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City of Lakes Waldorf School

2344 Nicollet Ave S Minneapolis, MN 55404

Quick Facts (2026-27)

  • Top Ranked MN School
  • School Type: Special Program Emphasis
  • Grades: Nursery/Preschool-8
  • Enrollment: 275 students
  • Yearly Tuition: $15,000
  • Acceptance rate: 80%
  • Average class size: 24 students
  • Application Deadline: Feb. 1 / rolling
  • Source: ✓Verified school update
City of Lakes Waldorf School Photo #1 - At City of Lakes Waldorf School, our teachers strive to see and recognize each one of our students, greeting them each morning individually, and working with them over multiple years to build on their unique strengths and meet their individual challenges, giving them the tools they need to thrive.
City of Lakes Waldorf School Photo #2 - Our talented teachers enliven the curriculum with vivid, beautiful chalk drawings. Chalkboards are an essential component of every elementary and middle school classroom.
City of Lakes Waldorf School Photo #3 - Our beautiful classrooms are intentionally designed and thoughtfully curated to provide a comfortable space for learning and play.
City of Lakes Waldorf School Photo #4 - Music is another essential part of Waldorf education. All of our students learn to play a stringed instrument beginning in 3rd grade.
City of Lakes Waldorf School Photo #5 - Our students learn math in a creative and engaging way that helps develop a deep understanding of basic concepts.
City of Lakes Waldorf School Photo #6 - Learning about electromagnets in 7th grade.
City of Lakes Waldorf School Photo #7 - Our students enjoy outdoor play all year round.
City of Lakes Waldorf School Photo #8 - Our 8th grade students study platonic geometry with help from some amazing bubbles.
City of Lakes Waldorf School Photo #9 - Time for movement is intentionally woven into the daily schedule for all of our students. Here is a daily schedule from our 2nd grade classroom.
City of Lakes Waldorf School Photo #10 - Eighth grade students practice for their class play -- William Shakespeare's "A Midsummer Night's Dream" -- performed outdoors in Fair Oaks Park.
School location map

Quick Facts (2026-27)

  • Top Ranked MN School
  • School Type: Special Program Emphasis
  • Grades: Nursery/Preschool-8
  • Enrollment: 275 students
  • Yearly Tuition: $15,000
  • Acceptance rate: 80%
  • Average class size: 24 students
  • Application Deadline: Feb. 1 / rolling
  • Source: ✓Verified school update

School Rankings

City of Lakes Waldorf School ranks among the top 20% of private schools in Minnesota for:

Category
Attribute
Student Body

School Facts

Religious Affiliation
Grades Offered
Grades Nursery/Preschool-8
Students By Grade
ADD/ADHD Support
Yes
Year Founded
1988
School Calendar

Student Body

Total Students
275 students
Student Body Type
Co-ed
% Students of Color
23%
State avg.: 23%

Academic Profile

Total Classroom Teachers
42 teachers
Student-Teacher Ratio
7:1
National avg.:
% Faculty w/Advanced Degree
75%
Average Class Size
24 students
Matriculation DataMatric. Data
Classroom Dress Code
Casual
See Parent Handbook
List of Courses Offered

Tuition & Financial Aid

Admission Deadline
Feb. 1 / rolling
Yearly Tuition Cost
Tuition Notes
Call the Admissions Director to speak about tuition at 612-767-1502.
% on Financial Aid
33%
Average Financial Aid Grant
$5,000
Acceptance Rate
80%
National avg.: 82%
Admissions Director
Soni Albright
Application URL

Sports

Total Sports Offered
3 sports

Extracurriculars

Total ExtracurricularsTotal Extra-curric.
6 extracurriculars
ExtracurricularsExtra-curric.
Arts and Music Programs:
artchoir
ensemblehandwork
woodworking


