Top 5 Boarding Schools In Minneapolis And Fees (2025)

Choosing the right boarding school is one of the most important decisions parents can make for their children. Boarding schools are more than just educational institutions; they are communities where students live, learn, and develop skills that prepare them for success in college and beyond.

While there are not many traditional boarding schools directly inside Minneapolis city limits, there are highly reputable institutions located in the Twin Cities area and surrounding Minnesota regions. These schools provide options ranging from international college-prep programs to affordable Christian academies.

Top Boarding Schools In Minneapolis And Fees

1. The International School of Minnesota (ISM) – Eden Prairie, MN

The International School of Minnesota, located in Eden Prairie (just a short drive from Minneapolis), is one of the most respected boarding schools in the Twin Cities region. Known for its global outlook, ISM attracts both local and international students who want to immerse themselves in a diverse academic community.

ISM offers boarding facilities specifically designed for high school students (grades 8–12). With modern dorms that can accommodate up to 32 students, the school provides options for single rooms as well as shared quad rooms, giving families flexibility depending on budget. The boarding program includes supervised study halls, cultural outings, weekend activities, and access to school resources such as libraries, gyms, and art studios.

Academically, ISM emphasizes a rigorous college-prep curriculum with a global perspective. Advanced Placement (AP) courses, small class sizes, and personalized attention make it a great environment for ambitious students. The student body is highly diverse, with learners from multiple countries, which encourages cross-cultural friendships and prepares students for international opportunities.

Fees: Boarding students at ISM pay approximately $40,000 per year, which includes tuition, room, and board. The exact amount can vary depending on room choice and additional activity fees.

Why Choose ISM:

Global curriculum with international student diversity
Small, supportive learning environment
Excellent facilities and weekend boarding activities
Located just outside Minneapolis, offering both city access and a safe suburban environment

2. Cretin-Derham Hall – St. Paul, MN

Cretin-Derham Hall (CDH) is a Catholic, co-educational high school located in St. Paul, making it highly accessible to families in Minneapolis. While CDH is primarily known as a day school, it partners with Amerigo Education to provide boarding and homestay options for international and out-of-state students.

The school has a long history of excellence, with roots tracing back more than 150 years. CDH emphasizes not only strong academics but also faith-based education, community service, and leadership development. Students benefit from a wide range of Advanced Placement (AP) courses, honors classes, and co-curricular opportunities in athletics, music, theater, and student organizations.

Boarding students live in supervised housing with full support services, including meals, academic mentoring, and weekend activities. This ensures that international students in particular feel welcomed and supported as they adjust to American culture and the Twin Cities environment.

Fees: The total cost for boarding students at CDH ranges from $23,000 to $45,000 per year, depending on the boarding arrangement (homestay, shared housing, or dormitory-style options) and additional program fees.

Why Choose Cretin-Derham Hall:

Affordable compared to many private boarding schools
Strong Catholic tradition and values
Rich extracurricular programs including competitive athletics
Supportive homestay and international student services

3. Cotter Schools – Winona, MN

For families willing to look a bit farther from Minneapolis, Cotter Schools in Winona offers an excellent boarding school option. Located about two hours southeast of the Twin Cities, Cotter has been serving students for over a century and is widely regarded for its welcoming community and strong academic standards.

Cotter Schools accept both day and boarding students in grades 7–12. Boarding students live in a safe, residential environment with dormitories designed to provide comfort and supervision. The school’s relatively small size means students receive plenty of personal attention from teachers, dorm staff, and administrators.

Academically, Cotter prepares students for college with a curriculum that emphasizes critical thinking, writing, and problem-solving skills. The school also offers AP courses and dual-enrollment opportunities with local colleges. Extracurriculars are equally strong, with athletics, music, arts, and community service playing a central role in student life.

Boarding life at Cotter is enriched by weekend trips, community service activities, and cultural experiences that allow students to build meaningful relationships with peers and staff.

Fees: Boarding at Cotter Schools costs around $38,000 per year, which covers tuition, room, and board.

Why Choose Cotter Schools:

Personalized, community-oriented environment
Academic rigor combined with holistic student development
Strong college preparation and extracurricular offerings
Safe, small-town setting while still within reach of Minneapolis

4. Saint John’s Preparatory School – Collegeville, MN

Located in Collegeville, Minnesota, about an hour and a half northwest of Minneapolis, Saint John’s Preparatory School is one of the most prestigious boarding schools in the region. With a history that dates back to 1857, the school combines tradition with modern academic excellence.

Saint John’s Prep serves grades 6–12 and offers both day and boarding programs. The boarding facilities are located on a scenic campus connected to Saint John’s University, giving students access to college-level resources and a beautiful, natural environment. Students benefit from small class sizes, advanced coursework, and an emphasis on preparing for higher education.

Boarding students live in supervised dormitories with structured study times, access to sports and recreation facilities, and a vibrant campus life. The school’s affiliation with a Benedictine monastery also influences its values of community, leadership, and service.

Fees: The cost for boarding students is approximately $55,000 per year, which includes tuition, room, and board.

Why Choose Saint John’s Prep:

Prestigious academic reputation and history
Access to university facilities and resources
Strong college prep focus with individualized attention
Beautiful natural campus offering a balance of academics and lifestyle

5. Hillcrest Lutheran Academy – Fergus Falls, MN

For families seeking a more affordable option, Hillcrest Lutheran Academy in Fergus Falls is a strong contender. Located about three hours northwest of Minneapolis, Hillcrest is a Christian boarding and day school serving grades 10–12.

Hillcrest is known for its strong faith-based education, small class sizes, and supportive environment. The boarding program offers students a close-knit community where teachers, dorm staff, and peers encourage both academic growth and personal development. Students engage in a variety of extracurriculars, including athletics, music, and ministry activities.

What makes Hillcrest especially appealing is its affordability. Compared to many other boarding schools, Hillcrest offers quality education and boarding at a much lower cost, making it accessible for families on a budget. While it may not have the same range of facilities as larger prep schools, it provides excellent value for money.

Fees: The annual cost for boarding students is approximately $19,475 per year, making it one of the most affordable boarding schools in Minnesota.

Why Choose Hillcrest Lutheran Academy:

Affordable tuition and boarding costs
Strong Christian values and community spirit
Small, family-like environment
Focus on character development alongside academics

Key Factors to Consider When Choosing a Boarding School

When evaluating boarding schools in Minneapolis or elsewhere in Minnesota, parents should consider:

Cost vs. Value: Fees range from under $20,000 to over $55,000 annually. Compare facilities, academic offerings, and support services.
Location: Schools closer to Minneapolis (like ISM and CDH) offer easier access, while those farther away may provide quieter, more focused environments.
Academic Programs: Look for AP, honors, and dual-enrollment options if preparing for competitive colleges.
Boarding Experience: Check room types, weekend activities, health services, and student support systems.
School Culture: Consider whether you prefer a secular, faith-based, or international environment.

Conclusion

Boarding schools in and around Minneapolis offer a wide spectrum of opportunities for students, from global academic experiences at the International School of Minnesota to faith-based, affordable education at Hillcrest Lutheran Academy. Families can choose based on budget, academic focus, and preferred community environment.

If you want proximity to Minneapolis and a global education, ISM or Cretin-Derham Hall are top picks. If you value tradition and rigorous college prep, Saint John’s Prep or Cotter Schools provide excellent options. And if affordability and faith-based education are priorities, Hillcrest Lutheran Academy offers a strong balance.

By weighing cost, academics, location, and culture, families can find the right fit and give their child a transformative educational experience in Minnesota.