Rochester Central Lutheran School

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Rochester Central Lutheran School Photo #1 - RCLS produces well-rounded students with a strong work ethic, a sense for their strengths, and an ability to lead themselves and others inside and outside the classroom.
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Rochester Central Lutheran School Photo #1 - RCLS produces well-rounded students with a strong work ethic, a sense for their strengths, and an ability to lead themselves and others inside and outside the classroom.
Rochester Central Lutheran School Photo #2 - RCLS is "more than just a school!"
Rochester Central Lutheran School Photo #3 - A structured learning environment ensures students develop skills and study habits that will facilitate academic achievement and independence in later stages of learning.
Rochester Central Lutheran School Photo #4 - Instruction is grounded in the basics of "reading, writing, and arithmetic" and designed to foster a love of learning.
Rochester Central Lutheran School Photo #5 - A well-developed music program includes choir, handbell, and/or band instruction and performances.
Rochester Central Lutheran School Photo #6 - Teachers shape lessons from grade-level objectives rather than on prescribed textbook sequences. This approach, together with a commitment to small class sizes, means teachers can individualize instruction for students at all levels.
Rochester Central Lutheran School Photo #7 - A sophisticated PK-8 technology program and curriculum is designed to teach students to create with technology, not just consume.
Rochester Central Lutheran School Photo #8 - Our community is made up of more than 300 students with diverse academic abilities and socioeconomic backgrounds. Students come from the four corners of Rochester, surrounding communities, and nearly 40 local churches to find that all are welcomed here.
Rochester Central Lutheran School Photo #9 - A structured, play-based learning environment ensures preschool and prekindergarten students develop skills and habits that will facilitate kindergarten readiness and independence for their school years.
Rochester Central Lutheran School Photo #10 - Extended school-day options such as athletics teams and academic and art activities contribute to our mission to educate the whole child.
Foundational education: An emphasis on core reading, writing, and math skills and on the acquisition of knowledge ensures students are prepared to excel in later stages of learning.
Individual instruction: Small class sizes, enrichment and accelerated learning opportunities, and resource services ensure students are challenged or supported as needed.
Whole-child education: A Christian world view, a balance of the academic disciplines, ample opportunities for extracurricular activity, and a close-knit community together mean the whole child is educatedmind, body, and spirit. You`ve found the right place. Build your child`s foundation at RCLS.
RCLS serves more than 320 PS-grade 8 students from the four corners of Rochester and surrounding communities and nearly 40 different churches in the Rochester area.
Established in 1875, RCLS is accredited by the NLSA (National Lutheran School's Association), which is administered by the National Accreditation Commission and a recognized member of the National Council of Private School Accreditation.

Quick Stats (2024)

  • Top Ranked MN School
  • Grades: Prekindergarten-8
  • Enrollment: 316 students
  • Yearly Tuition: $7,400
  • Average class size: 18 students
  • Application Deadline: None / Rolling
  • Source: Verified school update

Top Rankings

Rochester Central Lutheran School ranks among the top 20% of private schools in Minnesota for:

Category
Attribute
School History

School Overview

School Membership(s)School Assoc.
Religious Affiliation
Grades Offered
Grades Prekindergarten-8
Learning Difference Programs
Yes
Year Founded
1875
Summer School Offered
Yes
Summer Program Details

Student Body

Total Students
316 students
Student Body Type
Co-ed
% Students of Color
5%
State avg.: 23%
Students by Grade
Rochester Central Lutheran School Student By Grade

Academics and Faculty

Total Classroom Teachers
23 teachers
Student : Teacher Ratio
14:1
National avg.: 13:1
% Faculty w/Advanced Degree
40%
Average Class Size
18 students
Classroom Dress Code
Casual

Tuition and Acceptance Rate

Admission Deadline
None / Rolling
Yearly Tuition Cost
Tuition Notes
Variable Tuition: $3700-7400
Summer Program Cost Notes
Varies, dependent on number of daily. Register for days as desired.
% on Financial Aid
15%
Average Financial Aid Grant
$2,000
Admissions Director
Robin Kaufmann

Sports

Total Sports Offered
6 sports

Extracurriculars

Total ExtracurricularsTotal Extra-curric.
8 extracurriculars
ExtracurricularsExtra-curric.
Club or Organization:
Homework Club, Math Teams, Robotics Club

Arts and Music Programs:
After-school Arts & Crafts Activities, Band, Handbell Choir, Jazz Band, Pop Choir

