Education
Superior education is a cornerstone in any top-tier community and the St. Cloud area is no exception. With the knowledge that excellent education is an invaluable investment in its residents’ lives, the area has ensured easy access to high-quality educational opportunities for students of all ages.
EXCEPTIONAL PUBLIC EDUCATION
Standing as the largest public school district in central Minnesota, St. Cloud Area School District 742 serves nearly 9,500 K-12 students located in nine communities. Eight elementary schools, two junior high schools, two high schools, two alternative learning schools, an early childhood center and a community education center comprise the facilities of District 742. Together, these schools are staffed with 782 teachers, 29 administrators and 778 support staff. Of the district’s 1,589 full- and part-time employees, 70 percent boast advanced degrees.
This standard of educational excellence is continued in the adjacent communities through Independent School District 47, which covers Sauk Rapids and Rice and Independent School District 748, serving Sartell and St. Stephen.
STRIDE Academy is a St. Cloud charter school providing core knowledge education for K-8 grade students.
FIRST-CLASS PRIVATE SCHOOLS
For those in search of an alternative to public schools, the St. Cloud area is home to a number of private institutions. The St. Cloud Catholic School System provides an option for parochial education through six facilities located within the St. Cloud area. Five preschool and elementary schools, John XXIII Middle School and Cathedral High School make up the local system.
St. Cloud Christian School is an independent nondenominational Christian school providing K-12 education.
Among other options is St. John’s Preparatory School. Sharing a campus with St. John’s University, in neighboring Collegeville, St. John’s Prep is a Catholic/Benedictine, coeducational, day and boarding college preparatory institution, enrolling 321 students in grades 6-12.
HIGHER EDUCATION
St. Cloud is home to the state’s second-largest university, St. Cloud State University (SCSU). Over 17,000 students take advantage of SCSU’s more than 200 majors, minors and pre-professional programs, along with nearly 250 clubs and organizations, a state-of-the-art library, NCAA athletics and plenty of opportunities for recreational and cultural enrichment.
Minutes from the St. Cloud area are the joint campuses of the College of Saint Benedict and St. John’s University, which have earned recognition as two of the top Catholic liberal arts colleges in the U.S. Thirty-seven major and 32 minor programs are available to nearly 4,000 students. An integrated learning environment allows students to share an academic program while attending classes on both campuses.
At the St. Cloud Technical and Community College, it is the student’s choice to earn a certificate, a diploma, an Associate in Applied Science degree, Associate in Arts degree or an Associate in Science degree. With more than 35 different majors to choose from, students can pursue careers in a variety of programs ranging from business to construction technology to health and human services.
The College of St. Scholastica has an outreach program in St. Cloud. Students are able to complete their undergraduate and, in some cases, graduate degrees during evenings and weekends and online, often through accelerated learning programs.
The Minnesota School of Business-Globe University offers career training and degree programs that include small class sizes, an emphasis on practical, hands-on training and instruction by experienced professionals.
Rasmussen College is a private, two- and four-year degree-granting college that offers on-campus, online and blended-learning courses with a flexible schedule.
Additional opportunities for post-high school education can be found at Regency Beauty Institute, Model College of Hair Design and the School of Radiologic Technology.
COMMUNITY EDUCATION
Lifelong educational, social and recreational learning opportunities are readily available to people of all ages in the St. Cloud area. Through District 742’s Community Education division, programs such as adult and youth enrichment, aquatics and early childhood developmental screening are offered. St. Cloud State University’s Center for Continuing Studies welcomes adult learners who participate in degree programs and professional development training. With the incorporation of these resources and others, it is evident that the St. Cloud area supports and encourages a community of lifelong learning and personal growth.
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