The Best Private Schools in Ellsworth, Wisconsin
Discover 3 exceptional private schools in Ellsworth. Find the perfect educational environment for your child with our comprehensive reviews and ratings.
School Overview
Top-Rated Private Schools
Trinity School at River Ridge
Independent Christian School
Trinity School at River Ridge is a premier private Christian school located in nearby Hudson, serving students from Ellsworth and the broader St. Croix Valley region. Offering comprehensive K-12 education with a rigorous college preparatory curriculum, the school emphasizes academic excellence, spiritual growth, and character development. Facilities include state-of-the-art science labs, athletic complexes, and performing arts spaces. The school boasts high parent satisfaction rates due to its experienced faculty, diverse extracurricular offerings including competitive sports and arts programs, and strong college acceptance records.
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St. Patrick's Catholic School
Diocese of Superior Catholic Schools
St. Patrick's Catholic School in Hudson serves families from Ellsworth and throughout Pierce and St. Croix counties with an outstanding K-8 educational experience. The school is renowned for its strong academic foundation, integrating technology through 1:1 device programs and STEM labs while maintaining deep roots in Catholic traditions. Parents highlight the exceptional teacher quality, safe and nurturing environment, and comprehensive extracurricular programs including robotics, music, and athletics. The school's long-standing reputation and active parent community contribute to its high satisfaction ratings and student success outcomes.
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St. Francis de Sales Catholic School
Diocese of Superior Catholic Schools
St. Francis de Sales Catholic School is a highly respected K-8 institution serving Ellsworth and surrounding communities with a strong tradition of academic excellence and faith-based education. The school features small class sizes, dedicated certified teachers, and a well-rounded curriculum that includes robust STEM programs, religious instruction, and character development. Parents consistently praise the supportive community atmosphere, modern facilities including technology labs, and the school's focus on preparing students for high school success. Extracurricular activities include sports, music, and community service projects.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about private schools in Ellsworth, Wisconsin
What are the primary private school options available for families in Ellsworth, Wisconsin, and what are their educational philosophies?
Ellsworth, WI, is served by a few key private institutions, primarily faith-based schools. St. Francis de Sales Catholic School offers a Pre-K through 8th-grade education rooted in Catholic values. Trinity School at River Ridge, located just outside Ellsworth in Prescott, is an independent Christian school serving grades K-12 with a classical, college-preparatory curriculum. St. Patrick's Catholic School in nearby Hudson also serves families in the broader region. The options are limited in number, so many Ellsworth families also consider private schools in neighboring Hudson or River Falls. These schools generally emphasize small class sizes, character education, and strong community ties specific to western Wisconsin.
How does tuition at Ellsworth-area private schools compare to the Wisconsin state average, and what financial aid options are typically available?
Tuition for the private schools serving Ellsworth tends to be below the state average for Wisconsin private schools, reflecting the region's cost of living. For the 2023-2024 school year, elementary tuition at local Catholic schools often ranges from $3,500 to $5,000 annually, while Trinity School at River Ridge's tuition is higher, reflecting its K-12 and classical program. All schools typically offer financial aid, including parish subsidies for active church members at Catholic schools, need-based scholarships, and multi-child discounts. Wisconsin's Parental Choice Program (voucher program) is a significant financial consideration; however, eligibility and participation can vary by school and income thresholds, so it's crucial to inquire directly with each institution.
What unique academic or extracurricular programs do private schools in the Ellsworth, WI, area offer that differentiate them from local public schools?
Private schools in the Ellsworth area leverage their small size and specific missions to offer distinctive programs. St. Francis de Sales integrates faith across all subjects and may offer weekly Mass. Trinity School at River Ridge's classical curriculum includes Latin, logic, rhetoric, and a "Great Books" seminar-style approach in later grades, which is unique to the region. Extracurriculars often focus on community and service, with local partnerships. While Ellsworth Public Schools offer robust sports and agriculture programs, the private alternatives provide a specific value-based environment and specialized pedagogical approaches (like classical education) not found in the public district, albeit with fewer athletic options due to smaller enrollments.
What is the typical enrollment process and timeline for families seeking to join a private school in Ellsworth, Wisconsin, for the next school year?
The process for Ellsworth-area private schools generally begins in the winter prior to the desired fall enrollment. For example, open houses and application periods for schools like St. Francis de Sales or Trinity School often run from January through March. The process typically involves submitting an application, academic records, teacher recommendations, and often a family interview or student assessment. For Catholic schools, baptismal records are required. Admission decisions are commonly communicated in March or April. Due to the small size of these schools, especially in the upper grades, spaces can be limited, so early inquiry is strongly recommended. Sibling and parish member applicants often receive priority.
For families in Ellsworth, what are the key considerations when deciding between the local public school district and a private school, particularly regarding community and transition to high school?
This is a crucial decision for Ellsworth families. The Ellsworth Public School District is highly regarded, with a modern high school offering diverse courses, strong sports teams (the Panthers), and extensive extracurriculars. Choosing a local private K-8 school like St. Francis de Sales means planning for a high school transition, as most feed into either the Ellsworth public high school, a Catholic high school in the Twin Cities metro, or Trinity School for grades 9-12. The decision often hinges on desired class size, religious education, and specific teaching philosophy versus the broader program offerings and seamless K-12 continuity of the public system. The close-knit community feel is strong in both settings, but the private school community is explicitly centered around shared values. Transportation is also a key factor, as private schools do not provide district busing.
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