prep school in Saint Paul that delivers strong academics, athletics, and college outcomes at tuition well below the elite independent schools. This list is built for families and students weighing private options across the Twin Cities, with a focus on academics, college outcomes, cost, and fit.
Every pick uses real, publicly reported data from each school, U.S. News, Niche, and Minnesota sources.
How We Ranked the Top 10
We weighted each school against the priorities families weigh when comparing private high schools, drawing on published figures from U.S. News, Niche, GreatSchools, and each institution. The weighting:
- Academic performance and college prep - 25%
- College matriculation and outcomes - 20%
- Value, tuition, and aid - 15%
- Teachers and resources - 15%
- Environment and student support - 15%
- Extracurriculars and fit - 10%
A school with a famous name but thin aid or weak outcomes drops fast. The winners balance rigor, outcomes, and access through financial aid.
1. The Blake School 🏆 BEST OVERALL
Type: Private Nonsectarian Prep | Location: Hopkins and Minneapolis | Best for: Families wanting the metro's deepest college-prep program
The Blake School enrolls roughly 1,400 students across its preschool-through-12 campuses and is consistently ranked the top private high school in the Twin Cities. Blake offers a deep college-preparatory curriculum with extensive advanced and AP-level courses, a student-teacher ratio near 8:1, and near-100% college matriculation to selective universities.
The school provides substantial need-based financial aid, strong arts and athletics, and exceptional facilities. Its rigorous academics and well-resourced programs make it the regional benchmark.
Pros:
- Near-100% matriculation to selective colleges
- Deep advanced and AP-level curriculum
- Student-teacher ratio near 8:1
- Substantial need-based financial aid
Cons:
- High tuition before aid
- Competitive admission
Verdict: Blake wins on balance, the deepest college-prep program in the metro with outcomes and resources to match.
2. Breck School
Type: Private Episcopal Prep | Location: Golden Valley | Best for: Families wanting rigorous academics with an Episcopal foundation
Breck School in Golden Valley enrolls about 1,200 students preschool through 12 and is a top-tier Episcopal college-preparatory school. Breck offers a rigorous curriculum, a student-teacher ratio near 9:1, and strong college matriculation to selective universities.
The school is known for its STEM, arts, and service-learning programs and provides meaningful financial aid. Its combination of academic rigor, character education, and well-rounded programming makes it one of the strongest private options in the metro.
Pros:
- Rigorous college-prep curriculum
- Student-teacher ratio near 9:1
- Strong STEM, arts, and service learning
- Meaningful financial aid
Cons:
- High tuition before aid
- Faith-affiliated culture is not for everyone
Verdict: A top Episcopal prep school with strong academics, character education, and well-rounded programs.
3. Saint Paul Academy and Summit School (SPA)
Type: Private Nonsectarian Prep | Location: Saint Paul | Best for: Families wanting an academically intense nonsectarian school
Saint Paul Academy and Summit School (SPA) enrolls about 900 students and is one of the most academically rigorous independent schools in Minnesota. SPA offers a demanding college-preparatory curriculum, a low student-teacher ratio, and near-universal college matriculation to selective universities.
The school is known for strong writing, debate, and STEM programs and provides substantial need-based aid. Its small size and intensive academics make it a standout for students seeking maximum rigor.
Pros:
- Demanding, top-tier college-prep curriculum
- Near-universal selective-college matriculation
- Strong writing, debate, and STEM
- Substantial need-based aid
Cons:
- High tuition before aid
- Intense academic pressure
Verdict: One of the metro's most academically rigorous independent schools, ideal for students who want maximum challenge.
4. Cretin-Derham Hall
Type: Private Catholic Prep | Location: Saint Paul | Best for: Families wanting strong Catholic college prep at strong value 💎 BEST VALUE
Cretin-Derham Hall in Saint Paul enrolls about 1,300 students and is a respected Catholic college-preparatory school known for strong academics, athletics, and character formation at tuition well below the elite independent schools. The school offers a broad AP catalog, strong college matriculation, and a renowned athletics program that has produced numerous collegiate and professional athletes.
Generous tuition assistance widens access, making Cretin-Derham Hall an outstanding value among Twin Cities private schools.
