The best way to experience the Prep community is to visit us! Immerse yourself in classes, connect with faculty, and make new friends! Learn why our inclusive community is a place that is truly beyond ordinary.
Saint John’s Prep is a premier arts and sciences world school where we prize imagination, creativity and discovery. Prep offers experiences that nurture curiosity and expand horizons. We invite you to discover Saint John’s Prep!
We take learning seriously at Saint John’s Prep. Our outstanding faculty and staff challenge our students to reach beyond the familiar to try something new, to create, imagine or invent. We engage our students not only as they are but in relation to all that they can become.
Saint John’s Prep offers athletic, co-curricular and arts programs that are committed to a quality experience, highlighted by hard work, pride, and teamwork. We encourage students to try new things and challenge themselves to learn and grow outside of the classroom.
Every student takes part in our Fine Arts Program at Saint John’s Prep. Our well-rounded curriculum supports the development of appreciation and passion for fine arts that will last a lifetime.
Saint John’s Prep offers a spirited array of varsity and intramural sports. Our programs are inclusive with a strong emphasis on teamwork. Our sports teams give Prep students the opportunity to grow interpersonal, communication, and leadership skills.
Resident Director VVANLAANE001@sjprep.net
Vanessa Vanlaanen is a resident director at Saint John’s Prep. She earned her undergraduate degrees from Saint Cloud State University in Communication Arts and Literature, and Communication Studies with minors in Intercultural communication and Cultural Anthropology. She also has a bachelor’s degree in German. Ms. Vanlaanen also earned a Master of Education in Teaching and Learning from Saint Mary’s University.
Ms. Van Laanen was born in Salt Lake City, Utah but relocated to Minnesota with her family and graduated from high school in Stillwater, Minnesota. After 9 years of teaching in Central Minnesota, Ms. Vanlaanen is taking a break from the classroom. She is excited to live in Saint Michael Hall and work with students and the residential life team. Ms. Vanlaanen enjoys traveling and learning about other cultures. When she was in high school, she spent her senior year in Germany as part of the Congress Bundestag Youth Exchange. She also studied at the Bonn Universität.
She enjoys spending her free time reading, knitting, hiking, kayaking and canoeing. She lives in Saint Michael Hall with her two cats.
