The Best Private Schools in Ellison Bay, Wisconsin
Discover 3 exceptional private schools in Ellison Bay. Find the perfect educational environment for your child with our comprehensive reviews and ratings.
School Overview
Top-Rated Private Schools
Notre Dame of De Pere
Notre Dame Catholic School System
Notre Dame Academy serves students from throughout Northeast Wisconsin, including Door County communities like Ellison Bay. As a comprehensive Catholic college preparatory school, it offers rigorous academic programs with 98% of graduates attending four-year colleges. The school features state-of-the-art facilities including modern science labs, performing arts center, and athletic complex. With a strong emphasis on both academic excellence and character formation, Notre Dame provides extensive extracurricular opportunities including championship athletic programs, award-winning arts departments, and comprehensive STEM initiatives. The school maintains a strong reputation for academic achievement and student development.
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St. John Bosco Catholic School
Catholic School System
St. John Bosco provides a faith-based education serving families throughout Door County, including Ellison Bay. The school offers a rigorous academic program grounded in Catholic values with strong emphasis on character development and community service. With dedicated certified teachers and small class sizes, students receive individualized attention. The curriculum includes comprehensive religious education alongside strong academic programs in mathematics, language arts, and sciences. The school community is known for its welcoming atmosphere and strong parent involvement, making it a popular choice for families seeking private education in the region.
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Gibraltar Area Schools - Elementary
Gibraltar Area School District
Gibraltar Elementary serves the northern Door County peninsula including Ellison Bay with a strong focus on personalized learning and environmental education. The school leverages its unique location with outdoor learning experiences and nature-based curriculum. With small class sizes and dedicated teachers, the school provides a comprehensive elementary education program that emphasizes both academic fundamentals and character development. The campus features modern facilities surrounded by natural beauty, offering students exceptional learning opportunities in a supportive community environment.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about private schools in Ellison Bay, Wisconsin
What are the actual private school options for families residing in Ellison Bay, Wisconsin?
It's important to understand that Ellison Bay itself is a very small village and does not host a private school campus within its immediate boundaries. The private schools listed as serving the area, such as St. John Bosco Catholic School (in Sturgeon Bay) and Notre Dame of De Pere, are located in neighboring cities, 15-30 miles away. Gibraltar Area Schools is a public school district. Therefore, families in Ellison Bay seeking private education typically look at schools in Sturgeon Bay, Sister Bay, or as far as Green Bay/De Pere, necessitating consideration of daily transportation or carpool logistics.
How does Wisconsin's Parental Choice Program affect private school tuition for Ellison Bay residents?
Wisconsin's statewide Parental Choice Programs can significantly reduce tuition costs for eligible families. For the private schools accessible from Ellison Bay (like those in Sturgeon Bay or De Pere), your eligibility depends on your household income, the specific school's participation in the program, and your residency in Wisconsin. It's crucial to apply during the open application period (typically February-April) directly through the Department of Public Instruction website or the participating school. This program can make private school a financially viable option for many Door County families.
What unique academic or extracurricular programs do private schools in the Ellison Bay region offer that leverage the local environment?
Private schools in the Door Peninsula region often integrate the unique local culture and environment into their curricula. For example, a school like St. John Bosco may emphasize environmental science with field studies in the Peninsula's state parks, cherry orchards, or coastal ecosystems. Others might have strong arts programs inspired by the area's vibrant artist communities in Fish Creek and Ephraim, or maritime history units connected to local museums and shipbuilding history. When visiting schools, ask about place-based learning initiatives specific to Door County.
What is the typical enrollment timeline and process for private schools serving Ellison Bay, given the seasonal nature of the community?
The enrollment process for schools in this region often requires early planning, especially for families who may be seasonal residents initially. Most private schools have application deadlines in the winter (January-February) for the following fall, with notification in spring. It's advisable to initiate contact and tours in the fall prior to your desired enrollment year. Be prepared to discuss your year-round residency status, as schools prioritize stable, local families. For families moving to Ellison Bay permanently, communicating your settlement timeline clearly with the admissions office is key.
How do the class sizes and community feel of private schools near Ellison Bay compare to the local public school district?
The Gibraltar Area School District (public) is known for its small, close-knit community feel, which is a hallmark of Door County education. The private school alternatives, such as St. John Bosco or Notre Dame, often offer even smaller class sizes (sometimes 10-15 students) and a distinct faith-based or value-centered community environment. The choice often comes down to educational philosophy and specific program offerings rather than just size. A significant practical difference is the commute; the public Gibraltar elementary school is in Fish Creek, which is generally a shorter drive from Ellison Bay than the private options in Sturgeon Bay or De Pere.
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