International Boarding Program

Proudly serving international students in Grades 7-12 who are ready to live and learn on Cotter's Campus.Saying "YES" to starting a new journey at Cotter Schools brings a promise of challenge and growth. With dedicated teachers, supportive staff, and motivated peers, you'll be academically, emotionally, and spiritually nurtured. From epic theme nights and bustling extracurricular activities to a thriving fine arts program, the opportunities for involvement are endless. Coupled with a global cultural experience, enhanced by an international boarding program, and a secure campus environment, Cotter ensures safety and community support. Plus, with a strong sense of school pride, delicious dining options, and a plethora of weekend activities, Cotter offers a fulfilling experience where lifelong friendships are forged.

Choosing Cotter Schools means embracing a dynamic environment where personal growth and cultural exchange thrive. From academic challenges to extracurricular engagement, you'll find support and inspiration every step of the way. With a vibrant community, diverse dining options, and a myriad of weekend activities, Cotter promises an enriching experience that transcends borders and fosters lasting connections.

Isn’t it time that you find your home away from home? A place where you can live, learn and grow. A place where rich memories will be made, academic success can be found and a path for a bright future will be paved.

That place is Cotter Schools.

Let’s get you started…

All educational agents and advisors should contact Mr. Jeff Novakoski.

Contacts

Jeffery Novakoski

Boarding Admissions

Lauren Myrlie

International Enrollment Associate

School: 507-313-5806

Affording Tuition

As a private, independent school, Cotter Schools is financially supported by a variety of sources: parents/family tuition, local tuition assistance, 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 assistance upon request. Contact Mr. Jeff Novakoski for more information.

Tuition & Fees

The total cost for boarding students for the 2025-2026 school year is $55,000 and it includes the following:

Tuition
Books
Sports & Activities
Medical Insurance Coverage
ESL and TOEFL Prep Courses
College Counseling Services
Dorm Activities & Trips
Holiday Breaks
- Thanksgiving break
- Spring break
- Home-Stay (if needed) during Christmas break
Room & Board
- Air conditioned/heated dorm rooms
- Food/Foodservice
- Wi-Fi/Internet
- Game room
- Student Kitchen Facilities
- Bicycles
- Laundry facilities
Transportation
- Airport Pick up/drop off
  - Rochester (Minnesota) International Airport (RST)
  - LaCrosse (Wisconsin) International Airport (LSE)

HOW DO I SEND A WIRE THROUGH FLYWIRE?

Cotter Schools uses FlyWire to intake international payments. It's fast, simple and cost effective. They offer customer service in many languages available at any time.

Find their help contact information here.

DIRECTIONS

Go to the Cotter Schools FlyWire page.
Enter the amount you are paying and the country of origin.
Choose a payment option. You will be given choices such as bank transfer, debit/credit card, and electronic payment.
Create an account; this will ask you to put in some basic information so that you can begin the payment.
Make the payment. Flywire will then give you instructions to follow based on the type of payment you chose to make.
Track your payment; this can be done by logging into Flywire or by receiving text messages and emails form Flywire.

How to Apply

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 the online application, beginning with Applicant Information form. Applications are accepted on a rolling admission basis.
Cotter Schools also uses the Standard Application Online (SAO). To learn more about using the SAO and begin your application, click here.
Submit completed Online Application and application fee of $100.
You will hear from our admissions staff after you complete the application.
We also accept common applications such as SSAT, SAO or TABS common app.

step 3: submit supplemental documents

After you submit your completed application, our admissions staff will work with you to complete the process and submit the following documents:

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

setp 4: prepare for an interview

Once your completed application and supplemental documents are received, the Admissions office will contact you to set up an interview.

setp 5: admissions decision

Admissions decisions will be sent three (3) business days after the interview.
If offered admission to Cotter Schools after the application review and interview, you can accept the admission with an enrollment deposit and signed enrollment contract. Please note that this deposit may be refundable if two documented visa denials are provided within the same school year for which you are applying. Deferred enrollment deposits will not be refunded.

step 6: complete student visa interview (international)

After the enrollment deposit and contract are received, Cotter Schools will issue an I-20 and the family must make an appointment for F-1 student visa. For more information about student visas, please go to the U.S. Immigration and Custom's Enforcement (ICE) website.

step 7: complete school enrollment forms

The final step is to 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.

Continuous Enrollment

Each school year a new contract will be issued to the families of returning boarding students. The families need to pay a 10% deposit and fee to secure their child's place for the 2025-2026 school year. The deposit and fee are due by April 15, 2025. They are allowed to use a credit card for this payment in the finance office. Otherwise families can send the payment via wire transfer. The remaining tuition is due by July 15, 2025. If a family would like to pay the entire tuition now (instead of two payments) or would like other payment options, please contact Mr. Jeff Novakoski.

Important Dates:

April 15, 2025 - Deposit and fee due date
July 15, 2025 - Remaining tuition balance

FLYWIRE: How To Guide

For questions or information regarding the boarding re-enrollment process, contact Mr. Jeff Novakoski. at 507-453-5102.

Financial Aid

Understanding Financial Aid in the Boarding Program at Cotter Schools

On a daily basis, we witness just how much value is built into the Cotter Schools' residential experience. At the same time, we also recognize the commitment and sacrifice that families make to provide a Catholic residential education for their children.

We are pleased to report that, due to the incredible generosity of our major benefactors who support Cotter and believe in our mission, our tuition remains considerably lower than other boarding schools and even some day-schools in our region.

Additionally, at Cotter Schools we believe that "in community, everyone grows." As such, we work to meet each family's financial need. Need-based financial aid is available. Your student's individual financial aid award is largely driven by your family's need, the number of families that apply for financial assistance and the amount of funding we have available. This means that each student may pay a different portion of the set tuition fee, based on their financial aid package.

Cotter Schools is committed to creating a diverse community of students and in order to make this experience a reality, we have created a financial aid program and offer payment plan options that enable qualified students from ALL cultural, racial, geographical and socio-economic groups to attend and enrich our school. Together, we can achieve our full potential and use our lives in service of others.

To learn more about financial aid or to request an application, please contact Mr. Jeff Novakoski.