The Best Private Schools in Brandon, Wisconsin
Discover 3 exceptional private schools in Brandon. Find the perfect educational environment for your child with our comprehensive reviews and ratings.
School Overview
Top-Rated Private Schools
St. Mary Catholic Schools
St. Mary Catholic Schools System
St. Mary Catholic Schools is a highly-regarded Catholic school system serving the Fox Valley region, including families from Brandon. The system offers comprehensive education from pre-K through high school with a strong college preparatory curriculum. Known for excellent academic outcomes, the schools feature modern STEM labs, competitive athletic programs, and extensive fine arts offerings. The high school maintains a 100% college acceptance rate with graduates attending top universities nationwide. Facilities include state-of-the-art science laboratories, performing arts centers, and athletic complexes.
Programs:
Notre Dame Academy
Green Bay Area Catholic Education
Notre Dame Academy is a premier Catholic high school serving Northeast Wisconsin, including the Brandon area. The school offers both International Baccalaureate and Advanced Placement programs, providing rigorous academic challenges for college-bound students. Notable for its strong STEM curriculum, competitive athletics, and comprehensive arts programs. The campus features modern academic buildings, science laboratories, performing arts spaces, and extensive athletic facilities. The school emphasizes character development alongside academic excellence, with a focus on community service and leadership development.
Programs:
Lourdes Academy
Lourdes Academy System
Lourdes Academy provides comprehensive Catholic education from pre-K through high school, serving families throughout the region including Brandon. The school emphasizes academic excellence with a strong college preparatory curriculum and technology integration across all grade levels. Features include modern STEM facilities, competitive athletic programs, and extensive fine arts offerings. The high school maintains small class sizes and personalized attention, with graduates consistently accepted to selective colleges and universities. The campus includes recently renovated academic facilities, science labs, and athletic complexes.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about private schools in Brandon, Wisconsin
What are the primary private school options available for families living in or near Brandon, Wisconsin?
While Brandon itself is a smaller village, families have access to several well-regarded private schools in the surrounding Fond du Lac and Oshkosh areas. The most prominent are St. Mary Catholic Schools (in Fond du Lac), Notre Dame Academy (in Green Bay, with some regional draw), and Lourdes Academy (in Oshkosh). These are primarily Catholic institutions offering PK-12 education. For Brandon residents, transportation and commuting distance are important practical considerations, as these schools are located 15-30 minutes away. It's also worth exploring smaller Lutheran or Christian schools in nearby communities like Ripon or Waupun.
How does tuition at private schools near Brandon, WI, compare, and are there financial aid options specific to Wisconsin?
Tuition for the primary private schools serving the Brandon area typically ranges from approximately $4,000 to $8,000 per year for parishioners and can be higher for non-members. Wisconsin offers specific financial programs that can significantly offset costs. The most notable is the Wisconsin Parental Choice Program (WPCP), which provides state-funded vouchers for eligible families to attend participating private schools, including St. Mary Catholic Schools and Lourdes Academy. Income limits apply. Additionally, many schools offer their own need-based scholarships and multi-child discounts. It's crucial to apply for both the WPCP and individual school aid early, as deadlines are strict.
What unique academic or extracurricular programs do private schools in the Brandon, WI, region offer that differentiate them from local public schools?
Private schools near Brandon emphasize college preparatory curricula with a values-based foundation. St. Mary Catholic Schools integrates faith across all subjects and offers robust STEM initiatives. Lourdes Academy is known for its strong arts programs and competitive athletics within the Wisconsin Independent Schools Athletic Association. A key differentiator is often smaller class sizes, leading to more individualized attention. Many also offer distinctive programs like Latin language instruction, theology courses, and mission/service trips that are less common in the public Brandon School District. Their focus on character development within a specific religious tradition is a primary draw for many families.
What is the typical enrollment process and timeline for private schools serving Brandon, Wisconsin families?
The process typically begins a full year before the desired start date. For schools like St. Mary's and Lourdes, open houses are held in the fall (October-November). Application deadlines for the following academic year are often in January or February. This is especially critical if you are applying for the Wisconsin Parental Choice Program (WPCP), as the application window usually opens in February and closes in April. Steps include submitting an application, academic records, teacher recommendations, and often a family interview or student assessment. Due to the limited seats and the logistics of commuting from Brandon, initiating contact with admissions offices by early fall is highly recommended to secure a spot and discuss transportation options.
For a family in Brandon, what are the key considerations when choosing between the local public school and a private school in a neighboring city?
The decision hinges on several Brandon-specific factors. Academically, it involves comparing the specialized, faith-based education and small classes of a private school against the convenience and potentially broader extracurricular offerings of the local public school. Logistically, commuting to Fond du Lac or Oshkosh daily adds significant time and cost. Financially, you must weigh tuition (potentially offset by the WPCP voucher) against the "free" public option. Culturally, consider if you seek a close-knit community centered on specific religious values versus the diversity of the public district. Many Brandon families value the private school environment enough to manage the commute, but it's a highly personal trade-off between educational philosophy, community, and practical daily life.
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