St. Croix Preparatory Academy Upper in Stillwater has been named the #1 high school in Minnesota in the latest U.S. News & World Report Best High Schools rankings, highlighting the school’s strong academic performance and college readiness.
The public charter high school, which serves students in grades 9 through 12, also earned a place among the top schools in the nation, ranking #117 nationally. The annual rankings evaluate thousands of public high schools across the country based on factors such as college readiness, state assessment performance, graduation rates, and overall student achievement.
Located just east of the Twin Cities in Stillwater, St. Croix Preparatory Academy Upper enrolls about 375 students and has developed a reputation for strong academic outcomes and a focus on preparing students for higher education. The school maintains an impressive 99% graduation rate, and many students take advantage of opportunities to complete college-level coursework before graduating.
St. Croix Preparatory Academy is part of a K–12 charter school system that emphasizes a rigorous academic curriculum and character development. Students at the upper school can enroll in Advanced Placement courses and other programs that allow them to earn college credit while still in high school.
Student performance on standardized tests is another factor behind the school’s top ranking. Students consistently achieve high proficiency rates in core subjects such as math, reading, and science. The school’s relatively small enrollment also helps foster a more personalized learning environment, allowing teachers to provide individualized support to students.
The recognition places St. Croix Preparatory Academy Upper ahead of several well-known Minnesota schools in the statewide rankings, reinforcing Minnesota’s reputation for strong public education and academic achievement.
For families considering relocating to Minnesota, the ranking highlights the high quality of educational opportunities available across the state, with schools like St. Croix Preparatory Academy Upper leading the way in preparing students for college and future careers.