The Best Private Schools in Belmont, Wisconsin
Discover 3 exceptional private schools in Belmont. Find the perfect educational environment for your child with our comprehensive reviews and ratings.
School Overview
Top-Rated Private Schools
St. Mary's Catholic School
Diocese of Madison Catholic Schools
St. Mary's Catholic School in nearby Platteville is a highly-regarded private school serving Belmont and surrounding communities. With over 160 years of educational excellence, this Pre-K through 8th grade school offers a comprehensive Catholic education with strong academic foundations. The school features small class sizes, dedicated faculty, and a well-rounded curriculum that includes advanced STEM programs, fine arts, and competitive athletics. Parents consistently praise the school's nurturing environment, strong community values, and excellent preparation for high school. The school serves families throughout the region including Belmont residents seeking quality private education.
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Lancaster Mennonite School
Lancaster Mennonite School System
Lancaster Mennonite School provides exceptional Christian education to students from Belmont and throughout Grant County. Serving grades K-12, this established school offers a comprehensive college preparatory curriculum rooted in Anabaptist Christian values. The school is particularly noted for its strong agricultural science program, excellent music education, and competitive athletic teams. With modern facilities and experienced teachers, the school maintains small class sizes and individualized attention. Parents appreciate the strong sense of community, academic rigor, and character development that prepares students for college and beyond.
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Wahlert Catholic High School
Holy Family Catholic Schools
Located just across the state line in Dubuque, Wahlert Catholic High School serves many Wisconsin families from communities including Belmont. This comprehensive college preparatory school offers advanced academic programs including a distinguished STEM Academy, extensive performing arts opportunities, and highly competitive athletic programs. The school features state-of-the-art facilities, experienced faculty, and a track record of excellent college acceptance rates. While located in Iowa, the school actively serves Wisconsin families and provides transportation options for cross-state commuters. Parents consistently rate the school highly for academic excellence, character formation, and comprehensive student development.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about private schools in Belmont, Wisconsin
What are the primary private school options available for families residing in or near Belmont, Wisconsin?
Belmont itself is a small village, so most private school options are located in nearby communities. The most prominent local options include St. Mary's Catholic School in nearby Platteville (K-8), Lancaster Mennonite School in Lancaster (PreK-12), and Wahlert Catholic High School in Dubuque, Iowa, which serves many Wisconsin families in the tri-state area. Given Belmont's rural setting in Lafayette County, private education often involves a commute. It's important for Belmont parents to research each school's transportation policies and catchment area, as some may offer bus service from designated stops in the region.
How does tuition at private schools in the Belmont, WI area compare, and are there Wisconsin-specific financial aid programs?
Tuition varies significantly based on the school and grade level. For the 2024-2025 academic year, area Catholic schools like St. Mary's often have parish-subsidized rates starting around $3,000-$5,000 for elementary students, while Wahlert Catholic High School tuition is typically above $8,000. Lancaster Mennonite School, as a private Christian school, sets its own tuition schedule. Wisconsin parents should specifically explore the **Wisconsin Parental Choice Program (WPCP)**, a state-funded voucher program. However, eligibility and participation vary by school and your residential school district's designation. It's crucial to confirm with each school if they accept WPCP vouchers, as this can dramatically reduce out-of-pocket costs.
What unique academic or extracurricular programs do private schools near Belmont, Wisconsin offer that leverage the local environment?
Schools in this rural, agricultural region often integrate local resources into their programs. Lancaster Mennonite School emphasizes sustainability and hands-on learning, which may align with the area's farming community. Wahlert Catholic High School, given its location in a larger city (Dubuque), offers robust STEM programs and competitive athletics that draw students from Wisconsin, Iowa, and Illinois. St. Mary's Catholic School often focuses on strong core academics with faith integration. A unique consideration for Belmont families is that some programs, especially at the high school level, may involve cross-state travel for sports or activities, which is common in this border region.
What is the typical enrollment timeline and process for private schools serving the Belmont, Wisconsin community?
Enrollment timelines are critical due to limited seats, especially in popular schools. Most private schools in the area, such as St. Mary's and Lancaster Mennonite, begin open enrollment for the following school year in January or February. Wahlert Catholic High School typically hosts shadow visits and application events in the fall for 8th graders. For Belmont families, an essential early step is attending open houses, which often occur in the fall, and inquiring about transportation logistics from Lafayette County. Many schools have priority deadlines for parish members (for Catholic schools) or siblings of current students, so initiating contact a full year in advance is highly recommended.
For a family in rural Belmont, what are the key factors when comparing local public schools with private school options that require a commute?
The decision heavily balances educational philosophy against practical logistics. The **Belmont Community School** is a public K-12 district offering the convenience of no tuition and no commute. In contrast, private options offer specific religious education (Catholic or Mennonite) or different curricular approaches but require a daily commute of 20-45 minutes to Platteville, Lancaster, or Dubuque. Key factors include: the value you place on faith-based instruction, class size differences, availability of specific extracurriculars, and the long-term commute commitment for your child. Many families in the area choose private schools for continuity of a K-12 religious education, even if it means coordinating carpools with other local families.
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