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.
Private Education Insights
Discover the Best Private High Schools Near Baraboo, WI: A Parent's Guide
As a parent in Baraboo, Wisconsin, the search for the right educational environment for your teenager is a deeply personal journey. When you type “private high schools near me” into a search engine, you’re looking for more than just a list of names; you’re seeking a community that aligns with your family’s values and your child’s unique potential. Here in the Baraboo area, the landscape of private secondary education offers distinctive pathways, each with its own character and strengths, rooted in our tight-knit community between the Baraboo River and the scenic bluffs.
It’s important to understand that Baraboo itself is home to several excellent private elementary and middle schools, such as St. Joseph’s Catholic School, St. Mary’s School, and St. John’s Lutheran School. These institutions provide a phenomenal foundation. However, when students reach high school age, families often look to the wider region. This doesn’t mean leaving behind a private education’s benefits; it means expanding the search to include dedicated private high schools within a commutable distance. This regional search is a common next step for Baraboo families committed to a faith-based or independent school continuum. The daily drive becomes an investment in a specific academic culture, often with smaller class sizes and focused mission statements that resonate deeply.
Exploring “private high schools near me” from Baraboo typically points you toward institutions in larger neighboring communities like Madison, Portage, and Reedsburg. This opens doors to diverse options, including college-preparatory academies, Lutheran high schools, and other faith-based institutions. The commute, often ranging from 20 to 45 minutes, is a practical consideration. Many families form carpools, and some schools even offer transportation services or bus routes that extend into the Baraboo area. This logistical aspect fosters a sense of camaraderie among families from our community who are making the same choice. Visiting these schools is crucial. Attend an open house, feel the campus atmosphere, and speak with teachers and current students. Ask specifically about how they support students who commute from Baraboo, both academically and socially, to ensure your child feels fully integrated.
The decision ultimately hinges on fit. What is the school’s academic philosophy? How does it nurture character and citizenship? For families rooted in the traditions of Baraboo’s local parochial schools, finding a high school that extends that familiar value system can be particularly comforting. The search for “private high schools near me” is, at its heart, a search for a partnership. You are partnering with an institution to guide your teenager through these formative years. For Baraboo parents, it’s about finding a school that honors the close-knit, community-oriented upbringing your child has had while providing the rigorous academic and extracurricular opportunities to prepare them for the world beyond. The perfect fit is out there, blending the values you cherish at home with the expansive opportunities your teenager deserves.
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