Pros:
- Strong Catholic college prep at lower tuition
- Broad AP catalog and strong matriculation
- Renowned athletics program
- Generous tuition assistance
Cons:
- Faith-based curriculum is not for everyone
- Larger than the small independent schools
Verdict: The value champion, delivering strong college-prep academics and athletics at accessible Catholic-school tuition.
5. Benilde-St. Margaret's School
Type: Private Catholic Prep | Location: St. Louis Park | Best for: Families wanting a strong Catholic school with broad activities
Benilde-St. Margaret's School in St. Louis Park enrolls about 1,100 students in grades 7 through 12 and is a strong Catholic college-preparatory school.
The school offers a solid AP program, strong college matriculation, and well-regarded athletics and arts. Its community-focused, faith-based culture emphasizes service and character, and tuition assistance broadens access. Benilde-St.
Margaret's balances academics, activities, and values for a well-rounded private-school experience.
Pros:
- Solid AP program and strong matriculation
- Well-regarded athletics and arts
- Service-focused, faith-based culture
- Tuition assistance available
Cons:
- Faith-based curriculum is not for everyone
- Smaller AP catalog than the elite preps
Verdict: A strong, well-rounded Catholic prep school balancing academics, activities, and values.
6. Mounds Park Academy
Type: Private Nonsectarian Prep | Location: Saint Paul | Best for: Families wanting a nonsectarian school with a creative, supportive culture
Mounds Park Academy in Saint Paul enrolls about 500 students preschool through 12 and offers a nonsectarian college-preparatory program with a low student-teacher ratio and a supportive, creative culture. The school emphasizes critical thinking, the arts, and global learning, with strong college matriculation and individualized attention.
Its small size allows close mentorship, and financial aid widens access. Mounds Park is a fit for students who thrive in a collaborative, less high-pressure environment.
Pros:
- Low student-teacher ratio and close mentorship
- Strong arts and global-learning programs
- Supportive, collaborative culture
- Financial aid available
Cons:
- Smaller program catalog
- Less name recognition than the largest preps
Verdict: A small, supportive nonsectarian prep school strong in the arts and individualized learning.
7. Convent of the Visitation School
Type: Private Catholic Girls' School | Location: Mendota Heights | Best for: Families seeking a strong all-girls Catholic education
Convent of the Visitation School in Mendota Heights is a respected Catholic school with an all-girls upper school known for strong academics and college matriculation. The school offers a rigorous college-preparatory curriculum, a low student-teacher ratio, and strong programs in STEM, the arts, and leadership.
Its all-girls upper school fosters confidence and leadership, and financial aid supports access. Visitation is a leading choice for families seeking a single-gender Catholic education.
Pros:
- Strong all-girls college-prep academics
- Low student-teacher ratio
- Strong STEM, arts, and leadership programs
- Financial aid available
Cons:
- Single-gender model is not for every family
- Smaller enrollment
Verdict: The leading all-girls Catholic prep school in the metro, strong on academics and leadership.
8. DeLaSalle High School
Type: Private Catholic Prep | Location: Minneapolis | Best for: Families wanting a diverse urban Catholic school
DeLaSalle High School, located on Nicollet Island in Minneapolis, enrolls about 800 students and is a diverse, urban Catholic college-preparatory school. DeLaSalle offers a college-prep curriculum, strong college matriculation, and a well-known athletics program, all rooted in the Lasallian tradition of serving a broad range of students.
Its central city location and commitment to access, supported by tuition assistance, make it a distinctive urban Catholic option.
Pros:
- Diverse, urban Catholic college prep
- Strong matriculation and athletics
- Lasallian tradition of access
- Tuition assistance available
Cons:
- Smaller AP catalog than the elite preps
- Faith-based curriculum is not for everyone
Verdict: A diverse, mission-driven urban Catholic prep school with strong access and athletics.
9. Academy of Holy Angels
Type: Private Catholic Prep | Location: Richfield | Best for: Families wanting a strong suburban Catholic school
Academy of Holy Angels in Richfield enrolls about 750 students and is a strong suburban Catholic college-preparatory school. The academy offers a solid AP program, strong college matriculation, and well-regarded athletics, arts, and service programs rooted in a faith-based community.
Its supportive culture, college-prep focus, and tuition assistance make it an accessible, well-rounded choice for families in the southern Twin Cities suburbs.
Pros:
- Solid AP program and strong matriculation
- Well-regarded athletics, arts, and service
- Supportive, faith-based community
- Tuition assistance available
Cons:
- Faith-based curriculum is not for everyone
- Smaller AP catalog than the elite preps
Verdict: A strong, well-rounded suburban Catholic prep school with a supportive community.
