The Best Private Schools in Arlington, Wisconsin
Discover 3 exceptional private schools in Arlington. Find the perfect educational environment for your child with our comprehensive reviews and ratings.
School Overview
Top-Rated Private Schools
Madison Country Day School
Independent School
Madison Country Day School is a top-rated independent school serving Arlington and the broader south-central Wisconsin region. Established in 1997, it provides an International Baccalaureate (IB) curriculum for grades Pre-K through 12, emphasizing critical thinking, global awareness, and academic rigor. The campus features state-of-the-art facilities, including science labs, art studios, and athletic fields. Extracurriculars range from robotics and debate to performing arts and sports. With a low student-teacher ratio and a focus on individualized learning, the school is renowned for its high college acceptance rates and strong parent satisfaction, making it a preferred choice for families seeking a comprehensive private education.
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St. Ambrose Academy
Catholic Diocese of Madison
St. Ambrose Academy is a esteemed Catholic private high school that serves Arlington and the surrounding Dane County area. Founded in 2003, it offers a classical education model integrated with Catholic teachings, preparing students for college and lifelong learning. The curriculum emphasizes rigorous academics in literature, history, sciences, and languages, alongside faith formation and service projects. The school boasts a dedicated faculty, modern classrooms, and a supportive community environment. Extracurricular activities include choir, sports, and clubs focused on leadership and ethics. Parents and students highlight the school's strong academic outcomes, moral development focus, and inclusive atmosphere, contributing to its high ratings and reputation.
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Portage Christian School
Independent Christian School
Portage Christian School is a highly regarded private school serving the Arlington area and greater Columbia County region. Founded in 1974, it offers a comprehensive K-8 education with a strong emphasis on academic excellence rooted in Christian values. The school features small class sizes, dedicated teachers, and a nurturing environment that promotes student growth. Programs include integrated technology, music, art, and physical education, with a focus on character development and community service. Parents consistently praise the school for its family-like atmosphere, rigorous academics, and commitment to fostering well-rounded students prepared for high school and beyond.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about private schools in Arlington, Wisconsin
What are the realistic private school options for a family living in Arlington, Wisconsin, given that many top-rated schools are in neighboring cities?
For Arlington residents, the most accessible private schools are located in nearby communities, as Arlington itself is a small village without its own private K-12 campus. Your primary options include **Portage Christian School** in Portage (a nondenominational Christian school), **Madison Country Day School** in Waunakee (an independent, secular college-prep school with an International Baccalaureate program), and **St. Ambrose Academy** in Madison (a Catholic, classical liberal arts high school). Commuting 20-45 minutes to these schools is typical for Arlington families. It's also worth exploring smaller parochial schools in surrounding towns like Pardeeville or Lodi, which may offer shorter drives.
How does Wisconsin's school choice programs, like the Wisconsin Parental Choice Program, affect tuition for private schools near Arlington?
Wisconsin's robust school choice programs can significantly reduce the cost of private education. The **Wisconsin Parental Choice Program (WPCP)** provides state-funded vouchers for eligible families to attend participating private schools, including many religious schools. Income limits apply. For example, **St. Ambrose Academy** and **Portage Christian School** are WPCP-participating schools. **Madison Country Day School**, as an independent secular school, does not participate in the voucher program but offers its own need-based financial aid. Arlington parents should directly contact each school's admissions office to understand specific eligibility, application timelines for the voucher (typically in February), and how it applies to their tuition structure.
What unique academic or extracurricular programs do private schools serving the Arlington area offer that differentiate them from local public schools?
Private schools in the greater Arlington region offer specialized curricula not typically found in the smaller public school districts. **Madison Country Day School** is the only school in the area offering the full International Baccalaureate (IB) continuum, from Primary Years to Diploma Programme, with a strong focus on global languages and inquiry-based learning. **St. Ambrose Academy** provides a classical, Great Books-centered education rooted in Catholic intellectual tradition. **Portage Christian School** integrates a Biblical worldview across a standard curriculum and may offer smaller class sizes than the public schools in the Columbia County area. These schools often have more flexibility in their programming, which can be a major draw for families seeking a specific educational philosophy.
What is the typical enrollment timeline and process for private schools near Arlington, WI, and how far in advance should we apply?
Enrollment timelines for schools serving Arlington are crucial due to limited seats. Most schools, especially the more competitive ones like Madison Country Day School, begin their application process in the **fall (September-October)** for the following academic year, with deadlines often between **January and March**. The process typically includes an application, student assessments or shadow days, parent interviews, and submission of records. For voucher schools (WPCP), the separate state application window is **early February**. We strongly recommend Arlington families begin researching and contacting schools 12-18 months in advance, particularly for entry into popular grades like Kindergarten, 6th, or 9th. Waiting lists are common.
Considering Arlington's rural setting, what are the transportation logistics and community life like for students attending private schools outside the village?
Transportation is a key consideration for Arlington families. Most private schools in the area **do not provide district-wide bus transportation**. Parents are typically responsible for arranging carpools or driving their children, which involves daily commutes on state highways to cities like Portage, Waunakee, or Madison. However, this commitment fosters tight-knit carpool communities among families from similar areas. The community life at these schools often becomes central, with families traveling for sports, arts, and social events. While the commute requires planning, many families find the investment worthwhile for the specific community and educational environment, creating a regional rather than hyper-local social network for their children.
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