The Best Private Schools in Cedarburg, Wisconsin
Discover 3 exceptional private schools in Cedarburg. Find the perfect educational environment for your child with our comprehensive reviews and ratings.
School Overview
Top-Rated Private Schools
University School of Milwaukee
Independent
University School of Milwaukee is a premier independent day school serving students from pre-kindergarten through 12th grade. Located just 15 miles from Cedarburg in Milwaukee, USM offers a rigorous college preparatory curriculum with small class sizes and exceptional faculty. The school features state-of-the-art facilities including science labs, performing arts centers, and extensive athletic facilities. With a strong emphasis on character development and community engagement, USM consistently produces graduates who attend top-tier colleges and universities. The school's comprehensive program includes extensive arts, athletics, and extracurricular opportunities.
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Lumen Christi Catholic School
Archdiocese of Milwaukee
Lumen Christi Catholic School serves students from pre-K through 8th grade and is located just minutes from Cedarburg in neighboring Mequon. The school provides a faith-based education with strong academic foundations, featuring modern STEM labs, comprehensive fine arts programs, and competitive athletics. With small class sizes and dedicated faculty, Lumen Christi emphasizes character development alongside academic excellence. The school maintains strong parent involvement and community partnerships, offering before and after-school care and numerous extracurricular activities. Many graduates continue to top private high schools in the Milwaukee area.
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St. Francis Borgia Catholic School
Archdiocese of Milwaukee
St. Francis Borgia Catholic School is located directly in Cedarburg and serves students from pre-K through 8th grade. With deep roots in the community dating back to 1854, the school offers a comprehensive Catholic education that balances faith formation with academic excellence. The curriculum includes strong literacy and mathematics programs, integrated technology, music education, and regular community service opportunities. The school features modern classrooms, a dedicated STEM lab, and maintains small class sizes with personalized attention. St. Francis Borgia is known for its strong sense of community and family atmosphere, with many generations of Cedarburg families having attended the school.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about private schools in Cedarburg, Wisconsin
What are the primary private school options available for families residing in Cedarburg, Wisconsin?
While Cedarburg itself is home to well-regarded public schools, families seeking private education often look to nearby institutions. The most prominent local options include Lumen Christi Catholic School (PreK-8) and St. Francis Borgia Catholic School (K-8), both providing faith-based education within the community. For a comprehensive PreK-12 independent school experience, many Cedarburg families consider the University School of Milwaukee, located about 25 minutes south in Milwaukee. Additionally, families may explore private schools in neighboring Mequon, Thiensville, and Milwaukee, which are within a reasonable commuting distance from Cedarburg.
How does tuition for private schools in the Cedarburg, WI area typically compare to state averages, and what financial aid options exist?
Tuition in the Cedarburg area varies significantly by school type. Parish-supported Catholic schools like Lumen Christi and St. Francis Borgia generally have lower tuition rates, often ranging from $4,000 to $6,000 annually for elementary grades, which is below the Wisconsin private school average. In contrast, the University School of Milwaukee has a comprehensive tuition that can exceed $25,000 per year, aligning with other elite independent schools in the state. Wisconsin offers the Parental Choice Program, a voucher system that can provide significant tuition assistance for eligible families to participating private schools. Additionally, most schools offer their own need-based financial aid and merit scholarships, and it's crucial to inquire directly about application processes and deadlines.
What unique academic or extracurricular programs do private schools serving Cedarburg students offer?
Private schools in the greater Cedarburg area provide distinct programs to complement strong academic cores. Lumen Christi and St. Francis Borgia integrate Catholic values and sacramental preparation throughout their curriculum. The University School of Milwaukee offers extensive advanced placement (AP) courses, global study programs, and renowned arts and athletics facilities. A notable feature for Cedarburg families is that these private schools often provide specialized instruction in world languages starting in lower grades, robust STEM labs, and unique partnerships with local Cedarburg and Milwaukee-area institutions for enrichment. Many also emphasize outdoor and environmental education, leveraging Wisconsin's natural resources.
What is the typical enrollment timeline and process for private schools in the Cedarburg, Wisconsin area?
The enrollment process for Cedarburg-area private schools is highly school-specific and requires early planning. For the Catholic elementary schools (Lumen Christi and St. Francis Borgia), priority is often given to parish members and siblings of current students, with applications opening in January for the following fall. The independent school process, like at University School of Milwaukee, is more extensive and begins a full year in advance, typically in the early fall. It usually includes an application, student assessments or interviews, teacher recommendations, and a campus visit. Given the competitive nature and limited seats, especially in higher grades, initiating inquiries 12-18 months before desired enrollment is strongly advised for Cedarburg parents.
For a family weighing options, what are the key considerations when comparing Cedarburg's highly-rated public schools to nearby private schools?
The decision often hinges on educational philosophy, class size, and specific program offerings. Cedarburg Public Schools are consistently top-ranked in Wisconsin, offering excellent academics, arts, and athletics at no direct tuition cost. Choosing a private alternative typically involves seeking a specific religious foundation (Catholic education), a desire for significantly smaller class sizes for more individualized attention, or access to a PreK-12 continuum on a single campus (like USM). The trade-off includes tuition costs, a potentially longer daily commute to schools outside Cedarburg, and leaving the local peer community. Many families find value in the distinct mission and community feel of the private options, while others prefer investing in their local public system through property taxes.
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