Providence Academy Photo #9 - Students playing "outside" in the Stadium Dome on a Minnesota winter day.

Providence Academy

Providence Academy is a private, co-educational, Catholic college-preparatory school located at 15100 Schmidt Lake Road in Plymouth, a western suburb of Minneapolis, Minnesota.
Three schools under one roof. Providence Academy serves Pre-kindergarten through fifth grade with its lower school, sixth through eighth grade with its middle school and ninth through twelfth grade with its high school or upper school.
College-preparatory academics are combined with faith and character development to prepare students' minds and spirits for life outside the classroom.
The words, "faith, knowledge and virtue", best express the mission and philosophy of Providence Academy.

Quick Stats (2024-25)

  • Top Ranked MN School
  • Grades: Prekindergarten-12
  • Enrollment: 811 students
  • Yearly Tuition: $18,995
  • Average class size: 18 students
  • Application Deadline: None / Rolling
  • Source: Verified school update

Top Rankings

Providence Academy ranks among the top 20% of private schools in Minnesota for:

School Overview

Religious Affiliation
Grades Offered
Grades Prekindergarten-12
ADD/ADHD Support
Yes
Learning Difference Programs
Yes
Learning Programs Supported
Mild Learning Differences
Year Founded
2001
Summer School Offered
Yes
Summer Program Details

Student Body

Total Students
811 students
Student Body Type
Co-ed
Students by Grade
Providence Academy Student By Grade

Academics and Faculty

Total Classroom Teachers
78 teachers
Student : Teacher Ratio
10:1
National avg.: 13:1
% Faculty w/Advanced Degree
77%
Average Class Size
18 students
List of Courses Offered
Advanced Courses
Advanced Biology, Advanced Chemistry, Advanced Physics, Calculus II, College Latin Poetry, College Latin Prose, Honors Algebra I, Honors Algebra II, Honors Biology, Honors Calculus, Honors English, Honors Fine Arts, Honors Geometry and Trigonometry, Honors History, Honors Physics, Honors Pre-Calculus, Honors Religion
Average SAT score
1207
(Out of 1600)
Average ACT score
29
(Out of 36)
Classroom Dress Code
Formal
Uniform

Tuition and Acceptance Rate

Admission Deadline
None / Rolling
Yearly Tuition Cost
Tuition Notes
2022-2023 Tuition: PreK: $12,535 (full day) K: $12,535 Grades 1-3: $14,975 Grades 4-5: $16,155 Grades 6-8: $16,725 Grades 9-12: $18,995
Summer Program Cost Notes
Various depends on the activity.
% on Financial Aid
40%
Admissions Director
Debra Spears
Admissions Associate
Sally Nathe

Sports

Extracurriculars

Total ExtracurricularsTotal Extra-curric.
26 extracurriculars
ExtracurricularsExtra-curric.
Club or Organization:
Aviation Club, Book Club, Campus Ministry, Chess Club, Cooking Club, Drama/Theater, First Robotics, House System, Lions for Life, Math League, Medical Club, National Honors Society, Peer Tutoring, Poetry Club, Quiz Bowl Tream, Sailing Club, Science Olympiad, Service Club, Ski/Snowboard Club, Speech/Debate, Spirit Squad (Cheer), Student Ambassadors, Student Council, Theater Council and Drama Club, Writing Club