10. Providence Academy
Type: Private Catholic Prep | Location: Plymouth | Best for: Families wanting a classical, faith-centered college prep
Providence Academy in Plymouth enrolls about 900 students preschool through 12 and offers a classical, Catholic college-preparatory education. The school combines a rigorous classical curriculum with strong AP offerings, high college matriculation, and well-regarded athletics and arts.
Its emphasis on the liberal arts, character, and faith formation distinguishes it among metro private schools, and financial aid supports access for a range of families.
Pros:
- Rigorous classical Catholic curriculum
- Strong AP offerings and matriculation
- Well-regarded athletics and arts
- Financial aid available
Cons:
- Classical, faith-based model is specialized
- Suburban location means longer commutes for some
Verdict: A distinctive classical Catholic prep school for families seeking rigorous liberal-arts and faith formation.
Which One's Right for You?
What to Look For When Choosing a Private High School
- College matriculation and outcomes - Look at where graduates actually enroll and how well they are supported through the application process, not just average test scores.
- Net tuition after aid - Private schools often discount heavily through need-based aid, so compare the real cost after grants, not the published tuition.
- Academic rigor and fit - A demanding school like SPA suits some students, while a supportive, creative environment like Mounds Park Academy fits others better; match the culture to the child.
- Faith and values - Decide whether a Catholic, Episcopal, or nonsectarian environment aligns with your family before weighing academics.
- Class size and faculty access - Low student-teacher ratios mean more mentorship, recommendation relationships, and individualized support.
- Programs and activities - Strong arts, athletics, or service programs can shape a student's experience as much as academics.
What matters less than marketing implies: a school's published tuition before aid, its newest building, or a single ranking number. Net cost, academic fit, and college support affect a student's outcome far more than a headline figure.
FAQ
Which private high school is the best overall in Minneapolis-St. Paul? The Blake School earns the top spot for its deep college-preparatory curriculum, near-100% matriculation to selective colleges, a student-teacher ratio near 8:1, and exceptional resources.
What is the best value private high school in the Twin Cities? Cretin-Derham Hall is our best value, delivering strong Catholic college-prep academics, a renowned athletics program, and generous tuition assistance at tuition well below the elite independent schools.
Which Twin Cities private high school is most academically rigorous? Saint Paul Academy and Summit School (SPA) is among the most academically intense, with a demanding curriculum, near-universal selective-college matriculation, and strong writing, debate, and STEM programs.
Do private high schools in the Twin Cities offer financial aid? Yes. Schools like Blake, Breck, and SPA provide substantial need-based aid, and Catholic schools like Cretin-Derham Hall offer generous tuition assistance, so families should compare net cost after aid, not sticker price.
Are there strong single-gender private schools in the metro? Yes. Convent of the Visitation School in Mendota Heights offers a respected all-girls Catholic upper school known for strong academics, leadership, and college matriculation.
Which private school is best for a classical or faith-centered education? Providence Academy in Plymouth offers a rigorous classical Catholic curriculum emphasizing the liberal arts, character, and faith formation, with strong AP offerings and college matriculation.
Bottom Line
For Twin Cities families, The Blake School is our Best Overall private high school, with a deep college-prep curriculum, near-100% selective-college matriculation, and exceptional resources. Cretin-Derham Hall is our Best Value, delivering strong Catholic college prep and athletics at accessible tuition with generous aid.
If your priority is maximum academic rigor, an all-girls education, or a classical faith-centered program, use the decision tree above to route yourself to Saint Paul Academy, Visitation, or Providence Academy instead. Choose on academic fit, net cost, and college support, not a single ranking number, and your student will be set up to succeed.
Sources
- U.S. News - Best Minnesota High Schools
- Niche - Best Private High Schools in the Minneapolis Area
- GreatSchools - Minnesota school ratings
- The Blake School - official site
- Breck School - official site
- Saint Paul Academy and Summit School - official site
- Cretin-Derham Hall - official site
- NCES - National Center for Education Statistics school search
- Private School Review - Minnesota
- Convent of the Visitation School - official site
*Private high schools in Minneapolis-St. Paul review - best private high schools Twin Cities, rankings, ratings, and a review of the top picks for families.*