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: 16 students
- Application Deadline: None / Rolling
- Source: Verified school update
School Overview
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
Year Founded
1911
1909
Campus Size
45 acres
125 acres
Colors
White, Royal blue
Student Body
Enrollment
450 students
300 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
10
17
% Faculty with Advanced Degree
86%
70%
Summer Program Offered
No
Yes
Tuition Cost
Yearly Tuition
(Boarding Students)
(Boarding Students)
$38,000
(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)
$59,900
Yearly Tuition
(Day Students)
(Day Students)
n/a
$33,500
Tuition international students
$55,000
$53,975
% Students on Financial Aid
30%
40%
Avg. Financial Aid Grant
$18,500
$25,000
Merit Scholarships Offered
No
No
Admissions
Acceptance Rate
93%
58%
Director of Admissions
Jeff Novakoski
lmyrlie@cotterschools.org
lmyrlie@cotterschools.org
Application URL
College Matriculation
10 Most Popular College Choices (# Enrolled)
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: AdvancEd / Cognia
- 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.
- School Mascot: Rowdy
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.
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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