Recreational Athletic Programs:
Boys Lacrosse

School Notes

  • "I loved my time at Providence Academy, but I didn't realize how unique the school is until after I graduated...I found that I was more secure in my faith than the majority of my friends who went to other parochial schools,I was more prepared for the academic rigor of college than most of my friends who went to prestigious preparatory schools,and I was more able to make sound decisions and more capable of living on my own than nearly every one of my peers. I could not be more grateful for Providence's dedication to `Faith, Knowledge, and Virtue,` as thecommitmentnot only to academic development, but spiritual and moral development as well, truly prepared me for the world outside our beautiful yellow halls". a Providence graduateProvidence Academy seeks to enroll a student body that is:Committed to learningOf strong moral characterMulti-talented with a variety of interestsEnthusiastic about a faith-centered communityInterested in developing themselves to the fullest in faith, knowledge, and virtueTo be successful in the college-prep rigor at Providence Academy, admissions standards require students to have a transcript or report card showing academics at grade level or above. Students are expected to have a history of positive behavior. Siblings of current students are given priority placement if applications are received by the first round deadline in mid-January.Admission CriteriaThe Admissions Committee takes the following into consideration when evaluating students for admission*:aptitudeacademic achievement and readinessemotional and social developmentmotivationinterests, talents and extra-curricular activities and achievementscooperation from the family in helping the school meet the needs of the studentability of the school to meet the needs of the studentcommitment of the student and the family to Christian education and formation*Pre-Kindergarten students must have reached the age four by September 1 of the year of enrollment.An applicant`s admissions file must have the following items to be considered complete and ready for review by the Admissions Committee:Parent and student application with $100 application fee (waivedfor online applications)Transcript or report cards from the last two years**Teacher recommendation/s**(one from a current teacher for grades Pre-K -5th; one from a Math plus one from an English teacher for grades 6 and above)Parent and student interviewAssessment/Entrance exam (Providence Academy assessment for grades Pre-K-5th; ISEE testing for grades 6 and above)To apply for admission, clickhere.
Source: Verified school update

Frequently Asked Questions

How much does Providence Academy cost?
Providence Academy's tuition is approximately $18,995 for private students.
Does Providence Academy offer a summer program?
Yes, Providence Academy offers a summer program. Visit their summer school page for more information.
What sports does Providence Academy offer?
Providence Academy offers 16 interscholastic sports: Alpine Skiing, Baseball, Basketball, Cross Country, Dance, Diving, Football, Golf, Ice Hockey, Lacrosse, Soccer, Softball, Swimming, Tennis, Track and Field and Volleyball. Providence Academy is ranked as one of the top 20% of private schools in Minnesota for most sports offered.
What is Providence Academy's ranking?
When is the application deadline for Providence Academy?
The application deadline for Providence Academy is rolling (applications are reviewed as they are received year-round).

School Reviews

  5.00 out of 5  (7 reviews)
5  
Providence Academy is the greatest gift we give our family and our highest priority. We actually "stumbled" into it when our eldest was transferring as a Freshman. We were looking at academically superior schools that were not obsessed with technology and where students could develop to their greatest potential. WOW! We were embraced with acceptance, caring, and academic excellence by hard-working teachers that truly care about each student and create genuine relationships with them. The classes across all disciplines push the students to innovate, synthesize theories/outcomes, challenge the "group think", and embrace learning at every level. We transferred our other children to Middle School; saddened at what our oldest child missed out on learning at the public school where we live. When your children attend Providence Academy, they learn and LIVE respect, values, faith, and traditions. They determine and define what they each individually believe and are confident in defending it. They develop into the very best version of whom God created each to be. And being a smaller school, they can engage, participate, excel, and even dream! We never have to worry about what is being taught to our children, how it is being taught or messaging. Full transparency with the parents! The best place for your children's journey through high school and beyond. They graduate as capable, confident, and caring adults that live what they've learned over the years.
- Posted by
5  
Truly one of the best decisions our family has ever made has been to send our children to Providence. We were seeking a safe, academic-focused, virtue-embodying school for our girls and have found that and beyond. Our girls differ in their strengths and this school has appropriately pushed them to be their best versions of themselves academically, socially and in virtue. We are so impressed at the small class sizes, real-world readiness and overall experience at this school. As a parent, we want our kids to be the very best they can be and I don't think there is another choice out there that comes at all close to what our children get at PA. The parent community is wonderful, the faculty and staff (the custodial works know our kids by name, even). We are just so impressed. Without hesitation this school gets 5 stars in every category.
- Posted by
5  
Providence Academy is a truly marvelous institution. While the impressive architecture and state-of-the-art facilities help make it so, it is really the extraordinary faculty that distinguish it from other schools and determine its overall excellence. To be sure, its teachers are second to none and some of the finest educators of young people I have ever known. Entrusting your sons and daughters to them is something I strongly recommend. Most are specialists in their respective fields; but notonly do they educate the mind, they also educate the human heart and help mold the character, as is immediately apparent upon meeting an alumnus or alumna. While Providence does a superb job of guiding young men and women in their individual faith journeys, religion is never forced on anyone. Indeed, its theology department, chaired by the brilliant Dr. Arthur Hippler, must surely be one of the best in the state, if not in the nation. I am also closely acquainted with many graduates of Providence Academy, and if one can judge an institution by the caliber of its products, then the school is to be commended without fear of exaggeration or overuse of the superlative.
- Posted by
5  
We have had our children at PA for over 10 years and found PA because our public school was over crowded. We consider our decision to send our kids to PA the best decision we every made! The school is not easy, they push the kids in the classroom, and it's gratifying to see them rise to the challenge. At PA we lead with our faith and are proud of our traditional values of faith, knowledge and virtue. As our societies morals crumble around us, PA is safe harbor for our children. PA students are smart, filled with faith, focused on helping others and driven to succeed. The facilities are second to none! The school just completed a new athletic field that is nicer than many colleges, and the crown jewel, the new 700 seat performing arts center, which is so over the top beautiful that I pinch myself every time I step foot in the building. It's hard to overstate what an amazing school it is! Thank you PA for helping shape our kids and watching them grow into responsible young adults!
- Posted by
5  
Providence Academy is such an incredible place. I attended PA for my high school years and was deeply impacted by their mission of educating the "Whole Person" through faith, knowledge and virtue. Not only did I receive a top-notch, college-prep education, but I also received so many other valuable things that helped develop my character and faith. These lessons will continue to impact my daily life for many years to come. I cannot wait to send my own children to Providence someday so that they can experience the same incredible education and formation that I received while attending this school!
- Posted by
5  
Simply put, I could not even begin to imagine my children at any other school. It is an excellent college preparatory school with excellent teachers and many choices, beyond just sports, to fit every child. We recently moved from a town and home we loved just to be closer to Providence. We have a child in each the lower, middle and upper schools. Not only are the academics excellent, but Providence goes beyond just book teaching. It teaches the whole person. I truly believe that my children are becoming not only educated in mind, but also in body and soul by attending this school. It is so heart warming to have a school that I not only feel comfortable with, but look forward to sending my children to everyday that teaches and embodies the same values we do in our home. It is not just me and my husband, my children love this school, too. My youngest son is new this year to Providence. Last year he would regularly complain about going to school. This year not only has he not complained, but also asked if he had to miss school for a cold. When I told him no, only if he had a fever, he replied with relief, "oh good!" What a great feeling as a parent!!
- Posted by
5  
Providence Academy has been a God send to our family. True to its mission of faith, knowledge and virtue, our children have grown tremendously at PA.
- Posted by

