Cotter Schools

1115 West Broadway Street Winona MN 55987
www.cotterschools.org

Quick Facts (2026)

  • Grades: (Boarding Students) 7-12
  • Grades: (Day Students) PK-12
  • Enrollment: 450 students
  • Yearly Tuition (Boarding Students): $38,000
  • Acceptance rate: 93%
  • Average class size: 18 students
  • Application Deadline: None / Rolling
  • Source: Verified school update
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1115 West Broadway Street
Winona, MN 55987
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 Facts (2026)

  • Grades: (Boarding Students) 7-12
  • Grades: (Day Students) PK-12
  • Enrollment: 450 students
  • Yearly Tuition (Boarding Students): $38,000
  • Acceptance rate: 93%
  • Average class size: 18 students
  • Application Deadline: None / Rolling
  • Source: Verified school update

School Overview

Definition of Terms | 2025 School Data
Cotter Schools
Boarding School Avg.
School Focus
College Preparatory
College Preparatory
Grades Offered (Boarding)
7-12
9-12
Grades Offered (Day)
PK-12
Pre-K-12
School Type
Co-ed
Co-ed
ADD/ADHD Support
Yes
Year Founded
1911
1909
Campus Size
45 acres
125 acres
School Motto
Veritatem Vereantur

Student Body

Enrollment
450 students
300 students
% International Students
9%
20%
% Students Boarding
12%
70%
Average SAT Score
1138
(Out of 1600)
* National Avg. »View
Average ACT score
24
(Out of 36)
*National Avg. »View
Offers Post-Grad Year
No
No

Academic Profile

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.
Casual
Average Class Size
18 students
12
* National Avg. »18
Student-Teacher Ratio
13:1
7:1
# of AP / Advanced Courses Offered
10
17
ESL Courses Offered
Yes
% Faculty with Advanced Degree
86%
70%
Summer Program Offered
Yes
Summer Program Details
# of AP / Advanced Courses Offered
10
17

Tuition & Financial Aid

Yearly Tuition
(Boarding Students)
$38,000
(All inclusive - tuition, room and board, insurance, activities, travel from local airport to school, sports fees and testing)
$59,900
Tuition international students
$55,000
$53,975
% Students on Financial Aid
30%
40%
Avg. Financial Aid Grant
$18,500
$25,000

Admissions

Application Deadline
None / Rolling
Jan. 15
Accepts Standardized Application (SAO and/or Gateway)
No
Acceptance Rate
93%
58%
Director of Admissions
Jeff Novakoski
lmyrlie@cotterschools.org
Application URL

Sports

Colors
White, Royal blue
School Mascot
Rowdy

College Matriculation

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.
  • Sample of notable school alumni/alumnae:
    • Bob Kierlin '57 - Founder for Fastenal Company, a $7.5 Billion Fortune 500 company
    • Andy Ballard '01 - A Nobel Prize winner in Chemistry for developing a program which, using artificial intelligence, solved the riddle of predicting protein structures.
    • Damien Fair '94 - Awarded the MacArthur Genius award
    • Jay Carrol '80 - Founder and CEO of Carroll Management Consultants and SeQuel Response. Also played as a tightend for the Tampa Bay Buccaneers and Minnesota Vikings ('84-'86)
    • Chris Green '91 - Top 5 trial lawyers in Massachusetts and top 50 trial lawyers in the USA.
Source: Verified school update

Frequently Asked Questions

How much does Cotter Schools cost?
Cotter Schools's tuition is approximately $38,000 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 58%.
Who are famous alumni from Cotter Schools?
Cotter Schools famous alumni include: Bob Kierlin '57, Andy Ballard '01, Damien Fair '94, Jay Carrol '80 and Chris Green '91.
Does Cotter Schools offer a summer program?
Yes, Cotter Schools offers a summer program. Visit their summer school page for more information.
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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