Founded in 1911, Cotter Schools is a private, co-ed, day and boarding school located in Winona, Minnesota.
Cotter serves students of all backgrounds from Pre-k through grade 12 and offers boarding for students in grades 7 through 12.
Cotter Schools prides itself on creating a strong community of learners and we look forward to welcoming you to the Cotter Family!
Quick Stats (2024-25)
- Grades: (Boarding Students) 7-12
- Grades: (Day Students) PK-12
- Enrollment: 450 students
- Yearly Tuition (Boarding Students): $36,900
- Acceptance rate: 93%
- Average class size: 18 students
- Application Deadline: None / Rolling
- Source: Verified school update
Top Rankings
Cotter Schools ranks among the top 10 schools with > 400 students (out of 97 schools) for:
Category
Attribute
Affordability
Faculty Education
School Overview
School Focus
College Preparatory
College Preparatory
Grades Offered (Boarding)
7-12
9-12
Grades Offered (Day)
PK-12
9-12
School Type
Co-ed
Co-ed
Year Founded
1911
1906
Campus Size
45 acres
126 acres
Student Body
Enrollment
450 students
319 students
% International Students
10%
20%
% Students Boarding
12%
70%
Offers Post-Grad Year
No
No
Academics and Faculty
Saturday Classes
No
No
Classroom Dress Code
Casual
Khaki pants, shorts or skirts. Shirts with colors such as button-up shirts or Polo shirts in Royal Blue, Lite Blue, White, Grey or Black.
Khaki pants, shorts or skirts. Shirts with colors such as button-up shirts or Polo shirts in Royal Blue, Lite Blue, White, Grey or Black.
Casual
Student : Teacher Ratio
13:1
7:1
# of AP / Advanced Courses Offered
12
18
% Faculty with Advanced Degree
86%
71%
Summer Program Offered
No
Yes
Tuition Cost
Yearly Tuition
(Boarding Students)
(Boarding Students)
$36,900
(All inclusive - tuition, room and board, insurance, activities, travel from local airport to school, sports fees and testing)
(All inclusive - tuition, room and board, insurance, activities, travel from local airport to school, sports fees and testing)
$65,563
Yearly Tuition
(Day Students)
(Day Students)
n/a
$35,900
Tuition international students
$50,400
$57,300
% Students on Financial Aid
30%
40%
Avg. Financial Aid Grant
$18,500
$25,000
Merit Scholarships Offered
No
No
Acceptance Rate
Acceptance Rate
93%
60%
Director of Admissions
Jeff Novakoski
AP / Advanced Courses
# of AP / Advanced Courses Offered
12
18
Courses
AP Biology, AP Calculus AB, AP Calculus BC, AP Computer Science A, AP Human Geography, AP Language & Composition, AP Literature & Composition, AP Physics, AP United States Government, AP United States History
Sports
# Interscholastic Sports Offered
19
16
Extracurriculars
Total Extracurricular Organizations
24
23
Extracurriculars
Club or Organization:
Bike Lab, Campus Ministry, Cotter Chronicle, Cross Cultural Ministry Program, Debate Team, Drama Club, History Club, Jazz Band, Marching Band, Math Team, Mock Trial, Model Legislature, Music Listening, Music Ministry, Musical Theatre, National Honor Society, One Act Plays, Parmies, Pep Band, Photography Club, Speech Team, Student Council, Theater Productions, Yearbook Club
Bike Lab, Campus Ministry, Cotter Chronicle, Cross Cultural Ministry Program, Debate Team, Drama Club, History Club, Jazz Band, Marching Band, Math Team, Mock Trial, Model Legislature, Music Listening, Music Ministry, Musical Theatre, National Honor Society, One Act Plays, Parmies, Pep Band, Photography Club, Speech Team, Student Council, Theater Productions, Yearbook Club
College Matriculation
Year: 2017 - 2024
10 Most Popular College Choices (# Enrolled)
Boston University
1
Colgate University
1
Johns Hopkins University
1
NYC School of Visual Arts
1
Parsons School of Design
1
Princeton University
1
Purdue University
1
Rutgers University
1
University of California, Berkley
1
University of Minnesota - Twin Cities
1
School Notes
- MISSION STATEMENT:
- Cotter Schools challenges students to achieve their full potential and use their lives in service of others.
- BELIEFS:
- As a Catholic Learning Community, we believe: God is present in all creation. Each person is valuable and deserves respect. Education prepares people to build a better world. In a community, everyone grows. ?
- Cotter opened its doors on September 5, 1911, and was named for Winona`s first bishop, Bishop Joseph Cotter. Originally, Cotter was a boys` school directed by the De La Salle Christian Brothers. In 1952, the Brothers turned the school's operation over to the diocese of Winona, and Cotter became co-educational, combining with Cathedral Girls` High School. In 2021 Cotter transitioned to serve students from 16 months through Grade 12. Through its many changes in the past 110-plus years, Cotter has never wavered in its motto, Vertitam Vereantur - "Let them Revere the Truth," and upholds the finest traditions in Catholic education.
- Cotter Schools accreditations: NCEA
Source: Verified school update
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does Cotter Schools cost?
Cotter Schools's tuition is approximately $36,900 for boarding students.
What is the acceptance rate of Cotter Schools?
The acceptance rate of Cotter Schools is 93%, which is higher than the boarding school average of 60%.
What sports does Cotter Schools offer?
Cotter Schools offers 19 interscholastic sports: Ballet, Baseball, Basketball, Cross Country Running, Dance, Diving, Football, Golf, Gymnastics, Ice Hockey, Nordic Skiing, Soccer, Softball, Swimming and Diving, Tennis, Track, Track and Field, Volleyball and Wrestling.
What is Cotter Schools's ranking?
Cotter Schools ranks among the top 20 boarding schools for Least expensive tuition and High percent faculty with advanced degrees.
When is the application deadline for Cotter Schools?
The application deadline for Cotter Schools is rolling (applications are reviewed as they are received year-round).
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The nearest boarding school to Cotter Schools is Pillsbury College Prep (77.2 miles away)
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Students
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(320) 363-3315
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9-12, PG
6-12, PG
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280
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(952) 918-1800
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320
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(613) 749-9630
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750
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