High School - St. Croix USA.org

A Place Your Student Belongs

Your student has successfully navigated grade school and middle school, and now they’re preparing to take the next big step into high school. This pivotal stage in their journey marks both an exciting new chapter and a critical foundation for their future—whether it’s preparing for university, a competitive career path, or personal success in an ever-changing world.

As a parent, you want your student to feel confident and supported in a school environment that prioritizes academic excellence, personal growth, and a safe, structured setting. High school is not just about coursework; it’s a time to develop independence, critical thinking, and leadership skills. Your student needs opportunities to explore their interests, refine their talents, and gain the knowledge and experience that will set them apart in higher education and beyond.

At St. Croix Lutheran Academy, we partner with families to provide more than just an education. We offer a rigorous academic program designed to challenge and inspire, a secure and welcoming environment where students can focus on their goals, and a supportive community that encourages personal achievement. With a commitment to preparing students for success in top universities and global careers, we equip them with the skills, discipline, and confidence needed to thrive in the future.

You want the best for your student—an education that opens doors, a safe and structured environment, and a pathway to long-term success. At St. Croix Lutheran Academy, that’s what we provide: a place where your student can excel academically, grow as a leader, and build a strong foundation for a bright future.

Students First

At SCLA, we educate the total student, and we recognize that each one has been gifted with God-given purposes and the talents needed to achieve them. Whether your student is preparing to attend a university, gain vocational skills, or enter the workforce, SCLA is prepared to help your student achieve their goals and graduate with all of the tools they need.

Caring Teachers

Our highly-qualified, caring instructors (60% with advanced degrees) partner with parents to encourage students spiritually, intellectually, and physically. Our student to teacher ration is 13:1, and our average class size is 20, giving teachers plenty of time for personal attention.

Beyond Homework

Our unique schedule allows students the time and attention needed to finish work in the classroom, allowing for opportunities to experience one of our over 50 co-curricular activities

University Preparatory

The high school (grades 9-12) program offers a college-preparatory curriculum during a two-semester school year. Students take core classes to meet graduation requirements and participate in a variety of electives and co-curricular activities. Students have opportunities to earn college credit in high school through our dual-credit classes, AP courses, and PSEO options.

With courses in basic, accelerated and advanced placement, college credit offerings, academic teams, and a Science, Technology, Engineering and Math (STEM) program, SCLA students are well prepared for their post-secondary education. SCLA students consistently score above the Minnesota state average on the ACT and SAT college placement exams, and ninety-five percent of SCLA graduates pursue college or university degrees.

AP Courses

STEM

WHAT IS STEM?

STEM stands for Science, Technology, Engineering, Math. STEM courses and programs have never been more valuable than they are today. Business leaders have been seeking individuals with 21st-century learning capabilities for the past two decades, and STEM is simply another way SCLA can prepare students for careers beyond high school.

HOW IS IT TAUGHT?

Project Lead The Way (PLTW)—the curriculum SCLA uses for some of its STEM courses—uses the Activity-Project-Problem approach. Students use industry tools and technology in hands-on experiences where they develop skills in communication, collaboration, critical thinking, and creativity. Problem-solving is the name of the game, and both the PLTW and non-PTLW courses are loaded with it.

WHY IS IT VALUABLE FOR SCLA STUDENTS?

The need for individuals to fill STEM-related careers has exploded, and students explore components of these careers throughout the curriculum. Significant college scholarships are available for STEM-related programs.

WHO CAN TAKE STEM CLASSES AT SCLA?

In grades 6-8, all students take a semester-long STEM class each year. In grades 9-12, STEM classes are offered as electives. Enrollment is limited for each section, so early enrollment is important.

IS THERE A COURSE FEE?

There is no fee for grades 6-8 for the required STEM science courses. In grades 9-12, there is an initial $500 fee for the student’s first course. This fee helps offset costs of technology and materials specifically for these courses.

College Credit in High School

Vocational Studies

In addition to college-preparatory subjects, SCLA offers opportunities for students to use and practice domestic, career, and technical skills inside the classroom. Current offerings include:

Yearbook
Basic Foods
Child Development
Accounting
Business, Entrepreneurship, and Personal Finance
Applied Technologies (wood working, small engine maintenance, automotive systems, drafting and design)
Digital Media Arts

Additionally, students receive hands-on projects inside all science classrooms and STEM classrooms.