The Best Private Schools in Cleveland, Wisconsin
Discover 3 exceptional private schools in Cleveland. Find the perfect educational environment for your child with our comprehensive reviews and ratings.
School Overview
Top-Rated Private Schools
St. John Lutheran School
Wisconsin Evangelical Lutheran Synod
St. John Lutheran School is a highly-regarded Christian elementary school serving the Cleveland community with a comprehensive K-8 education program. The school emphasizes strong academic fundamentals within a faith-based environment, featuring small class sizes and personalized attention. Their curriculum includes core academic subjects enhanced by music education, art programs, and competitive athletics. The school maintains excellent parent satisfaction through strong community involvement and dedicated teaching staff focused on holistic student development.
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St. John - St. James Lutheran School
Lutheran Church-Missouri Synod
Located in nearby Manitowoc, St. John - St. James Lutheran School serves families throughout Manitowoc County including Cleveland with its comprehensive Christian education program. The school offers preschool through 8th grade education with a strong emphasis on academic excellence and spiritual development. Their program includes modern STEM curriculum, robust music and arts education, competitive sports, and extensive extracurricular activities. The school is known for its dedicated faculty, family-oriented atmosphere, and strong college preparatory foundation.
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Roncalli Catholic Schools
Roncalli Catholic School System
Roncalli Catholic Schools provides comprehensive Catholic education serving students from Cleveland and throughout Manitowoc County. The system includes elementary, middle, and high school programs with a strong college preparatory focus. Their academic program features Advanced Placement courses, comprehensive STEM education, extensive fine arts programs, and competitive athletics. The school boasts modern facilities, experienced faculty, and a track record of graduates succeeding at top colleges and universities. Parent satisfaction is high due to the school's commitment to academic excellence and character development.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about private schools in Cleveland, Wisconsin
What are the primary private school options available for families in Cleveland, Wisconsin, and what are their educational affiliations?
Cleveland, WI, is served by a small number of faith-based private schools, reflecting the community's character. The main options are St. John Lutheran School (typically preschool through 8th grade), St. John - St. James Lutheran School (a consolidated Lutheran school), and Roncalli Catholic Schools, which is a regional system based in nearby Manitowoc. Roncalli offers a Pre-K through 12th grade continuum, with middle and high school students often commuting to Manitowoc. These schools provide a core academic curriculum integrated with religious instruction, and they represent the primary alternative to the Cleveland Public School district.
How does tuition at private schools in the Cleveland, Wisconsin area compare, and are there state-specific financial aid programs available?
Tuition varies by school and grade level. The Lutheran schools (St. John and St. John - St. James) often have lower tuition rates, sometimes offering multi-child discounts and active member parishioner rates. Roncalli Catholic Schools, offering a full K-12 pathway, has a higher structured tuition. Critically for Wisconsin parents, the state's **Parental Choice Program** (voucher program) may provide significant financial assistance. Eligibility is based on family income and residency, and participating schools like Roncalli can accept these vouchers, effectively reducing out-of-pocket costs. It's essential to contact each school directly for current tuition schedules and guidance on applying for state aid.
What unique academic or extracurricular programs do private schools in Cleveland, WI, offer that leverage the local community or environment?
Private schools in the Cleveland area emphasize community-based learning and character formation. Given the rural and lakeside setting (near Lake Michigan), programs often incorporate environmental science and outdoor education. The Lutheran schools strongly integrate music and liturgical arts into their curriculum. Roncalli Catholic Schools, as a larger system, provides broader extracurricular options, including athletics that compete in the Olympian Conference, agriculture programs, and faith-based service learning projects that partner with local Cleveland and Manitowoc County organizations. All schools prioritize small class sizes, allowing for personalized attention uncommon in larger districts.
What is the typical enrollment timeline and process for private schools in Cleveland, Wisconsin, and are there considerations for mid-year transfers?
Enrollment for the following academic year typically opens in January or February, with priority often given to siblings of current students and members of the supporting church parishes. For example, Roncalli holds formal registration events in early spring. However, due to their small sizes, Cleveland-area private schools frequently accept applications and mid-year transfers on a rolling basis, space permitting. The process usually involves submitting an application, academic records, a family interview, and possibly a classroom visit. Given the tight-knit community, establishing a connection with the school administration early is highly recommended, even for late inquiries.
For families considering both sectors, what are the key practical differences between attending a Cleveland public school versus a private school in the area?
The Cleveland Public School district operates a single elementary school (Cleveland Elementary) and then sends students to neighboring districts (like Manitowoc or Howards Grove) for middle and high school. In contrast, local private schools offer continuity—Lutheran schools typically keep students through 8th grade, and Roncalli provides a single Pre-K-12 system. The private school experience is defined by a specific religious worldview (Lutheran or Catholic), mandatory religion classes, and uniform/dress codes. Academically, private schools may have less programming diversity (e.g., fewer AP courses) than a large public high school but counter with smaller, more disciplined environments. Transportation is also a key difference; while the public district provides buses, private school families often must arrange their own transportation, which is a significant consideration in this rural area.
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