Quick Facts
We are the only Catholic school in the Brainerd Deanery and the second largest Catholic school in the Duluth Diocese.
We are accredited through MNSAA, the Minnesota Non-Public Schools Accrediting Association.
Our students rank higher than the national average in math and writing year after year in NWEA MAP Assessments.
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:
We offer a hands-on, comprehensive & faith-based curriculum following the Early Childhood Indicators of Progress (ICIPs) and the Religion Outcomes by the Diocese of Duluth
Our preschool programs have been blessed with fully trained, experienced, and dedicated staff
And our programs have also received licensure from the state of Minnesota
Our programs do have a potty-training requirement, which can be found here.
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!
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
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
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, and Future
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.
School strategic plan (SSP)
Learn more about where St. Francis of the Lakes Catholic School is heading in our 2025 SSP