Endorse Providence Academy. Endorsements should be a few sentences in length. Please include any comments on:

  • Quality of academic programs, teachers, and facilities
  • Availability of music, art, sports and other extracurricular activities
  • Academic or athletic awards
Endorse this school:

Recent Articles

Filling Your Seats
Filling Your Seats
This article provides valuable insights for marketing staff at small private schools, focusing on strategies to boost enrollment and retention. It addresses common challenges such as budget constraints, resistance to change, and the need for both short-term and long-term planning. With expert advice and real-world examples, this guide is essential for any school looking to thrive in a competitive educational landscape.
Early Childhood Education: Which Approach to Choose?
July 31, 2024
Early Childhood Education: Which Approach to Choose?
Explore the world of early childhood education with our comprehensive guide to Montessori, Waldorf, and Reggio Emilia approaches. Learn the key principles, benefits, and practical considerations of each method to make an informed decision for your 2-3 year old's educational journey.
Your 10-Step Guide to Choosing a Private School
July 29, 2024
Your 10-Step Guide to Choosing a Private School
Selecting the best private school for your child is a significant decision that requires careful consideration and research. Our "10 Step Guide for Choosing a Private School" provides a detailed roadmap to help parents navigate this complex process. This guide covers everything from assessing your child's unique needs and researching potential schools to evaluating academic programs and exploring financial aid options. Whether you're looking for a school that offers PK-12 or just high school grades, this guide will equip you with the knowledge and tools to make the best choice for your child's education.

Quick Stats (2024-25)

  • Top Ranked MN School
  • Grades: Prekindergarten-12
  • Enrollment: 811 students
  • Yearly Tuition: $18,995
  • Average class size: 18 students
  • Application Deadline: None / Rolling
  • Source: Verified school update

Request Information

Did You Know?

The average private school tuition in Minneapolis, MN is $11,527 for elementary schools and $19,005 for high schools (read more about average private school tuition across the country).
The average acceptance rate in Minneapolis, MN is 81% (read more about average acceptance rates across the country).

Quick Links