Choosing the right boarding school is one of the biggest decisions parents and students can make. Beyond academics, boarding schools offer students the chance to grow in independence, leadership, and cultural exposure.

From the historic and elite Shattuck-St. Mary’s to faith-based schools like Hillcrest Lutheran Academy and Maplewood Academy, Minnesota offers a mix of options. Whether you’re looking for rigorous college-prep, strong arts and athletics, or a faith-based education at a more affordable price, this guide will walk you through the top boarding schools in Minnesota, their tuition and fees, and what makes each one unique.

Top Boarding Schools In Minnesota And Fees

1. Shattuck-St. Mary’s School (Faribault)

Shattuck-St. Mary’s is arguably the most famous boarding school in Minnesota, with a reputation that extends across the U.S. and internationally. Founded in 1858, this co-educational school is known for combining academic excellence with specialized tracks in areas like STEM, arts, and athletics. Their hockey program, in particular, has produced Olympic and NHL athletes, while their arts and engineering centers attract talented students from around the globe.

Life at Shattuck-St. Mary’s is rigorous yet balanced. Students live on a beautiful historic campus and have access to cutting-edge facilities such as a bio-science center, music conservatories, and art studios. The school places strong emphasis on leadership and community engagement, encouraging students to excel both in and out of the classroom.

Fees: Tuition and boarding costs at Shattuck-St. Mary’s typically range from $63,500 to $73,000 per year, depending on domestic or international student status. This includes tuition, room, and board, but families should budget for extras such as books, personal expenses, and optional trips.

This is the go-to option for families seeking elite education in Minnesota, though it comes at a premium cost.

2. Saint John’s Preparatory School (Collegeville)

Located in the serene setting of Collegeville, near Saint John’s Abbey and University, Saint John’s Prep offers students a unique blend of academic rigor and Benedictine values. This co-educational school emphasizes character development, scholarship, and service, making it a great fit for families who want both strong academics and a structured, value-driven community.

Boarding students at Saint John’s Prep enjoy the peaceful natural environment of central Minnesota while benefiting from close connections with Saint John’s University. The affiliation with the Benedictine community fosters an environment of reflection, discipline, and leadership. Small class sizes ensure personalized attention, while extracurriculars range from music and arts to athletics and community service.

Fees: Saint John’s Prep offers both 5-day and 7-day boarding options. Annual boarding fees typically range from the low-to-mid $30,000s for domestic students up to $50,000 or more for international students, depending on the level of support services provided.

For families seeking a balance between strong academics, faith, and affordability, Saint John’s Prep is a solid choice.

3. Marshall School (Duluth)

Nestled in Duluth, with Lake Superior right nearby, Marshall School offers students a strong college-prep education alongside an emphasis on athletics and the outdoors. Boarding at Marshall provides a unique experience for students who love nature, winter sports, and close-knit community living.

Marshall’s small class sizes mean students get plenty of individual attention. The school is particularly known for its winter sports and outdoor programs, but it also maintains a solid reputation in academics and college placement. With a student body that includes both local and international students, the school provides a diverse environment that fosters cross-cultural friendships.

Fees: Boarding tuition is typically around $50,000 to $54,000 per year, which usually includes tuition, dorm housing, meals, and student services. ESL support for international students is also available.

This school is especially attractive for students who thrive in outdoor settings and prefer a smaller, community-driven environment.

4. Cotter Schools (Winona)

Cotter Schools in Winona offer a welcoming and faith-based boarding environment at a more affordable cost than some of the state’s elite academies. With a Catholic foundation, Cotter places emphasis on holistic education, service, and global citizenship. Its boarding program integrates international students alongside domestic ones, creating a family-like atmosphere in the dorms.

Cotter’s academic program focuses on college readiness, while also offering opportunities in music, athletics, and service learning. The school is known for supporting international students particularly well, offering structured residential life and mentorship to help them succeed academically and socially.

Fees: Boarding costs at Cotter Schools are generally around $38,000 per year, making it more affordable than many other boarding options in Minnesota.

Families seeking a supportive, faith-driven community with lower tuition than elite prep schools will find Cotter a strong contender.

