The Best Private Schools in Amherst Junction, Wisconsin
Discover 3 exceptional private schools in Amherst Junction. Find the perfect educational environment for your child with our comprehensive reviews and ratings.
School Overview
Top-Rated Private Schools
St. Paul Lutheran School
Wisconsin Evangelical Lutheran Synod
St. Paul Lutheran School provides a comprehensive Christian education serving families throughout Portage County, including Amherst Junction. The school offers small class sizes with a student-teacher ratio of 12:1, strong academic foundations in core subjects, and integrates faith-based learning throughout the curriculum. Facilities include modern classrooms, technology labs, and athletic facilities. The school is known for its strong community involvement, dedicated teachers, and well-rounded education that includes robust music programs and competitive sports teams.
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St. Stephen Lutheran School
Lutheran Church-Missouri Synod
St. Stephen Lutheran School serves the broader Stevens Point area including Amherst Junction families seeking quality Christian education. The school features a rigorous academic program with emphasis on mathematics and language arts, complemented by comprehensive fine arts instruction. The campus includes modern learning spaces, technology-integrated classrooms, and dedicated play areas. Parents consistently praise the school's nurturing environment, experienced faculty, and strong sense of community. The school maintains accreditation and offers extensive extracurricular opportunities.
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Pacelli Catholic Schools
Catholic Diocese of La Crosse
Pacelli Catholic Schools is a comprehensive PreK-12 system that serves students from Amherst Junction and throughout Central Wisconsin. The institution offers a rigorous college-preparatory curriculum with advanced placement courses, dedicated STEM programs, and outstanding performing arts facilities. The campus features state-of-the-art science labs, athletic complexes, and technology-rich learning environments. With a long-standing reputation for academic excellence, the school boasts high college acceptance rates and strong alumni networks. Parent satisfaction remains consistently high due to the school's commitment to faith formation and academic achievement.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about private schools in Amherst Junction, Wisconsin
What are the specific private school options available for families residing in Amherst Junction, Wisconsin?
Amherst Junction itself is a small village, so most private school options are located in nearby communities within a reasonable commuting distance. The primary options include St. Paul Lutheran School (in Amherst Junction), St. Stephen Lutheran School (in Amherst), and Pacelli Catholic Schools (in Stevens Point, about a 15-20 minute drive). These schools represent the Lutheran and Catholic traditions prevalent in Central Wisconsin. For broader choices, families often look to the Stevens Point area, which offers additional religious and independent options. It's important to visit each campus, as the small class sizes in these local schools are a defining characteristic.
How does tuition at private schools in the Amherst Junction area compare, and are there Wisconsin-specific financial aid programs?
Tuition varies by school and grade level. For the 2024-2025 academic year, area Lutheran schools like St. Paul and St. Stephen often have tuition ranging from $3,000 to $5,000 per student, with discounts for multiple children from the same family. Pacelli Catholic Schools, offering a PreK-12 program, typically has a higher tuition range, often between $5,000 and $7,000 for elementary grades. A critical Wisconsin-specific resource is the Parental Choice Program (voucher program). Families meeting certain income requirements can apply for state-funded vouchers to help cover tuition at participating private schools, including many in the Stevens Point area. It's essential to check each school's participation status and application deadlines.
What unique academic or extracurricular programs do private schools near Amherst Junction, WI, offer that differentiate them from local public schools?
The private schools in this region often emphasize faith-based education and character development integrated into the core curriculum. Academically, many offer specialized programs like Pacelli's STREAM (Science, Technology, Religion, Engineering, Arts, and Math) initiative. Due to their smaller size, schools like St. Paul Lutheran can provide highly individualized attention. Extracurricularly, while offerings may be more limited than a large public district, they often include unique options like competitive robotics at Pacelli, strong music programs in Lutheran schools, and athletics through cooperative agreements with local public schools. The close-knit community environment is a significant differentiator.
What is the typical enrollment process and timeline for private schools in the Amherst Junction and Stevens Point area?
The process generally begins in the winter for the following fall. For schools like St. Paul Lutheran and St. Stephen, open houses and registration often occur in January-February. Pacelli Catholic Schools typically hosts shadow days for prospective students and has an application deadline in early spring. Key steps include: 1) attending an open house or scheduling a tour, 2) submitting an application and registration fee, 3) providing academic records and sometimes pastoral references (for religious schools), and 4) for voucher applicants, separately meeting the state's application window, which usually opens in February. Early inquiry is recommended, especially for limited seats in younger grades.
For families in Amherst Junction, what are the practical considerations regarding transportation to these private schools?
Transportation is a key logistical factor. The Amherst Junction Public School District typically does not provide busing to private schools outside its boundaries. Therefore, families are responsible for arranging transportation to schools in Amherst or Stevens Point. Many families form carpools with others in the village or surrounding townships. Some schools, particularly Pacelli in Stevens Point, may offer fee-based bus service from designated pickup points in the broader region, but this may not extend directly to Amherst Junction. Planning for the daily commute, which can be 15-30 minutes each way to Stevens Point, is an essential part of the decision-making process for Amherst Junction residents.
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