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Welcome to St. Francis of the Lakes Catholic School.

 
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Quick Facts


History

  • St. Francis Catholic Grade School was opened in 1909 in a two-story, eight classroom building.

  • In 1952 a new facility and gymnasium were built, and in 2010 a major renovation and expansion project was completed.

  • The student base includes those from Brainerd/Baxter as well as Aitkin, Breezy Point, Crosby, Crosslake, Cushing, Deerwood, Nisswa, Pequot Lakes, Pillager and Pine River.


Faith

  • 3rd-8th Grade students attend daily Mass 3 times each week, and K-2nd Grade joins them once per week

  • Eucharistic Adoration every Tuesday

  • Religion incorporated into every classroom

  • Reconciliation every Monday

 
 

$70,000

in student aid

 

$50,000

In sibling discounts

87%

Catholic Students

 
 

240

students Preschool through 8

 
 

Preschool & Prekindergarten

Our Preschool and Prekindergarten programs focus on early learning and academics through creative learning and consistent, structured routines. Students are presented with opportunities to explore, learn, and grow, all while interacting with peers to build self-confidence. Some specific concepts that are focused on include (but are not limited to):

Motor skills

Language skills

Shapes, letters, & colors

Emotional development

Social skills (i.e. manners and independence)

Other highlights of these programs include:

  • A wide range of activities incorporating music, literature, art, and physical education

  • A comprehensive curriculum that is faith based and hands on

  • A complete staff that is fully trained

  • A state licensed preschool program

If you would like to know more or are interested in enrolling, please contact Carla Coonan at carla.coonan@sf-school.org or 218-829-2344. We would love to hear from you and answer any questions you might have!

Our programs do have a potty-training requirement, which can be found here.

Preschool Program

We offer preschool classes for 3- and 4-year-olds and have arranged several schedule variations, allowing you to choose what works best for your family:

Monday/Wednesday/Friday

Tuesday/Thursday

5 Days/Week

Prekindergarten Program

Our prekindergarten program has been developed for 4- and 5-year-olds to prepare them to enter Kindergarten the following year. Also flexible, this program offers two schedule variations, so you can choose one that is convenient for your family:

Monday/Wednesday/Friday

5 Days/Week


Elementary

St. Francis Elementary not only focuses on learning and growing the academic foundation for your child, but teaches skills to help form positive relationships, manage emotions, and take responsibility while continuing to build self-confidence and develop social-emotional skills to prepare them for middle school.

Tuition

  • Per Child, First & Second* - $3833.00

  • Third Child* - $1916.50

  • Per Child, Fourth & Beyond* - $958.25

    *count of children is in K-8

    2025-2026 tuition rates will be published in April 2025

  • Tuition Details →

Highlights

  • Kindergarten through 4th grade

  • Comprehensive language arts, mathematics, science, social studies, and integrated technology curriculum

  • Specialty classes include: including art, music, physical education, library, and technology

  • Band, Choir, Robotics, Student Council, Chess Club, STREAM Family Events, and annual School Musical

  • District bus service as well as additional bussing from Crosby & Pequot Lakes.

Middle School

St. Francis Middle School not only focuses on academic success, but also supports forming positive relationships and encourages responsible independence to build self-confidence and develop social-emotional skills to prepare them for high school and beyond.

Tuition

  • Per Child, First & Second* - $3833.00

  • Third Child* - $1916.50

  • Per Child, Fourth & Beyond* - $958.25

    *count of children is in K-8

    2025-2026 tuition rates will be published in April 2025

  • Tuition Details →

Highlights

  • 5th through 8th grade

  • Comprehensive language arts, mathematics, science, social studies, and integrated technology curriculum

  • Specialty classes include: including art, music, physical education, library, and technology

  • Band, Choir, Robotics, Student Council, Chess Club, Danny Hauer Basketball League, STREAM Family Events, and annual School Musical

  • Individual laptops for 7th and 8th grade students

  • District bus service as well as additional bussing from Crosby & Pequot Lakes.

  • Shuttle Bus for ISD 181 athletics and activities to Forestview Middle School

 Our Mission & Philosophy

Mission

St. Francis of the Lakes Catholic School, in cooperation with and in support of the family, is committed to challenging students to grow spiritually, academically and socially within a Catholic environment.

Philosophy

The faculty, school administrators, and school advisory board of St. Francis of the Lakes Catholic School believe(s):

·        All students have the right to a safe and respectful school environment.

·        That each individual student is a child of God.

·        That each individual child should have the opportunity to grow and reach their potential, both spiritually and academically, through a sound academic and disciplined curriculum.

·        In a school atmosphere that encourages student participation while recognizing different learning styles and the uniqueness of each child.

·        Incorporating God-centered approach to social issues.

·        In developing, within the students, independent, value-based thinking, enabling the student to become an effective decision-maker through his/her life.

·        In providing opportunities to grow and learn in a prayerful environment, which brings alive the message of our Catholic faith-that Christ lived, died, rose again, and now lives and dwells within each of us. We believe that experiencing this message allows students at St. Francis Catholic School to develop and maintain their individual spiritualty preparing them for a life of services to their communities.