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Saint John’s Preparatory School

United States, Collegeville

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The school at a glance
Instructs in English
Fees $10,350 - 62,945
Ages Not listed
Pupil numbers 277
Type Co-educational, Co-educational (boarding)
Opened 1857
Bus Service No
Academic offering
Curriculum Bespoke Curriculum, Advanced Placement (AP), IB (DP)
Taught languages Mandarin, German, Spanish
Typical class size 18
Strengths Sport, Performing Arts, Languages
Clubs Academic and Intellectual, Arts and Creative, Community and Service
Stages Middle School, Secondary School, High School
Introduction

Saint John's Preparatory School is an independent college preparatory day school on the 2,900-acre campus shared with Saint John's University in Collegeville, Minnesota. The Upper School offers a well‑rounded liberal arts curriculum and provides access to Advanced Placement content and college courses through partnerships with Saint John's University and the College of Saint Benedict. A2E, Aspire to Excellence, guides students through seven foundational learning goals—academic excellence, spiritual growth, social development, and compassionate service—with opportunities for advanced work, collegiate courses, and an Honors capstone project. Rooted in Catholic Benedictine values, the school emphasizes community, integrity, and spiritual growth, and houses the Benedictine Center for Leadership and Service. Facilities include libraries, science and language arts spaces, art studios, and a gym, with extensive outdoor and experiential learning across the campus. Global experiences include exchanges in Melk, Austria; Mexico; and an English Teaching Internship in Japan, alongside a broad arts and athletics program.

2280 Watertower Road, P.O. Box 4000, Collegeville, MN 56321-4000

The Essentials

Saint John’s Preparatory School has 277 pupils, typical class sizes of 18, instruction in English.

Location
2280 Watertower Road, Collegeville, MN 56321-4000. Located on the campus of Saint John's University in Collegeville, Minnesota, with facilities on the Saint John's University campus and in partnership with the College of Saint Benedict.

Stages
grades 6-12

Type
independent college preparatory school

Pupil Nationality Mix
Approximately 25% of students are international, representing 10–15 countries; the student body includes day, domestic boarding, and international students.

Additional learning support
English Language Services (ESOL) are offered for international students, including intermediate and advanced ESOL classes and tutoring.

Religious affiliation
Benedictine values

School day structure
A typical day runs 8:00 a.m. to 3:10 p.m., with athletics and after-school activities from 3:00 to 5:00 p.m., followed by mandatory study time starting at 8:00 p.m.

Bus service
Transportation is provided by on-site residence hall staff as needed; a shuttle serves the campus, and busing is available to a variety of locations.
Diving Deeper

Boarding Arrangements
Residential Life Program offers 5-Day and 7-Day residential options. Boarding students live in Saint Michael Hall, adjacent to the prep school, with two distinct living communities for girls and boys connected by a walkway and a shared gourmet kitchen. The hall includes community lounges, computer and internet access, laundry facilities, kitchens, and welcoming common spaces, and Saint Michael Hall was renovated in 2020 to modernize the living environment and security. Full-time residential staff live on campus to support students, and boarding students participate in day trips and occasional overnight excursions throughout the year.

Food Options
Saint Michael Hall includes a large gourmet kitchen and additional kitchen spaces for student use. Residents also have access to community lounges and spaces for dining and social activities.

House System
Boarding uses two distinct living communities for girls and boys within Saint Michael Hall, connected by a walkway and sharing a gourmet kitchen.

Governance and Ownership
The Board of Regents oversees the mission-focused operation of Saint John's Prep and its properties. Benedictine presence informs leadership, with OSB members serving in governance roles.
Fees

Annual tuition at Saint John’s Preparatory School ranges from USD 10,350 to USD 62,945 for 2026/27.

Application fees

- Upper School (grades 9–12) applicants: a USD 50 application fee when applying online by credit card.
- International applicants: a USD 175 application fee when applying online by credit card.

Tuition fees by year group (annual figures and ranges)

- Middle School (grades 6–8): variable tuition with a Financial Assistance Tuition Range of USD 2,500 – USD 10,550. A representative per-child estimate used in the school's calculator is USD 10,350 for grades 6–8. Tuition for continuing families is managed through the school's variable tuition program.

- Upper School (grades 9–12) — Day students: variable tuition with a Financial Assistance Tuition Range of USD 7,200 – USD 20,480. A representative per-child estimate used in the school's calculator is USD 20,280 for grades 9–12.

Note: the school operates a variable-tuition model; listed ranges reflect financial-assistance levels and the school's variable-tuition program rather than single fixed tuition rates.