5. Hillcrest Lutheran Academy (Fergus Falls)

For families looking for a Christian boarding school that combines structure, discipline, and community, Hillcrest Lutheran Academy is an excellent choice. This school has a long history of integrating faith with learning and is known for its supportive residential life program. With strong values and a close-knit student body, Hillcrest provides a family-oriented boarding experience.

The school offers robust academic programs but places equal importance on spiritual development and character building. Hillcrest has a strong reputation for welcoming international students, offering ESL programs and cultural integration activities. Dorm life is structured yet engaging, with faculty serving as mentors and role models.

Fees: The cost for international boarding students is generally in the low-to-mid $30,000 range (around $35,000 per year), making Hillcrest an affordable choice compared to elite prep schools.

This school is ideal for families prioritizing affordability, faith-based education, and a supportive community.

6. Maplewood Academy (Hutchinson)

Maplewood Academy is a Seventh-day Adventist boarding school that emphasizes small class sizes, service, and faith-based learning. For families looking for a budget-friendly boarding option, Maplewood is one of the most affordable in Minnesota. Its intimate campus ensures students receive personalized attention, and the community is tight-knit.

Maplewood focuses on college-prep academics alongside spiritual growth, with an emphasis on service and music. Students are encouraged to participate in choir, band, and mission trips, making the experience both academically and spiritually enriching.

Fees: Boarding tuition is around $19,100 per year, which covers room, board, and tuition for dormitory students. International student rates may differ slightly.

For families on a tighter budget who still want the benefits of a faith-based boarding education, Maplewood Academy is one of the best options in the state.

7. Pillsbury College Prep (Owatonna)

Pillsbury College Prep is a newer boarding option in Minnesota, located in Owatonna on the grounds of the historic Pillsbury College. It markets itself as a year-round boarding school with strong international student enrollment and a focus on entrepreneurship and practical college-prep skills. Because it’s less established than the other historic schools, it tends to appeal to families looking for a smaller, alternative model.

Boarding students at Pillsbury benefit from a structured but flexible program, with plenty of opportunities for cultural exchange, leadership, and extracurricular growth. The smaller size of the school fosters closer student-faculty relationships.

Fees: Pillsbury’s boarding tuition is generally more affordable than top-tier prep schools, though exact fees vary year by year. Families should contact the admissions office directly for current tuition figures.

This school may be a good fit for international students or those looking for a more intimate and experimental boarding school experience.

8. Maplewood Alternative: Cretin-Derham Hall (St. Paul)

While Cretin-Derham Hall is primarily a day school, it is sometimes listed in Minnesota boarding school directories because of its international student support. Located in St. Paul, CDH is a Catholic, co-educational high school with a large student body, strong academics, and a wide range of extracurriculars including sports, music, and theater.

Fees: Day tuition is around $16,000 to $17,000 per year. Families should note that CDH is not a traditional boarding school, but international families may find host family or limited residential support programs available.

This is a great option for families open to a day school with strong Catholic values, though those seeking full-time dorm life may want to consider other schools.

How to Choose the Right Boarding School in Minnesota

When evaluating boarding schools in Minnesota, here are the key factors to consider:

Academic Fit: Does the school offer the right courses — AP, IB, or specialized programs in arts, STEM, or athletics?
Residential Style: Some schools have highly structured, faith-based dorms, while others encourage more independence.
Tuition & Aid: Costs vary dramatically, from under $20,000 at Maplewood Academy to $70,000+ at Shattuck-St. Mary’s. Ask about financial aid, scholarships, and sibling discounts.
College Placement: Look at the school’s college acceptance rates and destinations.
Campus Visit: If possible, tour the campus and meet faculty — boarding life is a big commitment, and fit matters.

Conclusion

Minnesota’s boarding schools offer a range of experiences, from elite, world-renowned programs to small, faith-based communities at affordable rates. Families should carefully weigh costs, values, and academic goals before making a choice.

If you’re looking for elite, specialized programs, Shattuck-St. Mary’s is your top option.
If you want balance and faith-based academics, schools like Saint John’s Prep, Cotter, and Hillcrest stand out.
For budget-conscious families, Maplewood Academy offers a strong community at a fraction of the cost.

No matter which school you choose, Minnesota boarding schools provide students with excellent preparation for college and life — all while enjoying the state’s natural beauty and welcoming communities.

Top 8 Boarding Schools In Minnesota And Fees (2025)