The Best Private Schools in Eland, Wisconsin
Discover 3 exceptional private schools in Eland. Find the perfect educational environment for your child with our comprehensive reviews and ratings.
School Overview
Top-Rated Private Schools
The Montessori School of Wausau
Independent Montessori School
The Montessori School of Wausau is a highly-rated independent school serving children from preschool through elementary grades. Located approximately 15 miles from Eland, this accredited Montessori program emphasizes individualized learning, hands-on experiences, and development of the whole child. The school features experienced Montessori-trained teachers, beautiful classroom environments, and a comprehensive curriculum that includes foreign language, music, art, and outdoor education. Parents consistently praise the school's nurturing atmosphere and the exceptional academic and social development of students.
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Newman Catholic Schools - Elementary Campus
Newman Catholic Schools
Newman Catholic Schools is a highly-regarded Catholic school system serving the greater Wausau area, including Eland. With over 50 years of educational excellence, the school offers comprehensive K-12 Catholic education with strong academic programs. The elementary campus provides a nurturing environment with small class sizes, dedicated teachers, and a well-rounded curriculum that includes advanced STEM opportunities, fine arts, and competitive athletics. The school is known for its strong community values, high academic standards, and excellent college preparation.
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St. Mark Lutheran School
St. Mark Lutheran Church
St. Mark Lutheran School is a well-established Christian school serving the Wausau metropolitan area, including families from Eland. The school offers a comprehensive K-8 education grounded in Lutheran values with strong academic foundations. Features include small class sizes, dedicated certified teachers, modern technology integration, and robust music and arts programs. The school is known for its family-like atmosphere, strong parent involvement, and excellent preparation for high school. The curriculum balances rigorous academics with character development and spiritual growth.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about private schools in Eland, Wisconsin
What are the private school options for families living in or near Eland, Wisconsin, and are there transportation services available?
Eland itself is a small village, so most private school options are located in nearby communities. The primary options include Newman Catholic Schools (with campuses in Wausau), The Montessori School of Wausau, and St. Mark Lutheran School in Wausau. These schools typically serve a regional area. Transportation is a key consideration; most families in Eland provide their own transportation, though some schools may offer limited bus routes or carpool coordination. It's essential to contact each school directly to inquire about their specific transportation policies for students from the Eland area.
How does tuition at private schools in the Eland, WI, area compare, and are there Wisconsin-specific financial aid programs?
Tuition in the Eland/Wausau region varies by school and grade level. For the 2024-2025 academic year, expect a range from approximately $4,000 to $8,000 annually for parishioner rates at faith-based schools, with non-member rates being higher. Montessori schools often have tuition at the higher end of this spectrum. Wisconsin offers specific financial aid opportunities, most notably the Wisconsin Parental Choice Program (WPCP), which provides state-funded vouchers for eligible families to attend participating private schools. Additionally, many schools offer their own need-based scholarships and payment plans. It's crucial to check each school's participation in the WPCP and their internal aid deadlines.
What unique academic or extracurricular programs do private schools near Eland, Wisconsin, offer that differentiate them from local public schools?
Private schools in the Eland area offer specialized programs that cater to diverse educational philosophies. Newman Catholic Schools provide a comprehensive faith-based curriculum with strong STEM and arts integration. The Montessori School of Wausau offers child-led, hands-on learning in multi-age classrooms, emphasizing independence. St. Mark Lutheran School focuses on a Lutheran Christian education with small class sizes. These schools often have more flexibility in their curriculum, allowing for deeper exploration of religious education, specific pedagogical approaches (like Montessori), or language programs that may not be as readily available in the public schools of the Wausau School District serving Eland.
What is the typical enrollment timeline and process for private schools serving Eland, Wisconsin, and when should parents apply?
The enrollment process for private schools in the North Central Wisconsin region generally begins in the winter for the following fall. For most schools, including those in Wausau, open houses and application periods run from January through March. Admission decisions and registration are often completed by early spring. However, for programs like the Wisconsin Parental Choice Program (voucher), the application window is typically February to April, with a strict deadline. Given the limited seats in many private schools, especially in younger grades, parents in Eland are advised to start researching and making inquiries a full year in advance, ideally in the fall prior to desired enrollment.
For a family in Eland, what are the practical considerations when choosing between the local public school and a private school in Wausau?
The decision involves several location-specific factors. Academically, Eland is part of the Wausau School District, which offers a standard public education. Choosing a private school in Wausau means committing to a daily commute of 15-20 minutes each way, which impacts family logistics and costs. Financially, the WPCP voucher can significantly offset private tuition. Culturally, private options offer distinct environments—faith-based community or Montessori philosophy—that may align closely with family values. Extracurricularly, larger public schools may offer more sports and club variety, while private schools often provide more individualized attention. Parents should weigh the desired educational approach against the practicalities of distance, cost (even with aid), and community fit.
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