School Notes

  • Grounded in Grace: In an environment that fosters grace, students learn that they are valued, loved, and forgiven. The outcome? RCLS produces children who are confident, respectful, and kind.
  • Formed in Faith: Faith in Jesus Christ is inherent to who we are and informs what we do and how we do it. The outcome? RCLS produces youth who see purpose and plan in the world and for their lives.
  • Committed to Learning for Life: RCLS seeks to foster a love of learning, to educate the whole child, and to encourage students to create, not just consume. The outcome? RCLS produces well-rounded students with a strong work ethic, a sense for their strengths, and an ability to lead themselves and others inside and outside the classroom.
Source: Verified school update

Frequently Asked Questions

How much does Rochester Central Lutheran School cost?
Rochester Central Lutheran School's tuition is approximately $7,400 for private students.
Does Rochester Central Lutheran School offer a summer program?
Yes, Rochester Central Lutheran School offers a summer program. Visit their summer school page for more information.
What sports does Rochester Central Lutheran School offer?
Rochester Central Lutheran School offers 6 interscholastic sports: Basketball, Cross Country, Soccer, Softball, Track and Field and Volleyball.
What is Rochester Central Lutheran School's ranking?
Rochester Central Lutheran School ranks among the top 20% of private schools in Minnesota for: Largest student body and Oldest founding date.
When is the application deadline for Rochester Central Lutheran School?
The application deadline for Rochester Central Lutheran School is rolling (applications are reviewed as they are received year-round).
What neighborhood is Rochester Central Lutheran School located?
Rochester Central Lutheran School is located in the Elton Hills neighborhood of Rochester, MN.

School Reviews

  5.00 out of 5  (7 reviews)
5  
Choosing RCLS is one of the best choices we have made. Setting a solid foundation for the learning path and developing a love for learning is critical for children. It's only our first school year with RCLS, but we truly believe our kids will build excellent curriculum and character. In my opinion, it is a school that prides itself, along with excellent teachers, staff, and leadership. I have already seen excellence on many levels, especially during this pandemic year (2020). There are several things to love about RCLS, but the one thing is faith based learning, which helps to build character. Next year, we are hoping to get my 2nd kid enrolled in pre-K. As a parent, I know that my kids will not only receive one of the best educations but also learn how to be good students, stewards and children of faith.
- Posted by
5  
Our kids have been attending RCLS for three years now, and we have experienced ECDC through First Grade. Every staff member at RCLS is dedicated to providing a caring environment for the students and families. They nurture each child academically and spiritually. We have seen each of our children grow in their faith and confidence each year. We love the tradition of chapel families, where groups of students are put together from preschool to 8th grade. The older students get to be leaders to the younger ones, and it is really inspiring to the young students as well. Even in Kindergarten and First Grade, there are opportunities for clubs and activities. The administration has risen to the challenges of COVID-19. Their plan was thoughtful and effective.
- Posted by
5  
RCLS has been more than just a school to our family. The faculty, parents and students have all made a lasting impact on our boys both academically and spiritually. The teachers are excellent role-models who truly care for our kids. The academic rigor and Christ-centered education has given them a solid a solid foundation for high school.
- Posted by
5  
Our children have been attending RCLS for the last 7 years and we have nothing but good things to say. My husband and I have often talked and said that sending the kids to RCLS was one of the best parenting decisions we have made. It truly has a community feel with many involved parents. The school staff are focused on raising a "whole child" which includes character development in addition to a terrific education. The school works along side us to raise our children and for that we are thankful. After looking into many different schooling options for our kids we are confident that we made the right choice.
- Posted by
5  
We have had children at this school for over 10 years and it has been a wonderful experience. The teachers are attentive and caring. The environment is safe and respectful. Our children are well prepared academically and emotionally for high school and beyond.
- Posted by
5  
Awesome school for all children regardless of their learning style they make it all work. The Teacher's and principal are all about your child learning and growing.Come to an open house to see for yourself
- Posted by
5  
The reasons we chose RCLS were that they had high standards, but grace to go along with it when the standards weren't met. We loved that they had more recess than the other schools, knowing that our boy couldn't sit still the whole day without it. Personally I love the fact that they use Orton-Gillingham in order to teach reading and spelling. It makes such a difference for those kids. Having such a good resource teacher has been an amazing difference for so many kids. The kids are so welcoming to those who move in. It has been a wonderful environment all around for our son.
- Posted by

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Quick Stats (2024)

  • Top Ranked MN School
  • Grades: Prekindergarten-8
  • Enrollment: 316 students
  • Yearly Tuition: $7,400
  • Average class size: 18 students
  • Application Deadline: None / Rolling
  • Source: Verified school update

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Did You Know?

The average private school tuition in Rochester, MN is $7,820 for elementary schools (read more about average private school tuition across the country).

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