Private Schools in Minneapolis MN: 9 Things Families Should Consider

If you are considering a private school for your child, here are 9 things to consider as you begin your search.

What should families look for in a private school in Minneapolis?

Families often consider factors such as academic rigor, class size, school culture, extracurricular opportunities, and overall fit. Because private schools vary in structure and approach, visiting schools and asking thoughtful questions can help determine which environment best aligns with a child’s needs.

The following insights reflect common questions and considerations that can help guide the process, along with questions to ask when visiting schools.

Factor	What to Look For
Academics	Rigor, teaching style, outcomes
Class size	Teacher interaction, student support
Culture	Student relationships, community
Support	College preparation, counseling, academic help
Location	Commute, transportation
Cost	Tuition, financial aid assistance

 

As you think through these considerations, it can also be helpful to step back and understand what matters most when choosing among private schools in Minneapolis.

1. Academic Expectations and Outcomes

Academic expectations can vary widely across private schools in Minneapolis. Some schools emphasize rigor through workload and volume, while others focus on developing critical thinking, independence, and depth of understanding.

As you compare schools, ask how students are being challenged and what skills they are developing over time. 

”It can be helpful to ask: 'Are students being taught what to think, or how to think?' Look for evidence in how classes are structured, how discussions are led, and how students are asked to engage with complex ideas over time. Additionally, find out if grade-level teams collaborate closely together to truly know each student and set them up for success year over year. Are there clear academic and programmatic throughlines the school can point to and demonstrate? Ask about continuity from grade to grade, especially at key transition points like 5th–6th and 8th–9th. Is the school intentional about creating a seamless student experience, while still thoughtfully scaffolding each stage of development?” –Deena Kvasnik, Director of Admission and Enrollment

Also, consider how a school defines success for its students and the long-term outcomes it prioritizes.

“Be sure to ask the school what their goals are for their students. Do they expect them to get into a specific school(s) of a certain pedigree? Is college acceptance the goal or is it something else? These expectations will affect how teachers lead their classrooms and will influence the day-to-day experience of your child. Make sure that the goals of the school meet the goals you have for your child.” –Caleb Taylor, Upper School Admission Counselor

Read about what makes academics distinct at Minnehaha.

2. Student Support Services and Academic Support

Student support can look very different from school to school, both in how services are structured and how they are implemented day-to-day.

“One of the best things families can do is share relevant documentation early on. This information helps the admission team thoughtfully determine fit and support. It can be helpful to ask how support actually works in practice and how the school partners with parents.” –Sarah Decker, Middle School Admission Counselor

See how Minnehaha supports students and helps them prepare for college.

3. Class Size and Teacher Access

Class size is one of the most visible differences when visiting a school. While the number of students is an important factor, be sure to also observe how teachers interact with students, facilitate discussions, and support individual learning.

“Class size and teacher access can differ across private schools. Some schools prioritize strong relationships between teachers and students, while others may structure class time in ways that involve less individual interaction. As you compare schools, consider how teachers connect with students, build relationships, and respond to each student’s needs.” –Anna O’Brien, Lower School Admission Counselor

4. School Culture and Community

School culture can be difficult to fully understand during a visit, but it is an important factor for families to consider. 

“School culture can look similar on the surface but feel very different in lived experience. Some schools are highly relational and intentional about knowing each student, while others operate more independently with students navigating systems on their own. As families explore options, it’s helpful to ask: 'Will my child be truly known here?' and 'How does the school build connections between students, faculty, and families over time?' Look for consistency between what is said and what current families and students actually experience.” –Deena Kvasnik

“Most parents want a place where their kids feel safe, supported, and able to grow. In the middle school years especially, students are figuring out who they are and where they fit, so being in a community that feels warm, caring, and connected makes all the difference. Some schools feel more structured and traditional, while others are more relational and student-centered. As you compare schools, I encourage you to pay close attention to this.” –Sarah Decker

5. Parent Engagement and Communication 

Communication and parent involvement can vary significantly between schools.

“Some schools keep families closely involved with regular updates, parent groups, and volunteer opportunities, while others have fewer ways for parents to connect. It can be helpful to think about how the school communicates with parents and what opportunities are available to be part of the school community.” –Anna O’Brien

6. Visiting Schools

Visiting schools can be one of the most important steps in the decision-making process.

“If you can, bring your child to the school tour. I’ve seen over and over again how impactful it is when a student can actually picture themselves in a space. That moment of ‘I could see myself here’ is huge, especially at this age.” –Sarah Decker

In addition to the visit itself, preparation can help you make the most of your time.

“Before visiting, families may want to review school websites, read available information, and talk with current families when possible. Seeking out first-hand perspectives and understanding what a school prioritizes can provide a helpful starting point for conversations during the visit.” –Caleb Taylor 

7. Extracurricular Opportunities and Student Development

Extracurricular opportunities play a role in how students explore interests and build skills outside the classroom.

“Some private schools offer a wide range of arts, sports, and clubs that encourage students to explore new interests, while others may have a more limited selection focused on specific programs. As you compare schools, consider what opportunities exist for your child to try new activities, build leadership skills, and develop teamwork.” –Anna O’Brien

“Think about where your child will have the chance to try new things, build friendships, and start discovering what they enjoy. Middle school is such a formative time, and students are really ‘trying on’ different interests. Being in a place where they feel safe to explore and grow, with adults who truly care about them, can have a lasting impact on the person they become.” –Sarah Decker

8. Tuition and Financial Considerations

As families evaluate private schools, understanding how tuition is structured—and how schools approach affordability—can be an important part of the decision-making process.

“Tuition models can vary significantly across private schools. Some schools offer flexible tuition or financial aid structures, while others have a more fixed model. As families consider affordability, it’s helpful to look beyond the initial number and ask: What is the long-term investment, and how does the school partner with families over time? Transparency, clarity, and a sense of partnership in this process are often just as important as the tuition itself.” –Deena Kvasnik

“If financial aid is available, apply. Some schools may be more accessible than families initially expect. It’s always worth asking questions about what may be available.” –Sarah Decker

9. Location & Transportation

Families in areas such as Southwest Minneapolis, St. Louis Park, and St. Paul often explore private school options beyond their immediate neighborhood. Many schools draw students from across the greater Twin Cities, making commute, transportation, and school fit important considerations.

Questions for your Private School Admission Tour

As you visit schools, these questions can help guide your conversations and give you a clearer picture of how each school operates.

Academics:

1. Are students being taught what to think, or how to think?
2. What academic expectations do you have for students at each grade level?
3. What outcomes do you hope for your graduates, both academically and personally?

Student Support & Enrichment: 

1. What does student support look like day-to-day?
2. How do teachers respond to the needs of students through extra enrichment programs or academic support?
3. How does the school partner with parents when challenges arise?

Community:

1. How well do teachers know their students? Are they truly seen and known?
2. How does the school build connections between students, faculty, and families over time?
3. What do I observe about how students interact with teachers and one another?

Learn more about what your child could experience at Minnehaha with a personalized visit.

Choosing a school is ultimately about finding the right fit for your child. If you're continuing your search, this guide can help you take the next step in evaluating private schools in Minneapolis.