The Best Private Schools in Athelstane, Wisconsin
Discover 3 exceptional private schools in Athelstane. Find the perfect educational environment for your child with our comprehensive reviews and ratings.
School Overview
Top-Rated Private Schools
Notre Dame de la Baie Academy
Catholic Diocese of Green Bay
Notre Dame Academy is a premier Catholic college preparatory high school serving students from throughout Northeast Wisconsin, including Marinette County. Located approximately 45 miles from Athelstane, the academy offers both Advanced Placement and International Baccalaureate programs, providing exceptional academic rigor. The school features state-of-the-art facilities including science and technology labs, performing arts center, and extensive athletic facilities. With a 100% college acceptance rate and numerous National Merit Scholars, Notre Dame provides outstanding academic preparation alongside comprehensive extracurricular programs in athletics, arts, and community service.
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St. John Lutheran School
Wisconsin Evangelical Lutheran Synod
St. John Lutheran School provides Christ-centered education for students in preschool through 8th grade, serving families throughout Marinette County including Athelstane. The school offers a comprehensive academic program integrated with Christian values, featuring strong core curriculum, music education, and technology integration. Facilities include modern classrooms, a gymnasium, and dedicated music and art spaces. The school is known for its family-like atmosphere, experienced teachers, and strong parent involvement. Students consistently perform above state averages on standardized testing and are well-prepared for high school.
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St. Thomas Aquinas Academy
Catholic Diocese of Green Bay
St. Thomas Aquinas Academy is a comprehensive Catholic school serving students from preschool through 12th grade. Located approximately 20 miles from Athelstane, the academy offers a rigorous college preparatory curriculum with advanced placement courses, strong STEM programs, and comprehensive fine arts offerings. The school features modern facilities including science labs, technology centers, and athletic complexes. With small class sizes and dedicated faculty, STA provides personalized attention and has a strong track record of college acceptance. The school emphasizes character development and community service alongside academic excellence.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about private schools in Athelstane, Wisconsin
What are the private school options for families living in or near Athelstane, Wisconsin?
Athelstane itself is a small, rural township, so most private school options are located in nearby communities within Marinette County and the greater Green Bay area. The schools you mentioned—St. Thomas Aquinas Academy (Marinette), St. John Lutheran School (Marinette), and Notre Dame de la Baie Academy (Green Bay)—are the primary options. St. Thomas Aquinas Academy offers a Catholic, co-ed PK-12 experience. St. John Lutheran provides a Christian, typically K-8 education. Notre Dame de la Baie Academy is a larger Catholic high school in Green Bay, about an hour's drive from Athelstane. For Athelstane families, transportation and commuting distance are significant factors in school choice.
How does tuition at private schools near Athelstane, WI, compare, and are there any Wisconsin-specific financial aid programs?
Tuition varies significantly based on the school and grade level. For the 2024-2025 school year, St. John Lutheran School typically has the most accessible tuition, often under $5,000 annually for elementary grades. St. Thomas Aquinas Academy's high school tuition is higher, often ranging between $6,000-$8,000. Notre Dame de la Baie Academy, as a college-preparatory high school, has tuition exceeding $10,000. Wisconsin offers the Parental Choice Program (voucher program), but eligibility is based on family income and the school's participation. Notably, Notre Dame is part of this program, while St. Thomas Aquinas Academy is currently a participating school in the Wisconsin Parental Choice Program for grades 9-12. This can make private education more affordable for qualifying Athelstane families.
What unique academic or extracurricular programs do private schools near Athelstane offer that leverage the local environment?
Schools in this region often integrate the Northwoods lifestyle and community values into their programs. St. Thomas Aquinas Academy emphasizes its tight-knit, family-oriented community and may offer outdoor education activities that align with the local environment. Its agricultural and industrial tech programs can connect to local trades. Notre Dame de la Baie Academy, while in an urban setting, provides extensive advanced placement (AP) courses, fine arts, and competitive athletics that draw students from a wide region, including Athelstane. St. John Lutheran School focuses on foundational Christian education with an emphasis on service within the Marinette County community. None are large enough for ultra-specialized programs, but they offer a values-based education in a smaller class setting.