Boarding fees (upper school residential options)

- 5‑day resident range (grades 9–12): USD 26,899 – USD 42,180 (this range includes room and board and reflects variable tuition levels).
- 7‑day resident range (grades 9–12): USD 31,097 – USD 50,350 (this range includes room and board and reflects variable tuition levels).
- International student boarding (full cost for an international boarding student, including tuition, room, meal plan, activities, athletics, technology, on‑campus transportation, orientation, registration, ESOL instruction, mentorship, and insurance): USD 62,945.

What tuition typically includes and what is charged separately

- Included in published tuition/boarding totals (where noted): activities, athletics, technology, new‑student orientation, and registration. For boarding figures, room, meal plan and many residential services are included as described above.
- Charged separately through Student Accounts or campus vendors: meal purchases at the Prep Snack Bar or university dining halls, field trips, certain academic or co‑curricular fees, disciplinary fines, graduation fees (seniors only), and costs for lost or damaged textbooks, iPads, or other school property. Student ID replacement fee: USD 25. Meal pricing is posted at campus dining venues and is paid directly by students or families.

Billing schedule and payment terms

- Enrollment deposit: parents of continuing students signal intent to enroll by submitting a deposit; the deposit is credited toward the upcoming year's tuition balance.
- Interest‑free payment plans offered:
- Two‑payment plan: 60% of the balance due by August, remaining 40% due by December.
- Month‑by‑month plan: payments spread August through May.
Both plans are offered at no additional cost.
- Work‑study and merit scholarships are available as additional ways to reduce net tuition; work‑study may allow eligible students to offset tuition through approved hours of work.

Other costs and typical incidental charges

- Dining/meals: Snack Bar purchases and university dining hall charges are separate; families may deposit funds to student dining accounts. Meal pricing is set by on‑campus dining vendors.
- Student account charges: in‑school testing fees, field trips, replacement ID cards (USD 25), graduation fees (seniors), and restitution for lost/damaged school property. Outstanding charges must be paid before official transcripts are released.

Refund and cancellation terms

- Tuition refunds: tuition refunds are provided if a student withdraws prior to the 10th day of the fall semester. A medical withdrawal may result in a suspension of the tuition obligation; long‑term disability periods may lead to prorated tuition with certified medical documentation. Refunds or deductions are not provided for withdrawal after the 10th day of the fall semester, for absences during the year, or for dismissal. Complete enrollment‑agreement terms govern cancellation and refund details.

Fee payment options and methods accepted

- Application fees: paid online by credit card when submitting the online application.
- Tuition and recurring payments: the school supports Automated Clearing House (ACH) electronic funds transfers (both one‑time and recurring), and the school offers an ACH authorization form for automatic withdrawals. Interest‑free payment plans (two‑payment or monthly) are available. Families should coordinate specific payment arrangements with the school's Student Accounts/Admission offices.

Summary of information availability and gaps

- The school publishes variable tuition ranges for middle and upper school day students, representative per‑child estimates used in its tuition calculator (USD 10,350 for grades 6–8 and USD 20,280 for grades 9–12), and explicit boarding totals for residential options including the international boarding flat figure of USD 62,945. Detailed per‑term (term‑by‑term) fixed tuition amounts by year group are not published; instead, families are provided ranges and offered interest‑free payment plans and variable‑tuition awards. For deposit, per‑term breakdowns, and any itemized annual fee schedule, families receive specific figures through the school's enrollment agreement and Student Accounts correspondence.
Academics

Saint John’s Preparatory School teaches Bespoke Curriculum, Advanced Placement (AP), IB (DP).

Curriculum
The Upper School offers a well-rounded liberal arts curriculum. Students have opportunities to take Advanced Placement (AP) content and college courses at Saint John's University and the College of Saint Benedict. A2E, Aspire to Excellence, is a curriculum designed to help students explore their academic interests and succeed in higher education, and it includes seven foundational learning goals such as academic excellence, spiritual growth, social development, and compassionate service, with advanced work including collegiate courses and an Honors capstone project.

Student Teacher Ratio
Average class size is 18. The student to faculty ratio is 11:1.

Exam Results
100% college acceptance of those who apply.

Higher Education Progression
AP coursework and college courses are available through partnerships with Saint John's University and the College of Saint Benedict, supporting college preparation and access to higher education.

