Rochester Arts and Sciences Academy
Secular
Updated July 2026
IB PYP
Rochester Arts & Sciences Academy is a private, independent school serving preschool through 8th grade that provides an individualized education emphasizing the arts and sciences. It is an IB World School that combines a rigorous, inquiry-based curriculum with a nurturing, small-school environment.
Curriculum
Teaching approach
The school is a secular, community-oriented environment that emphasizes character development and social-emotional learning. It aims to develop lifelong learners who are knowledgeable, principled, and globally minded. The educational approach is rooted in the International Baccalaureate (IB) philosophy, which encourages student agency, inquiry, and the establishment of personal values. Bullying is not tolerated, and the school fosters a culture where staff and students support one another.
Programmes
The school follows the International Baccalaureate (IB) Primary Years Programme (PYP) for students ages 3–12 and meets or exceeds Minnesota State Educational Standards. The curriculum includes daily in-person instruction in French and Spanish, as well as weekly music and art classes. Accelerated and double-accelerated courses are available in math and reading, and middle school students may participate in band, orchestra, and chorus. Graduates are prepared for rigorous high school pathways, including Advanced Placement (AP) courses and the IB Diploma Programme.
Student support
Learning support
The school employs a licensed school counselor and a school nurse who is a trained family medicine nurse practitioner with expertise in psycho-social support. Small class sizes, capped at 15 students, allow teachers to provide individualized attention and support tailored to unique learning styles. The school also offers accelerated reading and math programming for all students, with flexible pacing options available.
Frequently asked questions(5)
- What curriculum does Rochester Arts and Sciences Academy offer?
- Rochester Arts and Sciences Academy offers IB PYP.
- How much is tuition at Rochester Arts and Sciences Academy?
- Annual tuition at Rochester Arts and Sciences Academy is $10.2K–$16.2K. Fees vary by year group — confirm the current schedule with the school.
- What accreditations does Rochester Arts and Sciences Academy hold?
- Rochester Arts and Sciences Academy holds accreditations including IB.
- Is Rochester Arts and Sciences Academy co-educational?
- Rochester Arts and Sciences Academy is a co-ed school.
- Where is Rochester Arts and Sciences Academy located?
- Rochester Arts and Sciences Academy is an international school in Rochester, United States.
Tuition & fees
Annual tuition by grade
2026-2027| Grade | Ages | Annual |
|---|---|---|
| Preschool and Junior Kindergarten | 3–4 | $16.2K |
| Preschool and Junior Kindergarten (Half-day) | 3–4 | $10.2K |
| Elementary PYP Program (K–5) | 5–10 | $16.2K |
| Middle School (6th & 7th grade) | 11–12 | $16.2K |
| Middle School (8th grade) | 13–13 | $13K |
Other fees(2)
| Materials· Technology fee per academic year (K-3) | $100 |
|---|---|
| Materials· Technology fee per academic year (4-8) | $200 |
Discounts
- Sibling discount: $500
- Sibling discount: $1500
- Sibling discount: $2500
Admissions
New families may apply for admission at any time, with enrollment for the upcoming school year typically beginning in March. The process involves scheduling a tour, completing an online application, and paying a $75 non-refundable fee. Admission decisions for new families are finalized after the re-enrollment period for current families concludes, though mid-year entry is possible if space permits. The school maintains a non-discriminatory admissions policy.
Calendar
The academic day runs from 8:00 am to 3:25 pm, with approximately 185 academic days. Elementary school hours are 9:25 am to 3:50 pm, while middle school hours are 8:10 am to 2:50 pm. Before-school care is available starting at 7:00 am at no charge, and after-school enrichment programs operate until 6:00 pm for a fee.
Facilities
About the campus
The campus is located at 2521 Pennington Dr NW in Rochester, Minnesota. It features dedicated spaces for music and art instruction, and students have access to daily physical activity, including 60 minutes of PE and recess. The school provides technology resources, with additional fees assessed to support these needs.
Co-curriculars
The school offers a diverse range of extracurricular activities, including a business and finance club, chess, art, music appreciation, fencing, coding, robotics, soccer, yoga, drama, and band. Middle school students have a study hall at the end of the day to facilitate participation in activities. Additionally, students have access to programming through local community education, and the school partners with community organizations for team-based activities.
Nicholas DoylePrincipal ~ Head of SchoolNicholas Doyle has 25 years of experience in education and has served as the principal of RASA since 2013. He holds a B.A. in Elementary Education and a master’s degree in Educational Leadership, and is recognized for his commitment to building strong relationships and fostering a positive school culture.
Paula WallaceBusiness ManagerPaula Wallace joined the RASA staff as Business Manager after a 29-year career with the FAA, where she held various roles including supervisor and manager. She has been part of the RASA family as a parent since 2013.