Rochester Central Lutheran School
Tel:
(507) 289-3267
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 (2021)
- Grades: Nursery/Preschool-8
- Students: 303 students
- Yearly Tuition: $7,400
- Average class size: 18 students
- Application Deadline: None / Rolling
Top Placements
Rochester Central Lutheran School places among the top 20% of private schools in Minnesota for:
- Category Attribute
- Student Body Largest student body
- School History Oldest founding date
School Overview
School Membership(s)School Assoc. | Other special emphasis association(s) |
Religious Affiliation | Lutheran Church Missouri Synod |
Grades Offered | Grades Nursery/Preschool-8 |
Learning Difference Programs | Yes |
Year Founded | 1875 |
Summer School Offered | Yes |
Summer Program Cost Notes | Varies, dependent on number of daily. Register for days as desired. |
Summer Program Details | Link to Summer Program Details |
Student Body
Total Students | 303 students |
Student Body Type | Co-ed |
% Students of Color | 8% State avg.: 18% |
Students by Grade |
![]() |
Academics and Faculty
Total Classroom Teachers | 23 teachers |
Student : Teacher Ratio | 13:1 National avg.: 13:1 |
% Faculty w/Advanced Degree | 40% |
Average Class Size | 18 students |
Classroom Dress Code | Casual |
Finances and Admission
Admission Deadline | None / Rolling |
Yearly Tuition Cost | $7,400 |
Tuition Notes | Variable Tuition: $3700-7400 |
% on Financial Aid | 15% |
Average Financial Aid Grant | $2,000 |
Admissions Director | Robin Kaufmann |
Sports
Total Sports Offered | 6 sports |
Sports | Basketball, Cross Country, Soccer, Softball, Track and Field, VolleyballBasketball, Cross Country, Soccer, Softball, Track and Field, Volleyball, |
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.
Related Schools
Show me:
People that viewed Rochester Central Lutheran School also viewed these schools: Ambassador Academy, Faith Christian School, Holy Spirit School and Victory Christian Academy.
Show me:
- School Location Miles Grades Students
- Rochester Grades: K-6 | 10 students
4 miles
559 20th St. SW
Rochester, MN 55902
(507) 292-9353 4 K-6
10 - RochesterFaith Christian School(Christian)Grades: PK-6 | 15 students
6.2 miles
4016 28th St Se
Rochester, MN 55904
(507) 289-8094 6.2 PK-6
15 - RochesterHoly Spirit School(Roman Catholic)Grades: NS-8 | 375 students
3.6 miles
5455 50th Ave Nw
Rochester, MN 55901
(507) 288-8818 3.6 NS-8
375 - RochesterVictory Christian Academy(Baptist)Grades: K-12 | 21 students
4.2 miles
606 36th Ave Se
Rochester, MN 55904
(507) 289-2966 4.2 K-12
21
School 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 Parent - Sathish Selvaraju |
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 Parent - S. Hanson |
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 Parent - R. Poncelet |
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 Parent - M. Clark |
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 Parent - C. Atwell |
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 Parent - Dk |
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 Parent - Charlotte |
Recent Articles
This hub page lists over three dozen articles dealing with issues in high school such as academics and discipline.
TLTR? There are a couple of private school documents which you need to read.
You cannot rank private schools. We explain why.