Gifted and Talented
A2E Aspire to Excellence is a curriculum designed to help students explore academic interests and succeed in higher education, including advanced work such as collegiate courses and an Honors capstone project.
Wellbeing

Social and Emotional Learning (SEL)
Saint John's Prep provides social-emotional learning (SEL) as part of its student support services. The program focuses on identifying and managing emotions, maintaining healthy relationships, negotiating conflict, and making good choices. A dedicated team of school counselors supports college and career exploration, academic guidance, and social-emotional development. An International Student Advisor assists with language support and intercultural transition, reinforcing SEL for a diverse student body. Wrap-around support aims to promote students' well-being and readiness for college and life beyond.

Special Educational Needs (SEN)
Academic support is delivered through the student support services team, which works with parents, faculty and residential life to provide wrap-around support. Counselors conduct regular individual check-ins with students to provide tools to support their academic success. The school offers academic accommodations including extended time, quiet testing spaces, and structured study halls.

English as an Additional Language (EAL)
An International Student Advisor assists with English for Speakers of Other Languages (ESOL) instruction to help students acquire listening, speaking, reading, and writing skills needed for intercultural communication and cross-curricular academic success.

Mental Wellbeing
Mental wellbeing is supported through social-emotional learning and ongoing counseling. The student support services include regular counselor check-ins to support emotional well-being and academic progress.

Safeguarding
Policies and Procedures for the Protection of Minors are in place, along with the Safe Environment Policy of Saint John's Abbey, and a Non-Discrimination Policy.
Parent Experience

History
Saint John's Prep educates students for a lifetime of learning, leadership, and service in a global society within a Catholic Benedictine tradition. Since its founding in 1857, Saint John's Prep has provided education rooted in Benedictine values that emphasize community, service, and intellectual growth. The Prep sits on a campus shared with Saint John's University and Saint John's Abbey, set within 2,900 acres of water and woodlands. Benedictine values inform core aspects of the program, including community, integrity, and spiritual growth, and a Benedictine Center for Leadership, Service, and Community operates on campus.

Community
Saint John's Prep emphasizes a community built on hospitality, citizenship, trust, love, and respect. Residential Life is a vital part of the Prep experience, with on-campus housing in Saint Michael Hall for grades 9–12 and options for 5-day and 7-day programs. The Benedictine Center for Leadership, Service, and Community supports leadership and service initiatives on campus. 100% of upper-school students participate in at least one activity, and the campus spans 2,900 acres of water and woodlands.
Facilities

Facilities Overview
Saint John's Prep sits on a 2,900-acre woodland campus in Collegeville, Minnesota. It is located on the Saint John's University campus, with the College of Saint Benedict a short bus ride away. Students have access to academic libraries, sports facilities, bookstores, coffee shops, and dining facilities. The gym, art spaces, language arts spaces, and science spaces are used to support hands-on learning, including frequent outdoor class activities. The campus provides a broad, immersive learning environment that connects students with university resources and nearby institutions.

Sports Facilities
Saint John's Prep has a broad portfolio of athletic venues. On-campus facilities include Lake Sagatagan Field and Radio Tower Field for soccer and cross country; Guild Hall for basketball and performance events; and Saint Michael Hall Gym for indoor athletics. Warner Palaestra supports indoor track meets and swimming. The school also uses Durenberger Fields, Haws Soccer Field, Becker Baseball Park, and the Saint John's Tennis Courts through partnerships with Saint John's University; Schneider Baseball Field in St. Joseph is used for practices.

Academic Facilities
Students have access to academic libraries on campus. AP or college-level classes are available through partnerships with Saint John's University and the College of Saint Benedict. The campus supports learning across disciplines with library resources and other academic spaces, and outdoor experiences are integrated into the learning environment.

Extra Curricular Facilities
Arts for All includes Performing & Visual Arts and Prep Theatre & Performances. Saint John's Prep offers a spirited array of varsity and intramural sports. Our co-curricular opportunities include arts and athletics, aligning with the school's holistic approach.
Extra-Curricular Activities

Academic & Intellectual
Robotics, Econ Team, Knowledge Bowl and Envirothon are offered as academic teams. Upper School students participate in these teams and other clubs throughout the school year. 100% of upper school students participate in at least one activity, highlighting hands-on, collaborative learning outside the classroom.

Arts & Creative
Music programs include Band, Chamber Choir, Concert Choir, String Ensemble, and Jazz Band. Performing & Visual Arts and Prep Theatre & Performances provide a range of productions and showcases. Students publish Yearbook Pine Curtain, Prep Post, and The Triangle, and participate in fall and spring theater productions.

