The Best Private Schools in Almond, Wisconsin
Discover 3 exceptional private schools in Almond. Find the perfect educational environment for your child with our comprehensive reviews and ratings.
School Overview
Top-Rated Private Schools
Saint Paul Lutheran School
Wisconsin Evangelical Lutheran Synod
Saint Paul Lutheran School is a highly-regarded Christian private school located directly in Almond, serving students from preschool through 8th grade. The school emphasizes faith-based education integrated with strong academic fundamentals, featuring small class sizes and personalized attention. Their curriculum includes comprehensive STEM programs, music education, and competitive athletics. Parents consistently praise the dedicated teaching staff, safe learning environment, and strong community values. The school has maintained excellent academic standards while providing affordable private education to local families for nearly five decades.
Programs:
Saint James Lutheran School
Lutheran Church-Missouri Synod
Located in nearby Shawano (approximately 20 miles from Almond), Saint James Lutheran School serves families throughout the region with exceptional Lutheran education for grades PreK-8. The school is renowned for its strong academic foundation, particularly in mathematics and literacy, complemented by comprehensive sports programs and extracurricular activities. Facilities include modern classrooms, a dedicated gymnasium, and technology-enhanced learning spaces. Parent reviews highlight the school's caring environment, high academic standards, and successful preparation of students for high school. Many families commute from surrounding communities including Almond for this highly-rated educational option.
Programs:
Newman Catholic Schools - Elementary
Diocese of La Crosse
Newman Catholic Schools serves the broader central Wisconsin region, including families from Almond seeking top-tier Catholic education. The elementary campus in Wausau (approximately 30 miles from Almond) offers comprehensive PreK-5 education with advanced academic programs, robust fine arts curriculum, and extensive technology integration. The school features modern facilities including science labs, art studios, and athletic complexes. With a long-standing reputation for academic excellence and character development, Newman Catholic consistently produces students who excel in secondary education. The school provides transportation options and serves many commuting families from surrounding rural communities.
Programs:
Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about private schools in Almond, Wisconsin
What are the primary private school options available within Almond, Wisconsin, and what are their religious affiliations?
Almond, Wisconsin, is served by a small number of private, faith-based schools. The primary options are Saint Paul Lutheran School (Wisconsin Evangelical Lutheran Synod), Saint James Lutheran School (Lutheran), and Newman Catholic Schools - Elementary (Roman Catholic). It's important to note that Newman Catholic Schools is part of a larger system based in nearby Wausau, and its elementary program may involve some commuting. Given Almond's rural setting, these schools represent the core of private education, and parents seeking secular or other specialized private options would likely need to look to larger communities in Portage County or the Wausau area.
How does tuition at private schools in Almond, WI, compare to state averages, and are there any Wisconsin-specific financial aid programs available?
Tuition at the Lutheran and Catholic schools in Almond tends to be below the statewide average for private schools, reflecting the area's cost of living and the schools' mission to serve their congregations and communities. Annual tuition often ranges from $3,000 to $6,000 per child, with significant discounts for parish members and multiple children. Wisconsin-specific aid is crucial: all qualifying families can apply for the statewide **Parental Choice Program**, which provides a voucher to attend participating private schools. Both Saint Paul Lutheran and Newman Catholic Schools are likely participants. Additionally, many schools offer internal scholarships and fundraising assistance.
What unique academic or extracurricular programs do private schools in Almond, WI, offer that leverage the local community or environment?
Private schools in Almond often integrate their rural setting and faith-based values into their programs. This can include robust agricultural or environmental science components, outdoor education, and strong community service projects tied to local needs. Given the small size, programs like music, art, and athletics are often collaborative and family-oriented, with a focus on participation over intense competition. A key differentiator is daily religious instruction and worship, which forms the core of the curriculum. The close-knit environment also allows for highly personalized attention and multi-age classroom activities that are distinctive to small, community-centered schools.
What is the typical enrollment timeline and process for private schools in Almond, and are there considerations for families moving to the area mid-year?
Enrollment for the following academic year typically opens in January or February, with priority given to current families and members of the supporting church parishes. Open houses are often held in the winter. However, due to their smaller size and stable populations, Almond's private schools often have a more flexible and rolling admissions process compared to larger urban private schools. Mid-year enrollment is usually possible if space is available, which is common. The process involves an application, submission of past records, a family interview or meeting with the principal, and registration fee. Families new to the area are encouraged to contact the school directly, as personal connections are highly valued.
For a family in Almond, what are the key practical and philosophical differences between the local public school (Almond-Bancroft School District) and the available private schools?
The key difference is foundational: the private schools in Almond provide a faith-based education integrated throughout the curriculum, while the public district is secular. Practically, the Almond-Bancroft public school is a consolidated P-12 district offering a wider range of extracurriculars, sports teams, and potentially more specialized academic tracks due to its larger size. The private options offer smaller class sizes, a consistent moral framework aligned with specific denominations, and often a simpler, more traditional school environment. Transportation can be a factor, as public district busing may not be available for private school students. The choice often comes down to a family's priority on religious formation and intimate community versus a broader array of secular programs and activities.
Nearby Cities
Explore private schools in nearby cities