The Best Private Schools in Clintonville, Wisconsin
Discover 3 exceptional private schools in Clintonville. Find the perfect educational environment for your child with our comprehensive reviews and ratings.
School Overview
Top-Rated Private Schools
Notre Dame de la Baie Academy
Diocese of Green Bay
Notre Dame de la Baie Academy is a highly regarded co-educational Catholic high school known for its rigorous academic programs, including Advanced Placement courses and a strong STEM focus. The school features state-of-the-art facilities, such as modern science labs and performing arts spaces, and offers a wide range of extracurricular activities, from competitive athletics to community service projects. With a dedicated faculty and a supportive community, it consistently achieves high parent satisfaction and serves students from Clintonville and surrounding areas through transportation options.
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Fox Valley Lutheran High School
Wisconsin Evangelical Lutheran Synod (WELS)
Fox Valley Lutheran High School provides a Christ-centered education emphasizing academic excellence, spiritual growth, and character development. The school offers a comprehensive curriculum with college preparatory courses, vocational training, and robust extracurricular programs, including music, drama, and athletics. Facilities include well-equipped classrooms, a gymnasium, and technology labs. Highly rated for teacher quality and parent involvement, it serves the Fox Valley region, including Clintonville, with a reputation for fostering a close-knit, supportive environment.
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Waupaca Christian School
Independent
Waupaca Christian School is a respected private institution offering a faith-based education from kindergarten through high school. The school focuses on individualized learning, with small class sizes and a curriculum that integrates academic rigor with Christian values. Programs include standard core subjects, arts, and sports, supported by facilities like a library, computer lab, and playgrounds. Known for high parent satisfaction and a strong sense of community, it serves Waupaca County and nearby areas like Clintonville, providing a nurturing environment for student development.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about private schools in Clintonville, Wisconsin
What are the primary private school options available for families residing in Clintonville, Wisconsin, and what grade levels do they serve?
While Clintonville itself is a smaller city, families have access to several well-regarded private schools in the surrounding Fox Valley and Waupaca County areas. The most prominent options include Notre Dame de la Baie Academy (a Catholic, co-ed high school in Green Bay, serving grades 9-12), Fox Valley Lutheran High School (a Lutheran, co-ed high school in Appleton, serving grades 9-12), and Waupaca Christian School (a nondenominational Christian school in Waupaca, serving grades Pre-K through 8). It's important for Clintonville parents to note that these schools involve a commute, as there are no major private secondary schools physically located within Clintonville's city limits. Transportation is often a family responsibility.
How does tuition for private schools near Clintonville, WI, compare, and are there Wisconsin-specific financial aid programs available?
Tuition varies significantly based on the school's affiliation and grade levels. For the 2024-2025 academic year, Notre Dame de la Baie Academy and Fox Valley Lutheran High School have tuition in the range of $9,000-$11,000 annually for parishioners, with non-parish rates higher. Waupaca Christian School's tuition is typically lower, often around $5,000-$7,000 for elementary grades. A critical financial consideration for Wisconsin residents is the **Wisconsin Parental Choice Program (WPCP)**, which provides state-funded vouchers for eligible families to attend participating private schools. Both Notre Dame and Fox Valley Lutheran are part of this program, which can significantly reduce out-of-pocket costs based on family income. It's essential to check each school's website for exact tuition figures and detailed WPCP application procedures.
What unique academic or extracurricular programs do the private schools serving the Clintonville area offer that differentiate them from local public schools?
The private schools near Clintonville often provide specialized programs rooted in their missions. Notre Dame de la Baie Academy offers a robust International Baccalaureate (IB) Diploma Programme and extensive college-prep Advanced Placement (AP) courses, which may not be available at Clintonville High School. Fox Valley Lutheran emphasizes faith-integrated learning across all subjects and offers distinctive programs in theology and ministry. Waupaca Christian School provides a tight-knit, multi-grade classroom environment with a strong focus on character education. All three schools typically have smaller average class sizes than Clintonville's public schools, allowing for more individualized attention. Extracurricularly, the high schools offer competitive athletics in the Fox Valley Association and Bay Conference, which can provide a different level of competition compared to the Eastern Valley Conference Clintonville public schools participate in.
What is the typical enrollment timeline and process for private high schools like Notre Dame or Fox Valley Lutheran for a student from Clintonville?
The enrollment process for these regional private high schools begins early, often in the fall prior to the desired year of entry (e.g., fall of 8th grade for 9th-grade admission). The process generally includes: 1) Attending an open house or shadow day (highly recommended for Clintonville families to experience the commute and campus culture), 2) Submitting an application by a winter deadline (often January or February), 3) Providing academic records and teacher recommendations, and 4) Possibly taking a placement exam. For families seeking a Wisconsin Parental Choice Program (WPCP) voucher, there is a separate state application window, typically in February, which is mandatory for funding. Early inquiry is crucial, as some schools have waiting pools, and transportation planning from Clintonville is a key logistical step.
For a family in Clintonville, what are the major practical considerations when choosing between the local public school district and a private school a commute away?
The decision involves several location-specific factors. First is **commute time and logistics**: Driving to Appleton, Green Bay, or Waupaca can take 30-60 minutes each way, impacting family schedules and student involvement in after-school activities. Second is **cost**: Even with vouchers, private tuition, activity fees, and transportation costs must be weighed against the no-tuition public option. Third is **educational philosophy**: Clintonville public schools offer a comprehensive, secular education with diverse programs, while the private options provide a specific faith-based environment (Catholic or Lutheran) or a particular pedagogical approach. Fourth is **social connections**: Attending a private school outside the community means your child's peer group will be geographically dispersed, which can affect local friendships and participation in Clintonville-based community activities. Families should carefully assess their priorities for academics, values, community, and daily logistics.
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