International Admissions
Located on 30 acres overlooking Thompson Lake, a few minutes from downtown St. Paul, Minnesota, St.Croix Academy offers an affordable, university-preparatory program of education for grades 6-12 that has a reputation for excellence in a friendly and safe environment.
While maintaining high academic standards, St. Croix Lutheran supports a portion of its 500 students through its English as a Second Language (ESL) program. This structure enables matriculation to top universities in America.
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10 AP Courses
13:1 Student-Teacher Ratio
3 Levels of ESL
15+ Countries
50+ Clubs and Activities
Average SAT 1310
Academic Excellence
Excellence in academics is expected and supported by St. Croix faculty and staff, 70% of whom hold masters and advanced degrees in their field of study. The academic dean keeps students accountable, and dormitory staff will assign additional homework times if needed.
To assist students with university preparation, Advanced Placement (AP) courses, English as a Second Language (ESL) courses, and college counseling are also available.
AP Classes
ESL Classes
University Preparation
- College counseling begins in grade 10 and includes course planning and college preparation.
- Students are introduced to college options through campus visits and college fairs. Assistance with transportation is provided (see the guidance counselor for more information).
Location
St. Croix Academy is located on a 30-acre, park-like campus, within walking distance of over 50 shops and restaurants. Located just 5 minutes drive from downtown St. Paul, and just 20 minutes from the MSP International Airport.
Why Minnesota
Safety
St. Croix is nestled in safe residential neighborhood in West St. Paul, Minnesota. The state of Minnesota was recently ranked as the safest state in the U.S. by Wallethub.
Culture
The state of Minnesota is well known for nice people, a standard American accent, affordable living, the experience of all four seasons, and it's scenic beauty.
Known as “The Land of 10,000 Lakes,” the state of Minnesota offers boundless opportunities for outdoor recreation. Visitors enjoy autumn colors with a drive along the Mississippi River or relax at one of the state’s luxury resorts. Outdoor enthusiasts are drawn to Minnesota’s golfing, skiing, hiking, and sports fishing.
State Capitol
St. Paul is the home of the Minnesota State Capitol, just a 10-minute drive from campus. This government hub offers opportunities for tours and serves as the site of Youth in Government assemblies.
Professional Sports
The Twin Cities of Minneapolis and St. Paul are home to eight major league athletic teams including soccer, football, baseball, basketball, and hockey. Five professional stadiums are within 20 minutes of campus.
Shopping
The world-renowned Mall of America is a 15-minute drive from campus and available by automobile, Metro Transit bus, or light rail.
Within walking distance of the SCL campus, students will find more than 50 shops, including a variety of ethnic restaurants, electronics stores, and four major department stores.
Fine Arts
Downtown Minneapolis with the internationally acclaimed Guthrie Theatre and Minneapolis Institute of Arts are a short twenty-minute drive from campus.
Museums
The Twin Cities is home to over nearly 50 popular museums including the infamous Science Museum of Minnesota.
Elite Educational Institutions
Minneapolis and St. Paul are home to elite educational institutions such as the University of Minnesota, Macalester College and Carleton College.
International Corporations
Minneapolis and St. Paul are home to international corporations including 3M, Best Buy, Target, and Medtronic.
The University of Minnesota health system in partnership with the world-renowned Mayo Clinic is within an hour’s drive of the metropolitan area.
Dormitory
The SCL residence program offers a unique opportunity for international and American students to interact in secure and convenient on-campus accommodations. Students place a high value on international friendships.
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Amenities
Dormitory Features
- 152 beds, three floors, six secure, gender-specific houses
- Secure access to dorm entrances, houses, and rooms
- Fully-staffed dormitory cafeteria
- Student lounge and kitchenette in each house
- Laundry facilities
- Indoor and outdoor recreation center
Student Rooms
- Two-person accommodations
- Furniture for each student includes a bed, desk, chair, wardrobe, and storage space
- One mini-fridge included per room
Wireless Internet
The strong wireless internet system connects students to important educational resources and to family and friends via email and Skype®.
Activities
On Campus Facilities
Dorm students have regular access to the school's:
- gymnasium
- library
- weight room
- track
- tennis courts
- lake
- commons
- auditorium
- and the many events going on at SCL each day.
Local Events
Resident students are encouraged to take advantage of the many recreational and cultural opportunities available in the Minneapolis and St. Paul area.
Nearby Conveniences
The campus is within walking distance of a variety of shops and restaurants, and shuttle transportation is available for weekly trips to the mall.
