Living & Learning: The Complete Guide to Schools in Stillwater, MN

If you are thinking about moving to the St. Croix Valley, the school district is likely one of the first things you’re looking into. Stillwater Area Public Schools (ISD 834) isn't just a small-town district; it covers a massive 150 square miles, serving around 8,300 students from Stillwater, Lake Elmo, Bayport, Oak Park Heights, and several surrounding townships.

For many buyers, the draw here is the unique mix of deep-rooted tradition—people take "Pony Pride" very seriously—and modern growth. We are sitting in a pretty exciting window right now as we head into early 2026. The district is wrapping up significant construction projects, and we have new boundary maps coming into play for the 2026-27 school year.

Whether you are looking for a traditional neighborhood school, a Spanish Immersion program, or a highly rated charter academy, this area has a surprising amount of variety. It’s not just about picking a house; it’s about understanding which school boundary that house sits in, especially with the lines shifting this year.

When locals talk about "the district," they are usually referring to ISD 834. Geographically, it is long and narrow, stretching along the St. Croix River all the way from Marine on St. Croix in the north down to Afton in the south. Because the area is so spread out, your experience can vary a bit depending on whether you are in the historic downtown hills or the new developments out in Lake Elmo.

The structure here is pretty standard: Elementary schools cover grades K-5, middle schools take grades 6-8, and everyone comes together at the main high school for grades 9-12. The glue that holds it all together is the mascot. You will see the "Ponies" logo everywhere—on car bumpers, storefronts, and lawn signs. It is a very strong community identity that unites the different towns within the district borders.

Facilities have been a major topic of conversation lately. Thanks to bond projects approved back in 2023, the district has been busy renovating and building. By the time the 2026-27 school year kicks off this fall, students will be walking into some significantly upgraded spaces.

The elementary landscape is where you will find the most options and the most recent changes. The district operates several elementary schools, including Afton-Lakeland, Andersen, Brookview, Lily Lake, Rutherford, and Stonebridge. Each has its own neighborhood feel, but they all follow the same general curriculum.

The biggest news for buyers right now is the new construction opening for the 2026-27 school year. The district is replacing the old Lake Elmo Elementary building with a brand-new facility on a 47-acre site nearby. Bayport Elementary is also moving into a new building. If you are looking at Lake Elmo MN real estate or homes in Bayport, you’ll want to be aware that these aren't just renovations—they are major upgrades designed to handle the growing population in those areas.

Beyond the standard curriculum, the district offers a few specialized choices:

Just keep in mind that boundaries were approved in December 2025 to accommodate these new buildings. If you are looking at homes in the southern tier of the district, specifically Lake Elmo or Afton, make sure you are looking at the new boundary maps for next fall, not the current ones.

Once students hit sixth grade, they funnel into one of two middle schools. Which one your student attends generally depends on which elementary school zone you live in.

Stillwater Middle School (SMS) is located right in town. It has a bit more of that "in-city" feel and often acts as a hub for community events, including district swim meets.

Oak-Land Middle School (OLMS) is located further west in Lake Elmo. Because Lake Elmo has seen so much housing growth recently, Oak-Land was recently expanded and renovated to handle the influx.

Both schools serve grades 6-8 and offer very similar opportunities. You will find a strong focus on STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math), robust music and band programs, and a curriculum designed to get students ready for the high school transition.

Almost all roads in the district lead to Stillwater Area High School. It is a large, centralized campus that brings everyone together for grades 9-12. Because it is the only comprehensive public high school in the district, it is a massive focal point for the community.

Academically, it is a powerhouse. Students have access to a wide range of Advanced Placement (AP) courses and PSEO (Post-Secondary Enrollment Options), which allow them to earn college credits while still in high school. The sheer size of the school means there is a club or class for almost every interest.

Outside the classroom, "Pony" sports are a huge deal. Friday night football games, hockey tournaments, and cross-country meets draw big crowds. If sports aren't the priority, the fine arts and music programs are equally renowned. The 2023 bond funding also poured resources into this campus, with ongoing safety updates and facility renovations ensuring the building keeps up with modern standards.

If the large district feel isn't quite right for your situation, this area has some very strong charter school options. These are tuition-free public schools that operate independently of ISD 834.

St. Croix Preparatory Academy is probably the most well-known. Located on Stagecoach Trail, it is a K-12 school that follows a classical education model. They have uniforms, a reputation for high academic standards, and typically have a waiting list. If you are interested in this option, you usually need to plan well in advance.

Marine Village School is a smaller K-5 charter located up in Marine on St. Croix. It has a distinct focus on outdoor and nature-based learning, fitting perfectly with its river-town setting.

New Heights School offers something a bit different. It is a small charter focused on grades 6-12 (secondary), providing a more personalized learning environment for about 70-100 students who might get lost in a larger high school setting.

For those interested in faith-based or private education, the St. Croix Valley has several established schools. These do require tuition, and their admissions timelines often differ from the public schools.

Transporting students across 150 square miles of semi-rural landscape is a big logistical operation. Generally, the district provides busing for elementary students who live more than half a mile from school, and for secondary students who live more than two miles away.

Parents here rely heavily on the MyRide K-12 App, which lets you track bus status and delays—super helpful during Minnesota winters.

One nice perk is that the district often provides transportation for charter and private school students as well, provided they live within the district boundaries. However, traffic can be a factor. The roads around the high school can get very congested during start and dismissal times, so if you are commuting during those windows, you'll want to pad your travel time.

If you are looking at homes for sale in Stillwater MN or the surrounding townships, verifying school assignments is more critical now than usual.

With the boundary changes taking effect for the 2026-27 school year, do not rely on old maps or generic listing descriptions. A house that used to be zoned for one elementary school might be zoned for another starting this fall. This is especially true for Lake Elmo new construction, where growth has shifted the lines significantly.

Open enrollment is an option here. Minnesota allows you to apply to attend a school outside your assigned area (intra-district) or even outside your resident district. However, acceptance depends on capacity, and if you open enroll, you are usually responsible for your own transportation.

My best advice? If a specific school is a deal-breaker for you, double-check the address against the new 2026-27 maps on the district website before you write an offer.

Stillwater is in Independent School District 834 (ISD 834), also known as Stillwater Area Public Schools. The district covers a large area beyond the city limits, including Lake Elmo, Bayport, Oak Park Heights, and several townships.

Yes, the district offers a Spanish Immersion program called Amigos Unidos. It is located at Lake Elmo Elementary School and is a popular choice for parents wanting bilingual education for their children.

Yes, there are several charter schools in the area. St. Croix Preparatory Academy is a highly sought-after K-12 option, and there are smaller charters like Marine Village School (K-5) and New Heights School (6-12).

The new Lake Elmo Elementary and Bayport Elementary buildings are scheduled to open this coming fall for the 2026-27 school year. These projects are replacing older facilities to accommodate modern needs and enrollment growth.

Start times vary by grade level. Typically, the high school starts earliest (around 7:40 AM), followed by middle schools, and then elementary schools. It is best to check the specific school’s website for the most current bell schedule.