The Best Private Schools in Cambria, Wisconsin
Discover 3 exceptional private schools in Cambria. Find the perfect educational environment for your child with our comprehensive reviews and ratings.
School Overview
Top-Rated Private Schools
St. Jerome Parish School
Catholic Diocese of Madison
St. Jerome Parish School is a highly-regarded Catholic school serving the Cambria and Columbus area with a comprehensive Pre-K through 8th grade program. The school emphasizes faith-based education combined with strong academic fundamentals, featuring small class sizes and individualized attention. Their curriculum includes advanced mathematics, science labs, music and art programs, and competitive sports. The school maintains excellent parent satisfaction ratings and has served the community for over six decades with consistent academic excellence and character development.
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St. Ambrose Academy
Independent Catholic School
St. Ambrose Academy is a highly-rated classical Catholic college preparatory school serving families throughout south-central Wisconsin, including Cambria. The school offers a rigorous classical curriculum with emphasis on Western civilization, Socratic discussion, and Latin language instruction. Their college acceptance rate is exceptional, with graduates attending prestigious universities nationwide. The school features comprehensive extracurricular programs including competitive sports, drama, and community service. Parent satisfaction is consistently high due to the school's strong academic foundation and character formation.
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Wayland Academy
Independent College Preparatory School
Wayland Academy is Wisconsin's oldest independent college preparatory school and boarding school, serving students from Cambria and surrounding regions. With a rigorous academic program featuring 18 Advanced Placement courses, the school prepares students for top-tier colleges and universities. The 55-acre campus features state-of-the-art science laboratories, performing arts center, and athletic facilities. Wayland offers both day and boarding options and maintains small class sizes with a 7:1 student-to-faculty ratio, providing personalized attention and outstanding academic outcomes.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about private schools in Cambria, Wisconsin
What are the primary private school options available for families residing in or near Cambria, Wisconsin?
Cambria itself is a small village, so families often look to nearby communities for private education. The most prominent options include St. Jerome Parish School (a Catholic K-8 school located in Columbus, about 10 miles from Cambria), Wayland Academy (a prestigious, co-ed boarding and day school for grades 9-12 in Beaver Dam, approximately 15 miles away), and St. Ambrose Academy (a classical, Catholic 6-12 school in Madison, roughly 35 miles away). For Cambria residents, this means considering commute times and whether a school offers transportation. The local public school district is the Cambria-Friesland School District.
How does tuition at private schools near Cambria, WI, compare, and are there financial aid options specific to Wisconsin?
Tuition varies significantly based on the school and grade level. St. Jerome Parish School, as a parish-based Catholic school, typically has the most accessible tuition, often with reduced rates for parish members. Wayland Academy, as an independent boarding school, has a higher tuition comparable to national private schools, though day student rates are lower. St. Ambrose Academy falls in between. Critically for Wisconsin families, the state's Parental Choice Program (voucher program) can provide significant tuition assistance for qualifying families to use at participating private schools. Eligibility is based on income and residency. It's essential to check each school's participation status and application process for this program.
What unique academic programs or specializations are offered by private schools in the Cambria, WI, area?
The schools near Cambria offer distinct educational approaches. Wayland Academy is renowned for its rigorous college-prep curriculum, extensive arts programs, and global focus, with opportunities for international study. St. Ambrose Academy provides a classical, liberal arts education rooted in Catholic intellectual tradition, emphasizing great books and Socratic discussion. St. Jerome Parish School offers a faith-based foundation with a standard elementary and middle school curriculum, often featuring strong community involvement. For Cambria families, these specializations mean choosing between a world-class boarding/day school experience, a classical model, or a local parish community—all within a reasonable driving distance.
What are the typical enrollment timelines and key deadlines for private schools serving Cambria, Wisconsin, families?
Timelines are school-specific and require early planning. Wayland Academy, with its boarding component, has application deadlines in early winter (January/February) for the following fall, with rolling admission afterward if space allows. St. Ambrose Academy in Madison also has a priority application period in the winter. St. Jerome Parish School may have more flexible rolling enrollment but encourages early registration for planning. A key consideration for Cambria parents is that many private schools host open houses in the fall. Given the potential commute, scheduling visits and understanding transportation logistics early is crucial. Also, the application for the Wisconsin Parental Choice Program has a strict deadline, usually in April, which is separate from school admission.
For a family in Cambria, what are the main considerations when comparing the local public schools to the available private school options?
The primary considerations are educational philosophy, class size, commute, and cost. The Cambria-Friesland School District offers the convenience of a local, tuition-free education with small class sizes typical of a rural district. The private options provide specific religious or pedagogical approaches (Catholic, classical, or independent college-prep) that may align with a family's values. The commute is a significant factor; attending St. Jerome, Wayland, or St. Ambrose involves daily driving, which impacts family logistics and extracurricular participation. Financially, public school has no direct tuition, while private schools require investment, potentially offset by Wisconsin's Choice Program. The decision often hinges on how much a family prioritizes a specialized educational model versus community proximity and cost.
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