Recreational Athletic Programs:
circus arts

School Notes

  • 35 years old, City of Lakes Waldorf School is one of over 1,000 Waldorf schools in more than 60 countries worldwide dedicated to helping children develop their full human potential in body, spirit, and mind.
  • The rich Waldorf curriculum educates children according to each unique stage of child development through academic studies, social learning, and the development of practical skills.
  • Our school serves children from age 18 months through Grade 8. We also offer parent/child classes, ongoing parent education, and opportunities for participation in your child`s school journey.
  • Waldorf teachers and parents seek to foster the natural unfolding of childhood, creating a genuine enthusiasm for learning that is essential to educational success.
  • Waldorf students gain a deep knowledge and understanding of the cultural, scientific, and social life of humanity that prepares them to be good problem-solvers, independent thinkers, and engaged citizens able to bring their individual gifts to a rapidly changing, complex world.
  • The experiences of our alumni are positive testimony to the success of Waldorf education and our work here at City of Lakes Waldorf School.
  • Tour, application, records release form, tuition assistance application, if applicable.
  • Sample of notable school alumni/alumnae:
    • Saul Bellow, Nobel Laureate -
Source: Verified school update

Frequently Asked Questions

How much does City of Lakes Waldorf School cost?
City of Lakes Waldorf School's tuition is approximately $15,000 for private students.
What is the acceptance rate of City of Lakes Waldorf School?
The acceptance rate of City of Lakes Waldorf School is 80%, which is lower than the national average of 87%. City of Lakes Waldorf School's acceptance rate is ranked among the top private schools in Minnesota with low acceptance rates.
Who are famous alumni from City of Lakes Waldorf School?
City of Lakes Waldorf School famous alumni include: Saul Bellow, Nobel Laureate.
What sports does City of Lakes Waldorf School offer?
City of Lakes Waldorf School offers 3 interscholastic sports: Basketball, Soccer and Volleyball.
What is City of Lakes Waldorf School's ranking?
City of Lakes Waldorf School ranks among the top 20% of private schools in Minnesota for: Lowest average acceptance rates and Largest student body.
When is the application deadline for City of Lakes Waldorf School?
The application deadline for City of Lakes Waldorf School is Feb. 1 / rolling (applications are due on Feb. 1 but additional applications are reviewed year-round as space permits ).
In what neighborhood is City of Lakes Waldorf School located?
City of Lakes Waldorf School is located in the Powderhorn neighborhood of Minneapolis, MN. There are 1 other private schools located in Powderhorn.

School Reviews

  5.00 out of 5  (2 reviews)
5  
We love City of Lakes Waldorf School! We have attended a few different Waldorf schools in different states, and City of Lakes stands out in the quality of its teachers, commitment of its staff, and inclusiveness of its community. I feel that my children are well taken care of physically, mentally, and emotionally. This is a school where the teachers and administrators really care about each family picture home visits by your teacher, teachers and admins always available for a phone call or meeting, and conferences where your teacher can present a whole picture of your child academically, socially, and emotionally. Academically, I believe you do have to trust in the process-explicit reading and math instruction does not happen until 1st grade and at first, if you compare your child to other children in different educational settings, they will seem behind. But if you trust and wait, they catch up and excel. My rising fifth grader loves to read and made leaps and bounds in math this year. But, to me, those are not the most important benchmarks of her education. Instead what really matters to me is that she loves and is engaged in learning, she is thriving artistically and physically, and she is becoming a good person at a soul level thanks to the support of her school community.
- Posted by
5  
The Waldorf philosophy of education has been extremely enriching for our child. The focus on the age-appropriate curriculum at City of Lake is outstanding. We've seen firsthand how the teachers adapt their approach to meet each child's unique needs, fostering a love of learning that goes beyond academics. The holistic education approach ensures that our child is not only learning subjects like math and science but also developing essential life skills and emotional intelligence. One of the standout features for us has been the integration of the arts into the curriculum. Our child has always had a creative spirit, and we've been thrilled to see how woodworking, handwork, and artistic expression are woven into daily activities. This hands-on approach hones their fine motor skills and encourages a deep appreciation for craftsmanship. It's a place where our child feels seen, heard, and valued for who they are. We couldn't be happier with our decision to enroll here, and we look forward to many more years of growth and learning within this nurturing environment.
- Posted by

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Did You Know?

The average private school tuition in Minneapolis, MN is $12,470 for elementary schools and $19,941 for high schools (read more about average private school tuition across the country).
The average acceptance rate in Minneapolis, MN is 82% (read more about average acceptance rates across the country).

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