Schaeffer Academy's primary purpose is to provide a Christ-centered and classical education which emphasizes rigorous academics in the liberal arts in grades K-12.
As a private, non-denominational Christian school, all subjects are taught within the frame of a Christian worldview.
As a classical school, the method of instruction is the Trivium (Grammar, Logic and Rhetoric) - a system of education in use since the Middle Ages. Schaeffer Academy's students graduate able to think clearly, reason soundly, write gracefully and live faithfully.
We provide excellent academics, fine arts and athletics and have a record of excellent test scores and solid college admissions.
Schaeffer Academy was founded in 1993 and is located on 37 acres in northeast Rochester, Minnesota. Rochester is a city of 120,000 about 80 miles south of Minneapolis/St. Paul and the third-largest city in the state. The city is home to the Mayo Clinic medical facility and IBM. For more information, go to www.schaefferacademy.org.
Quick Stats (2024-25)
- Top Ranked MN School
- Grades: Kindergarten-12
- Enrollment: 277 students
- Yearly Tuition: $9,333
- Average class size: 22 students
- Application Deadline: Feb. 15
- Source: Verified school update
Top Rankings
Schaeffer Academy ranks among the top 20% of private schools in Minnesota for:
Category
Attribute
Student Body
School Overview
School Membership(s)School Assoc.
Religious Affiliation
Grades Offered
Grades Kindergarten-12
Year Founded
1993
School Calendar
Student Body
Total Students
277 students
Student Body Type
Co-ed
% Students of Color
14%
State avg.: 22%
Students by Grade
Academics and Faculty
Total Classroom Teachers
19 teachers
Student : Teacher Ratio
15:1
National avg.: 13:1
% Faculty w/Advanced Degree
32%
Average Class Size
22 students
Number of AP Courses
3 courses
List of Courses Offered
Advanced Courses
20th Century History, 20th Century Literature, American Government & Economics, American Literature, Ancient History, Ancient Literature, AP Calculus BC, AP Physics C, AP Physics I, Apologetics, Art, Art Appreciation and History, Basic Christian Doctrine, Biology w/Lab, British Literature, Calculus, Chemistry w/Lab, Christian Worldview, Composition and Literary Forms, Functions, Statistics & Trig, Latin I, II, III, Logic I, II, Music, Music Appreciation & History, Physics I, Rhetoric & Debate I, II, Senior Theology, Spanish I, II, III, U. S. History, Western Philosophy, World History
Average SAT score
1320
(Out of 1600)
Average ACT score
27
(Out of 36)
Matriculation DataMatric. Data
Classroom Dress Code
Casual
uniform - khaki/polos in school color (secondary) or plaid/navy twill/polos (elementary)
Tuition and Acceptance Rate
Admission Deadline
Feb. 15
Yearly Tuition Cost
Tuition Notes
Excellent Scholarship Program Available.
Full time tuition for grades all-day kindergarten -12th grade is $9333; half-day kindergarten tuition is $5000
% on Financial Aid
18%
Average Financial Aid Grant
$3,500
Admissions Director
Jill Wirth
Sports
Total Sports Offered
8 sports
Sports
Extracurriculars
Total ExtracurricularsTotal Extra-curric.
12 extracurriculars
ExtracurricularsExtra-curric.
Club or Organization:
LEGO Robotics Club, Student Council, Technology Club
Arts and Music Programs:
Band, Choir, Drama, Orchestra, Studio Art, Summer Adventures in Kindergarten Camp, Summer Adventures in Learning Camps (Grades 1-8), Yearbook
Recreational Athletic Programs:
Summer Sport Camps
LEGO Robotics Club, Student Council, Technology Club
Arts and Music Programs:
Band, Choir, Drama, Orchestra, Studio Art, Summer Adventures in Kindergarten Camp, Summer Adventures in Learning Camps (Grades 1-8), Yearbook
Recreational Athletic Programs:
Summer Sport Camps
School Notes
- Schaeffer Academy is in its twenty-ninth year. The school is named after Dr. Francis Schaeffer, a Christian philosopher, theologian and evangelist. The school's educational philosophy reflects his emphasis on a Christian worldview, which permeates all areas of life
- Schaeffer Academy provides a Christ-centered and classical education which emphasizes academic excellence in the liberal arts. All subjects are taught within a Christian worldview
- Financial Aid Scholarship Program
- Academics: On average, 12% of Scheffer Academy students in each class are recognized by the National Merit Scholarship Corporation as finalists, semifinalists, or commended students
- Literature enriched curriculum. Humanties courses include substantial reading in original texts.Major writing or research projects are required throughout high school.Logic and Rhetoric in the Middle and Upper School.
