Since establishment, Cotter Schools has been providing an exceptional experience and strong foundation to prepare our students for a lifetime of learning and growth. Cotter has been offering boarding services for international and domestic students for over 20 years. We currently offer boarding options for student in grades 7-12.
Cotter offers exceptional academic programs, athletics, fine arts, and extra-curricular activities. We are also committed to providing our students with best-in-class facilities. Now our boarding students will enjoy a brand new dorm and cafeteria!
Cotter offers a challenging academic environment filled with experiential learning opportunities! As a student-centered school, our teachers prepare students through personal attention and small class sizes. Through project-based learning you will frequently interact with fellow students and teachers.
Cotter is a global community where you can expect to feel supported by your teachers, fellow students, and staff. At Cotter, we are a family that embraces our diversity and the different cultures present in our school.
At Cotter, our residential program provides for an on-campus living experience while having activities that allow you to meet local students that allows our students to enjoy their Cotter experience!
As a private, independent school, Cotter Schools is financially supported by a variety of sources: parent/family tuition, local tuition grants, fundraising efforts, and benefactor generosity. Providing an excellent academic education, as well as a large variety of extracurricular activities, is a significant financial commitment for all. However, Cotter Schools is committed to making “The Cotter Experience” affordable by providing tuition grants upon request. For further information, contact [email protected]
International Boarding Costs
Total cost is $43,500 and it includes the following:
Contact Mr. Erik Christenson at 507-453-5102 or email at [email protected] if you have questions or would like more information.
Domestic Boarding Costs
Total cost is $30,000 and it includes the following:
Contact Mr. Erik Christenson at 507-453-5102 or email at [email protected] if you have questions or would like more information.
New Students Orientation
Oritentation for new international boarding students begins one week prior to school starting. It is a special week for non- English speaking students to help the transition into American high school life while building confidence in speaking English.
Get Involved!
Winona is a great community surrounded by water, bluffs, and beautiful trails. We are close enough to larger cities for day trips yet far enough away from the busy to be able to just grab your sneakers, hop on a bike, and go explore the beautiful nature that surrounds us! We are here to help provide you with opportunities to get involved within the boarding program, with local families, and on campus. It can be a bit overwhelming to move away from home, immerse yourself in a new community, and try to make new friends. But our best advice is to be open to the experience! Those students who have gotten involved in athletics, activities, and volunteering have truly made the most of their experience and have formed relationships that will last a lifetime. However, it is up to you to make this experience one that you won’t soon forget and we are here to help!
There are numerous opportunities to get involved at the dorm, on campus, and within the community!
Our staff are committed to offering a variety of activities during the week, on weekends, and during short and long breaks. Many of the events we offer are from student suggestions or requests.
Below is a sampling of some trips and activities that have been taken or held on the weekends or over breaks:
One of the highlights on campus is our annual International Dinner which is held during International Week on campus during the spring semester. It is an opportunity for our students to show off a little bit, share a piece of their home, and invite others into their world for an evening. International Dinner is one of the highlights for all staff and students throughout the year! It is held at the dormitory in the school cafeteria but all of the food is planned, prepared, and served by our boarding staff and students representing different countries. We work as a team to make sure we have appetizers, main dishes, beverages, and desserts for a great plate of food to be served to our guests. We serve approximately 250-300 people each year! It is an incredible event to be a part of and our students take such pride in what they prepare and love visiting with our guests to explain what exactly it is and how it is made.
Other opportunities to get involved in the dormitory and community living may include things such as birthday club, outdoor club, floor council, game committee, and volunteer work. We have quite a few students who are also involved in local activities such as figure skating, dancing, boxing, music lessons, worship, and more. These are activities that you can work with Mrs. Barrientos to find and engage in! There are also numerous other opportunities to get involved on campus through Math Team, Student Council, National Honor Society, Chess Team, Speech Team, athletics, musicals, knitting clubs, and more! See all Cotter Activities.
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