The 89 Catholic schools in the Archdiocese of Saint Paul and Minneapolis build on a tradition of excellence to form the future of our Church and society, and provide an education that will benefit students for life.
89 Catholic schools
78 Catholic elementary schools
16 Catholic high schools
More than
31,000 preschool-12 students
enrolled
4th largest school district in the state of Minnesota
97% of high school graduates continue their education
As a vital ministry of the Catholic Church, our schools:
PROVIDE AN EXCELLENT EDUCATION
They are academically excellent and strong in their Catholic identity. They are the premier option for families seeking to provide their children with top quality education that is rooted in Catholic values and formation.
HAVE A DEMONSTRATED TRACK RECORD AND ONGOING MOMENTUM
Our schools are a home away from home, serving students intellectually and spiritually. Over the last four years, systemwide enrollment has increased by more than 9%. Families find a trusted educational partner in our Catholic schools.
SERVE AND REFLECT THEIR LOCAL COMMUNITIES
Our 90 schools across the 12-county metropolitan area of Saint Paul and Minneapolis serve Catholic and non-Catholic families. Our schools are for everyone who desires an excellent Catholic education, regardless of their financial situation. The makeup of students mirrors the diverse population of the communities our schools serve.
PLAY A DIRECT ROLE IN THE FUTURE OF THE FAITH
With Jesus Christ at the center, our Catholic schools are vital hubs of formation and evangelization. Strengthened in faith, students understand they are called to holiness and should use their God-given gifts to build up His Kingdom. Each year, hundreds of students and their families join the Catholic Church through their Catholic school.
PARTNER WITH PARENTS, PARISHES, LEADERS AND SUPPORTERS
Individuals and organizations in the Archdiocese generously support Catholic schools and partner to strengthen our system and help ensure that excellent Catholic education is available and students flourish.
Our Patroness
Our Lady, Seat of Wisdom
Feast Day: June 8
The icon is inspired by art depicting Our Lady, Seat of Wisdom, and symbolizes the foundation of the Archdiocesan Catholic school system. Holy Mary and the Child Jesus represent parents, teachers, children, care and life, while an open book symbolizes the Gospel and the fruits of rigorous study.
Prayer for the Intercession of Our Lady, Seat of Wisdom
O God, infinitely wise, in order to raise the fallen,
you decreed that the Virgin Mary should be the dwelling place of your Wisdom.
Through her intercession may we avoid the spirit of pride and, following her example, serve you with a true spirit of humility.
We ask this through Christ our Lord,
Amen.
History
The Archdiocese of Saint Paul and Minneapolis has a rich tradition of excellence in Catholic education. Bishop Joseph Cretin’s invitation in 1851 to the Sisters of Saint Joseph to lead the first school for girls in what was then the Northwest United States marked the beginning of the local Church’s investment in Catholic schools to advance the mission of Catholic education. Burgeoning from this original vision, Catholic schools in the Archdiocese have been blessed with committed leaders, dedicated teachers and devoted benefactors. Catholic schools in the Archdiocese continue to represent a core ministry of parishes.
Office for the Mission of Catholic Education
At the service of the Archbishop, the Office for the Mission of Catholic Education provides vision, support and direction to those who lead and teach in the name of the Church within the Archdiocese so that they can achieve their mission to proclaim Jesus Christ and form authentic disciples.