The Best Private Schools in Elm Grove, Wisconsin
Discover 3 exceptional private schools in Elm Grove. Find the perfect educational environment for your child with our comprehensive reviews and ratings.
School Overview
Top-Rated Private Schools
University School of Milwaukee
Independent
University School of Milwaukee is a premier independent college preparatory school serving students from pre-kindergarten through 12th grade. Located just minutes from Elm Grove, USM offers a rigorous academic program with small class sizes, exceptional faculty, and state-of-the-art facilities. The school features comprehensive STEM programs, extensive arts offerings, competitive athletics, and a strong emphasis on character development. With a 100% college acceptance rate and numerous National Merit Scholars, USM consistently ranks among the top private schools in Wisconsin.
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Brookfield Academy
Independent
Brookfield Academy is an independent college preparatory school located adjacent to Elm Grove, serving students from preschool through high school. The school employs a classical education model emphasizing core knowledge, critical thinking, and character development. With a student-teacher ratio of 12:1, BA provides personalized attention and academic excellence. The campus features modern facilities, competitive athletic programs, and extensive extracurricular opportunities. The school is known for its strong community values and consistently high college placement rates.
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St. John Vianney Catholic School
Archdiocese of Milwaukee
St. John Vianney Catholic School provides a comprehensive faith-based education for students from 3-year-old preschool through 8th grade. Located in nearby Brookfield and serving the Elm Grove community, the school offers a rigorous academic curriculum integrated with Catholic values. The program includes advanced STEM initiatives, comprehensive fine arts, competitive sports, and technology integration across all grade levels. With dedicated faculty and strong parent involvement, St. John Vianney maintains a reputation for academic excellence and character formation in a supportive community environment.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about private schools in Elm Grove, Wisconsin
What are the main private school options available for families residing in Elm Grove, Wisconsin?
Elm Grove itself is a village without a large number of standalone private school campuses, but it is centrally located within a rich network of highly-regarded private institutions in the greater Milwaukee area. The most prominent options include the University School of Milwaukee (located in nearby Milwaukee and serving Pre-K through 12th grade), Brookfield Academy (in Brookfield, serving K4-12th grade), and St. John Vianney Catholic School (in Brookfield, serving K3-8th grade). Many Elm Grove families also consider other nearby faith-based and independent schools. The village's location offers convenient access to these top-tier schools, all within a short commute.
How does tuition for private schools in the Elm Grove, WI area compare, and are there financial aid options?
Tuition in the Elm Grove area varies significantly by school type and grade level. For the 2024-2025 academic year, expect a range. St. John Vianney, as a parish-supported Catholic school, may have tuition around $6,000-$8,000 for parishioners. Independent schools like Brookfield Academy and University School of Milwaukee have higher tuition, often ranging from $20,000 to $30,000+ annually. Importantly, Wisconsin offers the Parental Choice Program, a state-funded voucher system that can significantly reduce costs for eligible families at participating private schools. Most major schools in the area, including those listed, participate in this program or offer their own substantial need-based financial aid.
What unique academic or extracurricular programs are offered by private schools near Elm Grove, WI?
Schools in this area distinguish themselves with specialized programs. The University School of Milwaukee boasts extensive global studies initiatives, a renowned arts program, and state-of-the-art STEM facilities. Brookfield Academy emphasizes a classical liberal arts curriculum with a strong focus on character education and leadership, including its distinctive "Five Freedoms" philosophy. St. John Vianney provides a faith-based education integrated with technology and Spanish instruction from an early age. Proximity to Milwaukee also allows many schools to offer unique partnerships with local universities, museums, and businesses for enriched learning experiences not typically found in public districts.
What is the typical enrollment timeline and process for competitive private schools in the Elm Grove area?
Planning ahead is crucial. For schools like University School of Milwaukee and Brookfield Academy, the process for the following fall often begins 12-18 months in advance. Key steps typically include: attending open houses (usually in the fall), submitting an application by January or February, completing student assessments and interviews, and receiving decisions by March. Sibling and legacy applicant deadlines may be earlier. For Catholic schools like St. John Vianney, the process may be less protracted but still requires early inquiry, especially for non-parishioners. We recommend contacting admissions offices in the summer or early fall before your desired enrollment year.
How do the educational environments of Elm Grove's public schools compare to the nearby private school options?
Elm Grove is part of the highly-rated Elmbrook School District (Brookfield East and Central High Schools), which is a major draw for families. The choice often comes down to educational philosophy and specific needs. Elmbrook public schools offer excellent academics, extensive AP courses, and large-scale athletic and arts programs. Private alternatives offer smaller class sizes (often 15-18 students vs. 25+), distinct curricular approaches (classical, faith-based, or progressive), and often more individualized attention. For families seeking a specific religious foundation, a particular pedagogical model, or a K-12 continuum on one campus, the private options fill that niche. Many families in Elm Grove weigh the premium of private tuition against the value of their exceptional, tuition-free public system.
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