What is the typical enrollment timeline and process for private schools serving Athelstane, WI, families?
Given the limited seats, especially in the smaller schools, planning ahead is crucial. For schools like St. John Lutheran and St. Thomas Aquinas Academy, open enrollment often begins in January or February for the following fall. Notre Dame de la Baie Academy typically has an application deadline in the fall for the next academic year, with placement tests scheduled shortly after. A key step for Athelstane families is scheduling a visit and a meeting with the principal, as these schools prioritize fit with the school's mission. For the Wisconsin Parental Choice Program, the application window is typically February to April, and this must be completed separately from school admission. Early inquiry is strongly recommended.
For a family in rural Athelstane, what are the main considerations when comparing local public schools to private school options a distance away?
The primary considerations are community, commute, and curriculum. Athelstane is served by the Goodman-Armstrong Creek School District for elementary and middle school, and Crivitz High School for high school—all public. The main advantages are proximity, no tuition, and deep integration with the immediate rural community. Opting for a private school in Marinette or Green Bay involves a significant daily commute (20-60+ minutes), tuition costs, and potentially less daily interaction with neighborhood peers. The trade-off is often a specific religious foundation, potentially smaller class sizes, and, for high school, a wider array of college-prep courses or extracurriculars at a school like Notre Dame. The decision often hinges on how much value the family places on a faith-based education and whether they are willing to manage the logistics of a longer commute.
Private Education Insights
Understanding K12 Private Academy Costs in Athelstane, WI: A Parent's Financial Guide
For families in Athelstane, Wisconsin, considering a private K-12 education for their children, understanding the full scope of k12 private academy cost is a crucial first step. Nestled in Marinette County, our community values close-knit relationships and high-quality education, often looking to local institutions like St. John Lutheran School for younger grades or St. Thomas Aquinas Academy and the broader regional option of Notre Dame de la Baie Academy in Green Bay for a comprehensive K-12 journey. The financial commitment is significant, but viewing it as an investment in personalized learning, community values, and future opportunity helps frame the decision.
The k12 private academy cost in our area is not a single figure but a spectrum influenced by grade level, religious affiliation, and the breadth of programs. For elementary years at a local parochial school, you might find annual tuition ranging from $3,000 to $5,000 per child. As students progress into the middle and high school levels at a larger academy, that cost can increase substantially, often reaching between $8,000 and $12,000 annually. It’s important to note that these are base tuition figures. For families in Athelstane considering Notre Dame de la Baie Academy, transportation becomes a practical factor in the total cost equation, given the commute to Green Bay, alongside potential fees for technology, athletics, and extracurricular activities.
However, focusing solely on the sticker price can be misleading. A critical aspect of managing k12 private academy cost is exploring the robust financial aid landscape. Most schools, including those serving our community, are deeply committed to accessibility. They offer need-based grants, merit scholarships, and often generous multi-child discounts for families with several students enrolled. Furthermore, Wisconsin’s Parental Choice Programs can be a game-changer for eligible families, allowing state funding to follow the child to a participating private school, dramatically reducing out-of-pocket expenses. It is essential to speak directly with the admissions and financial aid officers at your schools of interest; they can provide detailed, personalized assessments and guide you through every available option.
Beyond the numbers, the value derived from this investment is deeply rooted in our local context. Small class sizes in schools like St. Thomas Aquinas Academy mean teachers from our own region can provide unparalleled individual attention. The education often integrates character development and faith-based values that align with many families’ priorities in Athelstane. This environment fosters not just academic growth but a strong sense of community and personal responsibility. When evaluating the k12 private academy cost, weigh these intangible returns—the close mentorship, the safe and focused environment, and the network of support—that are hallmarks of private education here. The initial step is to request detailed information packets and schedule visits; seeing the vibrant classroom communities in person often clarifies the value proposition, making the financial planning process feel like a purposeful pathway to your child’s future.
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