Cultural & Language
World Club is a student organization. German, Spanish and Chinese are offered as language courses. Global Experiences include study abroad programs and global exchanges such as Melk Austria, Mexico, and an English Teaching Internship in Japan. Approximately 25% of upper school students are international.

Social & Hobbies
Upper School dances, homecoming, Catholic Schools Week, Winter Festival, Interim Week, and Prom are part of student life. There are co-ed esports teams and other special-interest clubs. Prep Talk, a weekly Monday colloquium, provides time for clubs to meet and for students to engage with teachers.

Community & Service
The Benedictine Center for Leadership and Service is housed in the Experiential Learning Center. The center coordinates service projects and leadership opportunities, including collaboration with the National Honor Society. Global Experiences and study abroad programs broaden service and leadership opportunities for students.

Leadership & Professional
The Benedictine Center for Leadership and Service provides leadership development opportunities. The center coordinates service projects and leadership initiatives, including NHS collaboration. Global Experiences include Melk Austria exchange, Mexico exchange, and an English Teaching Internship in Japan, expanding leadership development in a global context.

Lifestyle & Wellbeing
The 2,900-acre woodland campus supports outdoor and experiential learning. Students have access to Saint John's University fitness center, pools, basketball/volleyball courts, baseball fields, racquetball, indoor climbing wall, and indoor/outdoor tennis courts. Many classes and activities take place outdoors on campus, leveraging the natural setting for hands-on learning.
Languages

Language Provision
World languages taught: Chinese, German, and Spanish. World languages begin in 6th grade with the World Languages Exploratory Program. In upper school, students follow a three-year language sequence (Chinese, German, or Spanish) with courses such as CHIN 101, GERM 101, and SPAN 101, and AP options including AP Chinese Language and Culture, AP German Language and Culture, and AP Spanish Language and Culture. Three full years of the same world language are required for graduation, with a fourth year strongly recommended. ESOL is available for English language learners.

Immersion Programs
Year-long study-abroad program in Austria. The program features a full academic curriculum enriched by travel throughout Austria and in other countries in Europe. It is part of the Aspire2Excellence curriculum which includes global experiences.
Admissions

Admissions
1. Complete the application form for admission. Saint John's Prep utilizes an online application management system where parents can create a secure account to stay connected with the Admission staff throughout the process and beyond. Applicants can apply directly to Saint John's Prep or submit the Standard Application Online (SAO). The school operates a rolling admission model and accepts applications at any time.

2. Access the application checklist items. The admissions process includes an application checklist that must be reviewed and completed. Use the online system to access the checklist and ensure all requested items are submitted. The Admission staff provides guidance on any missing items as needed. The rolling admission model supports consideration of applications on a continuous basis.

3. Schedule a visit. During campus Visit Days, families join in with prospective students to shadow a current student during classes, connect with faculty, and make new friends. Visit Days are available for Middle School and Upper School students. Individual tours are available online or in-person. Special sessions for parents cover an overview of the admission process, scholarships, and variable tuition.

4. Receive admission decision. After completing the above steps, families receive an admission decision as part of the process.

5. Pay deposit. The final step is to pay a deposit to finalize enrollment and secure the student's place in the class.

Scholarships
Saint John's Prep offers merit-based and needs-based scholarships. There are more than 50 endowed scholarships available to students, with a scholarship deadline of February 1. Applicants can complete the appropriate online scholarship application and submit it with the required essay; scholarships are reviewed by the Scholarship Committee, and winners are notified on the Variable Tuition Award letter.

Head of School Scholarship — $1,000 renewable; Criteria: academic achievements, commitment to service, community leadership, and character qualities. All grades welcome; preference for incoming 9th grade and new Upper School students.

Br. Paul-Vincent Niebauer Theater Scholarship — $1,000; Criteria: demonstrated theater interest, service, academics, and leadership. All grades welcome; preference for incoming 9th grade.

Froehle Science Scholarship — $750; Criteria: demonstrated science interest, service, academics, leadership, and character. All grades welcome; preference for incoming 9th grade.

The Benedictine Leadership Scholarship — $2,000; Criteria: commitment to core values, leadership in the classroom and community. Open to all 11th grade students.

Prep Opportunity Partners Scholarship Program — a cohort-based program for academically or creatively talented lower-income students in grades 6–12. In addition to financial aid, the program provides academic and personal support and leadership development; Prep Scholars receive an additional $250 per year for activity-related expenses.

Scholarship funds — scholarships are supported by restricted funds and donors. Gifts can establish or contribute to scholarship funds, and a substantial portion of Prep students receive financial aid.
School Events
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