The Best Private Schools in Baraboo, Wisconsin
Discover 3 exceptional private schools in Baraboo. Find the perfect educational environment for your child with our comprehensive reviews and ratings.
School Overview
Top-Rated Private Schools
St. Joseph's Catholic School
Diocese of Madison Catholic Schools
St. Joseph's Catholic School has been a cornerstone of education in Baraboo for over a century, offering a faith-based curriculum that emphasizes academic rigor, character development, and community service. With small class sizes, dedicated teachers, and modern facilities, the school provides a well-rounded education including robust STEM programs, arts, and extracurricular activities. Parent satisfaction is high due to its supportive environment and strong student outcomes.
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St. John's Lutheran School
Wisconsin Evangelical Lutheran Synod (WELS)
St. John's Lutheran School in Wisconsin Dells provides a Christ-centered education to students from Baraboo and the broader area, known for its strong academic foundations and nurturing environment. The school offers a balanced curriculum with emphasis on core subjects, athletics, music, and technology, supported by dedicated staff and updated facilities. High parent reviews highlight its family-oriented approach and effective student development programs.
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St. Mary's School
Diocese of Madison Catholic Schools
Located in nearby Portage, St. Mary's School serves families from Baraboo and the surrounding region with a focus on academic excellence and spiritual growth. The school features experienced educators, a comprehensive curriculum that includes music, arts, and technology, and a variety of extracurriculars. Its strong community ties and commitment to individualized learning contribute to high parent satisfaction and student success.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about private schools in Baraboo, Wisconsin
What are the primary private school options available for K-8 education in Baraboo, Wisconsin, and what are their religious affiliations?
Baraboo, WI, offers three primary private K-8 schools, all with religious affiliations. St. Joseph's Catholic School (PreK-8) and St. Mary's School (K-8) are both part of the Catholic Diocese of Madison. St. John's Lutheran School (3K-8) is affiliated with the Wisconsin Evangelical Lutheran Synod (WELS). These schools provide the main private alternatives to the Baraboo School District's public elementary and middle schools. There are no non-sectarian private day schools within the city limits, which is an important consideration for families seeking a secular private education.
How does tuition at Baraboo's private schools compare, and are there Wisconsin-specific financial aid programs available to help families?
Tuition varies among Baraboo's private schools and is typically lower than private schools in larger Wisconsin cities like Madison. For the 2024-2025 school year, tuition ranges from approximately $3,500 to $5,500 annually for parishioners/members, with higher rates for non-members. All three schools offer multi-child discounts and need-based financial aid. Crucially, Wisconsin residents can apply for the statewide Parental Choice Program (the "voucher" program), which provides state-funded tuition assistance for eligible families to attend participating private schools. St. Joseph's and St. Mary's are part of this program; eligibility is based on family income and residency.
What unique academic or extracurricular programs do Baraboo private schools offer that leverage the local community and environment?
Baraboo private schools uniquely integrate the region's natural and cultural resources into their programs. Given Baraboo's proximity to the Aldo Leopold Legacy Center and the International Crane Foundation, schools often incorporate environmental science and conservation ethics into their curricula. Furthermore, the area's rich history, including the Circus World Museum, provides opportunities for local history projects and field studies. St. Joseph's and St. Mary's participate in statewide Catholic school athletics leagues, while St. John's offers music and art programs rooted in Lutheran traditions. Their smaller class sizes also allow for personalized learning that can easily connect to local landmarks and community events.
What is the typical enrollment timeline and process for private schools in Baraboo, and how does it differ from the public school district's open enrollment?
Enrollment for Baraboo's private schools often begins as early as January for the following fall, with priority given to current families and parish members. The process usually requires an application, family interview, and submission of records, unlike the public school's automatic enrollment by address. A key difference is that Wisconsin's public open enrollment period (February-April) allows students to apply to public schools outside their district, but this does not apply to private schools. For private schools, if you miss the initial timeline, it's best to contact the school directly about space availability. St. Joseph's, St. Mary's, and St. John's all have specific registration events and deadlines posted on their websites.
For a family considering both sectors, what are the notable differences between the Baraboo School District's public schools and the local private school options?
The most notable differences are scale, curriculum framework, and cost. The Baraboo School District operates larger schools (Baraboo High School serves grades 9-12) and offers a broader range of elective courses, advanced placement (AP) classes, and extensive extracurricular activities. The private schools in Baraboo are all K-8, so families would need to plan for high school, often considering the public high school, a private high school in a neighboring city, or homeschooling. The private schools provide a faith-based education integrated throughout the curriculum, with generally smaller class sizes and a close-knit community feel. Operationally, public schools are taxpayer-funded, while private schools rely on tuition, donations, and vouchers, which can affect resource allocation for facilities and programs.
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