The Best Private Schools in Bloomington, Wisconsin
Discover 3 exceptional private schools in Bloomington. Find the perfect educational environment for your child with our comprehensive reviews and ratings.
School Overview
Top-Rated Private Schools
St. Mary's Elementary School
Diocese of Madison Catholic Schools
St. Mary's Elementary School is a highly-regarded Catholic school serving the Bloomington area and surrounding communities. Established in 1956, the school provides a faith-based education with strong academic foundations. The curriculum emphasizes core subjects while integrating technology, music, art, and religious education. With small class sizes and dedicated teachers, St. Mary's offers personalized attention and a nurturing environment. The school features modern facilities including technology labs, a library, and gymnasium. Extracurricular activities include sports, choir, and community service programs. Parents consistently praise the school's family atmosphere, academic rigor, and character development focus.
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Divine Savior Academy
Divine Savior Ministries
Divine Savior Academy is a respected Christian private school serving students from Bloomington and throughout Grant County. Founded in 2006, the school offers comprehensive college preparatory education grounded in Christian values. The curriculum includes advanced placement opportunities, robust STEM programs, and extensive fine arts offerings. The campus features modern classrooms, science laboratories, athletic facilities, and performing arts spaces. The school maintains small student-teacher ratios and emphasizes individualized learning plans. Parent reviews highlight the strong academic preparation, caring faculty, and well-rounded student development. Transportation options are available for students from surrounding communities including Bloomington.
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Holy Family Catholic Schools
Archdiocese of Dubuque
Holy Family Catholic Schools is a comprehensive private school system serving the tri-state area including southwestern Wisconsin communities like Bloomington. Established in 1999 through the consolidation of several Catholic schools, the system offers education from preschool through high school. The school features an International Baccalaureate program, advanced STEM academy, and extensive athletic facilities. With multiple campuses in Dubuque, the school provides bus transportation for Wisconsin students. The curriculum emphasizes academic excellence, faith formation, and character development. Parents consistently rate the school highly for its rigorous academics, dedicated faculty, and strong community atmosphere. The school serves as a regional educational hub for families seeking premium private education.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about private schools in Bloomington, Wisconsin
What are the primary private school options available for families in Bloomington, Wisconsin, and what are their core educational philosophies?
In Bloomington, Wisconsin, families primarily have access to faith-based private schools. The notable institutions include St. Mary's Elementary School, Divine Savior Academy, and Holy Family Catholic Schools. St. Mary's and Holy Family are Catholic schools offering a traditional education infused with Catholic values and sacramental preparation. Divine Savior Academy typically follows a Lutheran (Wisconsin Evangelical Lutheran Synod) tradition, providing a Christ-centered education. Given Bloomington's smaller size, these schools represent the core of private education, focusing on strong academics within a religious framework. There are no secular private day schools within Bloomington itself, so families seeking non-religious options would need to look at neighboring communities.
How does tuition at Bloomington, WI private schools compare to state averages, and what financial aid options are uniquely available to Wisconsin residents?
Tuition at Bloomington's private schools is generally below the average for major Wisconsin cities but is a significant consideration for local family budgets. For the 2024-2025 academic year, elementary tuition at these schools typically ranges from $3,500 to $6,000 annually. A critical financial aid resource unique to Wisconsin is the **Parental Choice Program** (School Choice). Eligible families can apply for a voucher that covers all or most of tuition at participating private schools, including many religious schools. Your chosen Bloomington school must be part of the program. Additionally, schools like Holy Family Catholic Schools often have parish subsidies for active members and their own need-based scholarship funds. It's essential to contact each school's admissions office directly to understand their specific tuition rates, Choice Program participation, and additional aid.
What specialized academic or extracurricular programs do private schools in Bloomington, Wisconsin, offer that leverage the local community or environment?
While offering strong core curricula, Bloomington's private schools often integrate the local rural and agricultural environment into their programs. You might find science classes that incorporate local ecology studies of the nearby Mississippi River Valley or agricultural science projects. Extracurriculars are often community-focused due to smaller student bodies; for example, service projects partnering with local churches, food pantries, or community events are common. Athletics frequently involve cooperative teams with other small schools in Grant County. Some schools may also emphasize programs in fine arts, such as music and choir, that perform at local festivals and churches. It's best to ask each school about how they connect classroom learning to the Bloomington and greater Grant County area.
What is the typical enrollment timeline and process for private schools in Bloomington, and are there considerations for transferring from the Bloomington public school district?
The enrollment process for Bloomington private schools often begins in January or February for the following fall, with priority given to existing families and parish members. Open houses are typically held in early winter. The process involves submitting an application, academic records, a pastor's reference (for religious schools), and often a family interview. For families transferring from the Bloomington Public School district, mid-year enrollment is sometimes possible depending on space. A key consideration is that these private schools are not bound by the same geographic boundaries as the public district, so enrollment is open based on capacity and mission fit, not residency within a specific zone. Early inquiry is recommended due to limited seats.
For families considering the choice, what are the notable differences between the Bloomington public school and the local private school options in terms of class size, curriculum, and community?
The most notable difference is scale and religious integration. The **Bloomington Public School** serves grades K-8 in a single, consolidated building, after which students attend high school in a neighboring district. Class sizes are small but may be multi-grade. The local **private schools** (St. Mary's, Divine Savior, Holy Family) offer even smaller, single-grade classes with a low student-to-teacher ratio and daily religious instruction woven into the entire curriculum. The private school community is often tightly knit around shared faith values. Academically, the public school follows state-mandated standards, while private schools adhere to rigorous diocesan or association standards but have more flexibility. For high school, private school families often choose to continue within their network (e.g., Holy Family system in nearby cities) rather than the public high school district.
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