- Latin is required through grade 9, while Spanish is taught in 10th, 11th and 12th. Latin students take the National Latin Exam annually. Over the years,Schaeffer students were honored with 109 gold medals including seven for perfect papers.
- Annual Science and History Fairs require students to produce projects with National History Day guidelines in 8th and 10th grades, and projects suitable for the Regional and State Science Fairs in 7th, 9th and 11th grades.
- Weekly chapel; service projects for middle schoolers; Student Council, Legos Robotics Club, Technology Club, etc.
- Strong emphasis on the arts, with twice yearly drama productions and concerts for our Upper and Lower School choirs, Upper and Lower School Band and string ensembles plus Jazz Band
- Faculty are committed Christians, dedicated to teaching and able to model character for our students
- Schaeffer Academy is a member of the Minnesota State High School League (MSHSL) Division 1A and offers the following varsity sports: Boys and Girls Soccer, Cross Country, Girls Volleyball, Boys and Girls Basketball, Track and Field, Tennis, Boys Baseball and Girls Softball
- All buildings have been completed since 1999 including a state-of-the art Physics/Science Lab
- View more details about the school at www.schaefferacademy.org
Source: Verified school update
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does Schaeffer Academy cost?
Schaeffer Academy's tuition is approximately $9,333 for private students.
What sports does Schaeffer Academy offer?
Schaeffer Academy offers 8 interscholastic sports: Baseball, Basketball, Cross Country, Soccer, Softball, Tennis, Track and Field and Volleyball.
What is Schaeffer Academy's ranking?
Schaeffer Academy ranks among the top 20% of private schools in Minnesota for: Largest student body.
When is the application deadline for Schaeffer Academy?
The application deadline for Schaeffer Academy is Feb. 15.
Related Schools
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People that viewed Schaeffer Academy also viewed these schools: Ambassador Academy and Holy Spirit Catholic School.
The nearest high school and elementary school to Schaeffer Academy is Rochester Pentecostal School (2.3 miles away)
The nearest preschool is Rochester KinderCare (0.7 miles away)
Show me:
Show me:
School
Location
Miles
Grades
Students
Grades: 1-6 | 13 students 4.7 miles 559 20th St. SW
Rochester, MN 55902
(507) 292-9353
Rochester, MN 55902
(507) 292-9353
4.7
1-6
13
Grades: NS-5 | 245 students 6.4 miles 5455 50th Ave Nw
Rochester, MN 55901
(507) 288-8818
Rochester, MN 55901
(507) 288-8818
6.4
NS-5
245
School Reviews
5 2/23/2019
Our children are late elementary and middle school age, and have been at Schaeffer since kindergarten. We appreciate the classical Christian education and overall academic rigor. Schaeffer has most of the extracurriculars you could want (sports, drama, etc.). Test scores far exceed other public and private schools in the area. Our family highly recommends Schaeffer to parents who would like to have their children receive a classical Christian education that prepares them well to pursue higher education.
5 11/24/2017
After trying 3 other schools, we have finally found a school home for our 4 children at Schaeffer Academy. They provide a safe, encouraging atmosphere where each of our kids can feel comfortable to be who they were created to be. Every teacher we have had has been such a blessing! We love the classical education which teaches our kids to apply critical thinking skills to every subject. This gives the students an amazing foundation allowing them to excel at any career they choose. The older students mentor the younger students encouraging them in their character. The small class size allows the kids many opportunities for involvement and leadership. I am so thankful for a school like Schaeffer!
5 5/13/2017
Classical education teaches my children how to think: logic and its application. This is woven into every subject, and I know they will have a good foundation for the future regardless of what careers they choose.
5 4/7/2017
Schaeffer Academy is an amazing classical Christian school! We have had two children attend thus far, and we are so grateful for their school experience! The teachers are warm and encouraging. The academics are rigorous but doable. They have encouraged both of our children with their specific needs and have accommodated both special needs for one child at a time and stretching our precocious child. There is a great sense of community, and we love the mentorship a k-12 school provides. Priceless! In short, we would highly recommend Schaeffer Academy.
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