#1 Best Independent Schools in Minnesota
Rochester Arts and Sciences Academy
Independent school · Grades Pre-K–7
The only independent school in Rochester
Rochester, MN
A+Overall grade149 students6 students per teacher
2026 lists
Best Independent Schools in Minnesota
The highest-graded schools of this kind in Minnesota. Top 13 of 13 schools.
#2 Best Independent Schools in Minnesota
International School of Minnesota
Independent school · Grades Pre-K–12
85% of graduates go to four-year colleges
Eden Prairie, MN
A+Overall grade155 students5 students per teacher
#3 Best Independent Schools in Minnesota
Mounds Park Academy
Independent school · Grades Pre-K–12
100% of graduates go to four-year colleges
Saint Paul, MN
A+Overall grade553 students8 students per teacher
#4 Best Independent Schools in Minnesota
The Blake School
Independent school · Grades Pre-K–12
One of the 3 largest independent schools in Minnesota
Hopkins, MN
AOverall grade1,287 students9 students per teacher
#5 Best Independent Schools in Minnesota
Cyprus Classical Academy
Independent school · Ungraded
The only independent school in Burnsville
Burnsville, MN
B+Overall grade60 students6 students per teacher
#6 Best Independent Schools in Minnesota
T4n Pinnacle Academy
Independent school · Grades K–12
The only independent school in Brainerd
Brainerd, MN
B+Overall grade85 students6 students per teacher
#7 Best Independent Schools in Minnesota
St. Paul Academy & Summit School
Independent school · Grades K–12
98% of graduates go to four-year colleges
Saint Paul, MN
B+Overall grade890 students8 students per teacher
#8 Best Independent Schools in Minnesota
Minnesota Waldorf
Independent school · Grades Pre-K–7
The only independent school in Maplewood
Maplewood, MN
BOverall grade126 students8 students per teacher
#9 Best Independent Schools in Minnesota
Blake School
Independent school · Grades K–12
One of the 3 largest independent schools in Minnesota
Minneapolis, MN
BOverall grade1,287 students11 students per teacher
#10 Best Independent Schools in Minnesota
Community of Saints Regional Catholic School
Independent school · Grades K–8
The only independent school in West Saint Paul
West Saint Paul, MN
B-Overall grade206 students23 students per teacher
#11 Best Independent Schools in Minnesota
Breakaway Academy
Independent school · Grades K–8
Small classes: about 8 students per teacher
Eden Prairie, MN
B-Overall grade373 students8 students per teacher
#12 Best Independent Schools in Minnesota
Breakaway Academy
Independent school · Grades K–8
The only independent school in Chaska
Chaska, MN
B-Overall grade383 students10 students per teacher
#13 Best Independent Schools in Minnesota
Excel High School
Independent school · Grades 6–12
The largest of 20 independent schools in Minnesota
Minnetonka, MN
B-Overall grade2,300 students
Grades compare each school's official facts, such as class size, how long it has served families and where graduates go, with similar schools. They're a starting point: visit, ask questions and trust what you see.