The Best Private Schools in Ephraim, Wisconsin
Discover 3 exceptional private schools in Ephraim. Find the perfect educational environment for your child with our comprehensive reviews and ratings.
School Overview
Top-Rated Private Schools
Stella Maris Academy
Stella Maris Catholic School System
Stella Maris Academy is a highly-regarded Catholic private school serving Door County communities including Ephraim. The school offers comprehensive education from preschool through 8th grade with a strong emphasis on faith formation, academic excellence, and character development. Features small class sizes, dedicated faculty, and robust extracurricular programs including music, art, and sports. The curriculum integrates traditional academics with modern STEM education and serves as a primary private school option for families throughout the Door Peninsula.
Programs:
Gibraltar Area Schools
Gibraltar School District
While technically a public school district, Gibraltar serves as a premier educational option for Ephraim families seeking exceptional academic programs. The district is renowned for its high academic standards, extensive AP course offerings, and unique marine science program leveraging its Door County location. Features state-of-the-art facilities, highly qualified teachers, and comprehensive athletics and arts programs. Consistently ranks among the top school systems in Wisconsin and serves as a primary educational institution for Northern Door County communities.
Programs:
St. John Bosco Catholic School
Green Bay Diocese
St. John Bosco Catholic School operates as part of the Stella Maris Academy system, providing faith-based education to students throughout Door County. The school emphasizes personalized learning, technology integration, and strong community values. Offers comprehensive curriculum with focus on developing well-rounded students through academic rigor, spiritual formation, and extracurricular activities. Serves as a key private educational institution for Ephraim and surrounding communities with transportation options available for Northern Door County families.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about private schools in Ephraim, Wisconsin
What are the specific private school options available for families residing in Ephraim, Wisconsin, and what grade levels do they serve?
Ephraim itself is a small village, so most private school options are located in nearby communities within Door County. The primary options include Stella Maris Academy (a Catholic school with campuses in Sturgeon Bay and Sister Bay, serving Pre-K through 8th grade), Gibraltar Area Schools (a public school district in Fish Creek, but sometimes considered for its unique programs in the area), and St. John Bosco Catholic School in Sturgeon Bay (Pre-K through 8th grade). For high school, families often look at private boarding schools elsewhere in Wisconsin or Catholic high schools in Green Bay. The limited number of local options means many Ephraim families consider schools within a 20-30 minute drive.
How does the tuition for private schools serving Ephraim, WI, compare to state averages, and are there any Wisconsin-specific financial aid programs?
Tuition for the Catholic elementary schools (Stella Maris and St. John Bosco) serving the Ephraim area typically ranges from $3,500 to $5,500 per year for parishioners, which is generally at or slightly below the Wisconsin private elementary school average. A key Wisconsin-specific benefit is the Parental Choice Program, which provides state-funded vouchers for eligible families to attend participating private schools. However, eligibility and availability depend on family income, the school's participation, and program caps. It's crucial to apply early and check directly with Stella Maris or St. John Bosco about their current participation status and any local parish subsidy programs.
What unique academic or extracurricular programs do private schools in the Ephraim area offer that leverage the Door County environment?
Private schools in Door County often integrate the unique local environment into their curricula. Stella Maris Academy, for instance, may offer environmental science programs that utilize the peninsula's forests, farms, and shoreline of Green Bay. Many schools emphasize outdoor education, with potential for field trips to Peninsula State Park, The Ridges Sanctuary, or local maritime museums. Additionally, the strong artistic community in Door County can influence robust arts programs. The small class sizes common in these schools allow for personalized learning that can easily connect to local history, ecology, and the seasonal tourism economy.
What is the typical enrollment timeline and process for private schools like Stella Maris Academy that serve Ephraim families, and are there considerations for the seasonal population?
Enrollment for the following academic year typically opens in January or February, with priority often given to existing families and parish members. For Ephraim families, it's important to apply early due to limited seats. A unique consideration is Door County's seasonal economy; some families may have fluctuating income or residency. Schools are generally understanding but require stable enrollment commitments. The process usually involves an application, submission of past records, a family interview, and a placement assessment. It's highly recommended to schedule a visit during the fall or winter prior to your desired enrollment year to connect with administrators and teachers.
For a family in Ephraim, what are the primary factors to consider when choosing between the local public school (Gibraltar) and a private Catholic school like Stella Maris?
The decision hinges on several Ephraim-specific factors. Gibraltar Area Schools (public) offers a consolidated K-12 campus in Fish Creek with diverse extracurriculars and no tuition. The private Catholic options offer a faith-based education with consistent values across subjects and typically smaller class sizes, but require a commute to Sturgeon Bay or Sister Bay. For Ephraim residents, the commute to either is similar (approx. 20-30 minutes). Consider your child's needs: the public district may offer more specialized programs due to larger size, while private schools provide a close-knit community. Also, factor in the importance of religious instruction and whether the Wisconsin Parental Choice Program could make private school financially comparable.
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