Discover your potential as a Cotter Student

Are you ready to become part of an engaging community that values academics, arts, athletics, and club activities? Please use our directions below to learn how to apply to our school. When you are ready to apply, please click the "Apply Now" button. We look forward to learning more about YOU! 

Notice to Winona Area Catholic School Enrollees:
If you have a 6th grade student at WACS, your child is preregistered for 7th Grade at Cotter Schools. Please visit our continuous enrollment page and follow the instructions under the "WACS 6th Graders to Cotter in 7th Grade" menu. 

Apply Now

New Boarding Student Applicants

For questions or information regarding the Cotter Schools Boarding application process and program, contact Mandi Olson at +1.507.453.5113.

Step 1: Create an Online Account

To begin the Online Application process, Create an Account.

You will receive an email asking you to verify your email address before starting your online application.

Step 2: Complete Online Application

Please complete the Online Application forms listed in the left menu of online application, beginning with the Applicant Information form. Applications are accepted on a rolling admission basis. Preference is given to those who apply by April 1.

Submit completed Online Application and application fee of $100.

You will hear from our admissions staff after you complete an application.

We also accept common applications such as SSAT, SAO or TABS common app.

SAO Logo

Step 3: Submit Supplemental Documents

Our admissions staff with work with you to complete your application

  • Academic Transcripts/Grade Reports from Previous Schools
  • Two Letters of Recommendation
  • One Page Personal Essay describing a significant life experience
  • Copy of Passport if applicable
  • Completed Financial Verification Form

  • English Test Score (such as TOEFL), email us for our most recent requirements

 

Step 4: Prepare for an Interview

Once your completed application is received, the Admissions office will contact you to setup an interview.

Step 5: Admissions Decision

Admissions decisions will be sent 7-12 business days after the interview.

If offered admission to Cotter Schools after the application review and interview, the family can accept admission with a $5,000 deposit. Please note this deposit is refundable if you do not obtain your F-1 visa.

Step 6: Complete Student Visa Interview (International)

After the $5,000 deposit is received, Cotter Schools will issue an I-20 and the family must make an appointment for F1 student Visa. For more information about student visas, go to the U.S. Immigration and Custom's Enforcement (ICE) website.

Step 7: Complete School Enrollment Forms

Complete enrollment forms and documents sent to you by our admissions staff prior to arriving to school. If you have questions about this, please contact admissions@cotterschools.org

New Day Student Applicants

If you have questions about this process, contact Linda Schrupp at +1.507.453.5016.

Step 1: Schedule a Visit or Tour

Schedule a visit or tour!

Check out our Campus Map

Contact Linda Schrupp at 507.453.5016

Step 2: Create an Online Application Account

Create an Application Account

You will receive an email asking you to verify your email address before starting your online application.

Step 3: Complete Online Application

Please complete the Online Application forms listed in the left menu of online application, beginning with the Applicant Information form.

  • Submit completed Online Application and application fee of $25.
  • If requested, submit a copy of most recent transcripts from current school.
  • If applying for tuition assistance, you can apply online with FACTS Grant & Aid Financial Needs Assessment. FACTS will charge a fee to process your grant request.

You will hear from our admissions staff after you complete an application.

Step 4: Upon Acceptance: Complete Online Enrollment Packet

Upon your acceptance into our school, your family will be emailed instructions on how to access your online enrollment packet through ParentsWeb. Within your enrollment packet, you will be required to set up a tuition payment plan using FACTS. 

Cotter Schools uses FACTS Tuition Management as our tuition payment processing system. This is where parents are billed for tuition, pay their tuition (with several payment options) and can access their tuition information anytime.

 

Step 5: Schedule Classes

You will be contacted to schedule classes with your advisor.

Homestay/Exchange or F1 visa students

Students that want to study at Cotter through a homestay program or as a day student on an F1 visa need to contact Mrs. Mandi Olson at admissions@cotterschools.org for application information.

Education Agents

All educational agents and advisors should contact Mr. Erik Christenson at echristenson@cotterschools.org or +1.507.453.5102.