Weekend Outings
Weekend activities include ski trips, concerts, sporting events and cultural offerings.
Supervision and Reporting
Student activities are monitored according to parents’ wishes, and an online report of student weekday activities and weekend plans is emailed to parents and supervisors.
Junior Boarding (Middle School)
SCL’s Junior Boarding Program allows students in grades 6-9 to become part of a diverse community and provides them the support they need either during their middle school years or for their initial high school year. Students grow in social skills, organizational habits, and self-reliance, and are gradually able to take on more responsibility and leadership.
Meals
Breakfast, evening, and weekend meals as well as after-school snacks are provided in the dorm residence dining room. Noon lunches on school days are provided through the school's hot lunch program.
The complete cost of food is included in tuition for resident students who are on campus during the regular weeks of school. The menu varies each week and includes dishes from around the world (currently Asian, Hispanic, Italian, American and Mediterranean influences) and is constantly expanding to meet the needs and preferences of our students.
Student Care
On-Site Care Team
Adult supervisors live onsite full time, and help students with daily habits, and social and emotional growth.
Academic tracking and support
Dormitory staff monitor student academic progress and provide needed supports such as device counseling and monitored study time.
Regular parent communication
Parents receive regular automated emails on student academic progress, medical and discipline concerns, and off campus activities.
Counseling Services
Licensed, on-site counselors help students with social and emotional concerns, homesickness, and cultural adjustment.
Student Mentors
Each new student is paired with an American student mentor, and a co-national mentor. Dormitory student leaders model and teach healthy living habits.
International Student Alumni Mentors
Each student has the opportunity to learn in a large group and individual setting from St. Croix international alumni on topics such as university applications/guidance, social/emotional, intercultural, and career options.
Tuition
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A St. Croix education is an excellent value for international students. When compared to other schools with similar advanced academic programs, St. Croix ranks as an "affordable school." Visit Boarding School Review online to learn more.
Photo Tour
The fine arts classrooms and new entryway feature 87 windows to the exterior. Like the chapel, the new spaces bring abundant light into the building for the students..
The new entrance is updated with enhanced security features.
The new commons area provides a place for students to gather while enjoying a view of the outdoors.
Hallways are designated as one-way, and student locker visits alternate by odd/even numbered lockers.
Students appreciate the spacious hallways and large lockers.
No-touch thermal thermometers, hand sanitizing stations, and safety protocols are installed throughout the school.
Paper towels and safe sanitizing agents are used in every classroom after every set.
During the pandemic, choir students are well spaced in the classroom. The choir room has a capacity for over 100 students.
The fine arts addition features six practice rooms for students including four for solo work.
Students are well spaced in classrooms.
Caring teachers provide one-on-one attention when needed.
Students are well-spaced in classrooms during the COVID-19 pandemic.
Students in Applied Technologies are given hands-on experience with digital and mechanical tools.
Art students gain proficiency in drawing, sculpture, and ceramics at SCLA.
Award winning director John Fenske is passionate about his craft and leads the SCLA band to receive highest rankings at the state competition.
The spacious band room features seating for over 70 students, secure instrument storage, and playback technology. During the pandemic, wood and vinyl dividers are used to inhibit the spread of the germs.
Practice rooms 1 and 2 are designed for small ensembles.
Choral and band students combine during several concerts each year.
Biology students explore creation/evolution, ecology, aquatics, genetics, anatomy, and energy.
SCLA classrooms are designed to inspire students.
The SCLA chemistry classroom is fully stocked with laboratory and safety equipment.
The SCLA Commons serves as a cafeteria, work space, and meeting area for the diverse community of students.
During the pandemic, no-touch SCLA food service is provided.
During the pandemic, students are seated 6 feet apart at lunch.
The SCLA auditorium seats up to 350 people and is used for drama productions and special events.
The SCLA gym floor was replaced in 2019. New bleachers were installed in 2020.
The SCLA lakeside dormitory houses 150 international and domestic students and is within walking distance of over 50 shops and restaurants.
Standard SCLA dorm rooms are designed for two occupants and include a bed, desk, chair, closet, and storage. Learn more at StCroixLutheran.org/Dorm
Fresh food and snacks are provided daily by SCLA's head chef and dormitory kitchen staff. Students eat lunch in the commons cafeteria during the regular school day. Learn more at StCroixLutheran.org/dorm
College Bound
SCLA graduates matriculate to the United States' premier universities including Johns Hopkins University, Notre Dame, Boston College, and Carnegie Mellon University.
