The Best Private Schools in Burlington, Wisconsin
Discover 3 exceptional private schools in Burlington. Find the perfect educational environment for your child with our comprehensive reviews and ratings.
School Overview
Top-Rated Private Schools
St. Mary Catholic School
Archdiocese of Milwaukee
St. Mary Catholic School serves students from Pre-K through 8th grade with a comprehensive Catholic education program. The school emphasizes academic excellence within a faith-based environment, featuring small class sizes and individualized attention. Programs include advanced STEM curriculum, music education, art programs, and competitive sports. The school maintains strong parent involvement and community partnerships, with modern facilities including technology-integrated classrooms, science lab, and gymnasium. Students consistently perform above state averages on standardized testing.
Programs:
St. Thomas Aquinas Academy
Private Catholic School
St. Thomas Aquinas Academy serves students from Burlington and surrounding communities with a rigorous classical education model from preschool through 12th grade. The school emphasizes intellectual formation through the trivium method and integrates Catholic faith throughout the curriculum. Features include small class sizes, individualized college counseling, comprehensive fine arts programs, and competitive athletics. The campus includes modern academic buildings, science laboratories, library resources, and athletic facilities. The school maintains high college acceptance rates and strong parent satisfaction scores.
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Badger High School
Lake Geneva Schools
While technically a public school, Badger High School serves multiple communities including Burlington and offers exceptional private-level education through specialized programs. The school features comprehensive college preparatory curriculum with numerous Advanced Placement courses, extensive career and technical education programs, and state-of-the-art facilities. Students from Burlington regularly attend and benefit from the school's strong athletic programs, performing arts opportunities, and extensive extracurricular offerings. The school maintains high academic standards with a focus on college and career readiness.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about private schools in Burlington, Wisconsin
What are the primary private school options available for K-12 education in Burlington, Wisconsin?
Burlington, WI, offers a few key private institutions, primarily with a religious affiliation. For elementary and middle school, St. Mary Catholic School (PreK-8) is a central option. For high school, families typically look at St. Thomas Aquinas Academy, which is a private, Catholic K-12 school located in nearby Marinette; however, it's important to note that Badger High School is actually a public school, not a private one. Some Burlington families also consider private schools in neighboring communities like Lake Geneva or Kenosha. The private school landscape in Burlington itself is limited, making it essential to research commuting options.
How does tuition for private schools in the Burlington, WI, area compare to state averages, and are there financial aid options?
Tuition for private schools in and around Burlington is generally below the average for Wisconsin's major metropolitan areas. For example, St. Mary Catholic School's tuition is typically several thousand dollars per year, with discounted rates for parish members and multiple children. Wisconsin offers the Parental Choice Program, a voucher system that allows eligible families to use state funds for tuition at participating private schools. St. Mary is a participant in this program, which can significantly reduce costs for qualifying families based on income. It's crucial to apply for the Choice Program early, as spots are limited.
What unique academic or extracurricular programs do private schools in Burlington, Wisconsin, emphasize?
Private schools in Burlington leverage their smaller size to offer focused programs. St. Mary Catholic School integrates faith-based learning across all subjects and emphasizes character education. Given Burlington's strong community ties, local private schools often highlight partnerships with area businesses and farms for agricultural or environmental science projects, reflecting the region's character. While they may not have the vast array of AP courses found in large public schools, they often provide strong foundational curricula, individualized attention, and specialized programs in music, art, and technology that are woven into the core day.
What is the typical enrollment timeline and process for private schools in Burlington, WI?
Enrollment for private schools like St. Mary Catholic School in Burlington usually begins in January or February for the following academic year. The process often includes a campus tour, submission of an application form, student records, and sometimes a family interview. For families seeking to use the Wisconsin Parental Choice Program voucher, the application window is typically in February, and it is a separate application from the school's admission form. Due to limited seats, especially in popular grades, early inquiry is strongly recommended. Many schools also host open houses in the fall and winter.
How do private schools in Burlington, WI, uniquely support students in a community known for its small-town atmosphere and agricultural roots?
Private schools in Burlington, such as St. Mary, often mirror and strengthen the close-knit, family-oriented values of the community itself. They frequently have multi-grade interactions, strong parent-teacher organizations, and deep involvement in local events like Burlington's ChocolateFest or the Farmers' Market. The curriculum and school culture often intentionally incorporate local history, environmental stewardship of the Fox River and surrounding farmland, and vocational awareness tied to local industries. This creates an educational environment where community connection is not just an add-on but a integral part of the learning experience, differentiating it from larger, more impersonal districts.
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