The Best Private Schools in Dunbar, Wisconsin
Discover 3 exceptional private schools in Dunbar. 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
Green Bay Area Catholic Education
Notre Dame Academy is a premier Catholic college preparatory school serving students throughout northeastern Wisconsin, including the Dunbar region. The school offers both Advanced Placement and International Baccalaureate programs, along with specialized academies in STEM, business, and humanities. Features include state-of-the-art facilities, competitive athletic programs, extensive fine arts offerings, and a comprehensive college counseling program. The school maintains a strong academic reputation with high college acceptance rates and numerous merit scholarship recipients.
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Lourdes Academy
Catholic Diocese of Green Bay
Lourdes Academy is a highly-regarded Catholic private school serving students from preschool through 12th grade. Located approximately 45 minutes from Dunbar, this established institution offers a comprehensive college preparatory curriculum with advanced placement courses, strong STEM programs, and extensive extracurricular activities including competitive athletics and fine arts. The school features modern facilities, small class sizes, and a faith-based education environment that emphasizes academic excellence and character development.
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Saint Thomas More Academy
Independent Catholic School
Saint Thomas More Academy provides a classical Catholic education for students in grades 7-12, serving families throughout northeastern Wisconsin including the Dunbar area. The school emphasizes a rigorous liberal arts curriculum with Latin instruction, Socratic teaching methods, and strong emphasis on critical thinking skills. With small class sizes and dedicated faculty, the academy prepares students for college success while focusing on moral and character development. The school offers a tight-knit community atmosphere and various extracurricular opportunities.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about private schools in Dunbar, Wisconsin
What are the primary private school options available for families living in or near Dunbar, Wisconsin?
Dunbar itself is a small, rural community, so most private school options are located in nearby cities but serve the wider region. The notable schools include Lourdes Academy in Oshkosh (K-12, Catholic), Saint Thomas More Academy in Appleton (K-8, Catholic), and Notre Dame de la Baie Academy in Green Bay (9-12, Catholic). For Dunbar residents, this means commuting is a necessary consideration, with drives ranging from approximately 45 minutes to over an hour to these campuses. These schools are the primary independent/parochial institutions serving families in the Dunbar area.
How does the tuition at private schools like Lourdes Academy or Notre Dame Academy compare to the Wisconsin state average, and are there financial aid options for Dunbar families?
Tuition at these northeastern Wisconsin private schools is generally below the state average for similar institutions in larger metro areas like Milwaukee or Madison. For the 2023-2024 school year, high school tuition at these academies typically ranged from $8,000 to $11,000. All three schools offer substantial financial aid programs, including need-based grants, parish subsidies for active Catholic families, and multi-child discounts. Wisconsin's unique Parental Choice Program (voucher system) may also be an option, depending on family income and the specific school's participation, which can significantly reduce out-of-pocket costs for eligible Dunbar residents.
What unique academic or extracurricular programs do private schools accessible from Dunbar, WI, offer that leverage the local environment or community?
Schools serving the Dunbar area often integrate the region's strong agricultural, outdoor, and faith-based community values. For example, Lourdes Academy and Notre Dame Academy offer robust environmental science and outdoor education programs that can utilize the natural landscapes of the Northwoods. Additionally, these schools have strong connections to local businesses and colleges in the Fox Valley and Green Bay for internship and dual-credit opportunities. Their athletic programs frequently compete in conferences with other small, faith-based schools across central and northeastern Wisconsin, fostering a close-knit competitive environment.
What is the typical enrollment timeline and process for a kindergarten or high school freshman at a private academy like Saint Thomas More or Notre Dame de la Baie for a family from Dunbar?
The process typically begins a full year in advance. For kindergarten, most schools have open houses in the fall (September-October) with applications due by January or February for the following fall. For high school freshman entry at Notre Dame Academy, the process often starts with an entrance exam in the fall of 8th grade. Given the commute from Dunbar, it's crucial to inquire about transportation options early; some families form carpools. Admissions priorities often go to siblings of current students and active parishioners of supporting Catholic churches, so connecting with your local parish is an important early step.
For a family in rural Dunbar, what are the key considerations when choosing between the local public school and a private academy a significant drive away?
The decision hinges on commute, community, and educational philosophy. Dunbar is served by the Beecher-Dunbar-Pembine School District, offering a very small, close-knit public school environment. Choosing a private academy like Lourdes or Notre Dame means committing to a daily commute of 1-2+ hours roundtrip, which impacts family time and extracurricular participation. However, it provides access to a wider array of advanced courses, specialized college counseling, and different faith-based values integration. The social environment also shifts from a hyper-local community to a regional one. Many families weigh the desire for a specific religious education and perceived academic opportunities against the practicalities and benefits of a truly local school experience.
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