The Best Private Schools in Fairwater, Wisconsin
Discover 3 exceptional private schools in Fairwater. Find the perfect educational environment for your child with our comprehensive reviews and ratings.
School Overview
Top-Rated Private Schools
St. Mary's Springs Academy
Catholic Diocese of Green Bay
St. Mary's Springs Academy is a premier Catholic school serving students from pre-K through 12th grade, located approximately 15 miles from Fairwater. It is renowned for its rigorous academic curriculum, high college acceptance rates, and strong faith-based community. The school features state-of-the-art facilities, including science labs, athletic fields, and performing arts spaces. Extracurricular programs encompass a wide range of sports, clubs, and arts activities, fostering well-rounded development. Parent satisfaction is high due to its dedicated faculty and supportive environment.
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Lourdes Academy
Catholic Diocese of Green Bay
Lourdes Academy is a highly rated Catholic school serving pre-K through 12th grade, located approximately 20 miles from Fairwater in Oshkosh. It is known for its strong academic programs, including advanced placement and STEM courses, as well as a vibrant fine arts department. The school boasts excellent facilities, such as technology labs, athletic complexes, and art studios. Extracurricular offerings include numerous sports teams, clubs, and community service opportunities. With a focus on faith-based education and student success, it has a history of high parent satisfaction and college readiness.
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Fond du Lac Christian School
Independent Christian School
Fond du Lac Christian School offers a Christ-centered education for kindergarten through 8th grade students, situated about 15 miles from Fairwater. It emphasizes academic excellence, character development, and a nurturing community. The school provides a balanced program with focuses on core subjects, music, physical education, and service learning. Facilities include modern classrooms, a gymnasium, and outdoor play areas. Parents appreciate the small class sizes, committed teachers, and strong sense of community, contributing to its solid reputation.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about private schools in Fairwater, Wisconsin
What are the private school options for families living directly in Fairwater, Wisconsin, and will my child need to commute to a neighboring city?
Fairwater itself is a small village, so there are no private schools physically located within its boundaries. However, families in Fairwater typically access well-regarded private schools in the broader Fond du Lac County area, with a commute of 20-30 minutes. The top options include St. Mary's Springs Academy in Fond du Lac (PreK-12, Catholic), Fond du Lac Christian School (K-8, interdenominational Christian), and Lourdes Academy in Oshkosh (PreK-12, Catholic). Transportation is usually the family's responsibility, though some schools may offer busing from designated areas.
How does tuition at private schools like St. Mary's Springs Academy compare to the Wisconsin state average, and what financial aid options are available locally?
Tuition for the private schools serving Fairwater families is generally at or slightly below the Wisconsin private school average. For the 2024-2025 school year, elementary tuition at these schools typically ranges from $4,500 to $6,500, while high school can be $8,000 to $11,000. Importantly, Wisconsin offers the Parental Choice Program, which provides state-funded vouchers for eligible families to attend participating private schools, significantly reducing out-of-pocket costs. All three major schools (St. Mary's Springs, Fond du Lac Christian, Lourdes) participate in this program. Additionally, each school offers its own need-based financial aid and parish subsidies for member families.
What unique academic or extracurricular programs do the private schools accessible from Fairwater, WI, offer that differentiate them from each other?
Each school has distinct strengths. **St. Mary's Springs Academy** is known for its comprehensive PreK-12 campus, strong college-prep Ledger Way program, and competitive athletics in the Flyway Conference. **Fond du Lac Christian School** emphasizes a biblical worldview integrated into all subjects and a tight-knit K-8 community before students transition to high school elsewhere. **Lourdes Academy** offers a unique environmental stewardship focus through its Lourdes Academy Charter Campus (an outdoor project-based learning program) and a renowned performing arts program. For Fairwater families, the choice often hinges on desired religious affiliation, grade span continuity, and these specialized program offerings.
What is the typical enrollment timeline and process for private schools in the Fond du Lac area that serve Fairwater residents?
The enrollment cycle for these schools begins early, often in January or February for the following fall. The process is crucial due to limited seats and Wisconsin's Choice Program deadlines. Steps typically include: 1) Attending an open house (held in fall/winter), 2) Submitting an application by the school's priority deadline (often February/March), 3) Applying for the Wisconsin Parental Choice Program (if applicable) during the state's window (usually February-April), and 4) Completing school-specific assessments and family interviews. We strongly recommend Fairwater families initiate inquiries a full year in advance, especially for sought-after grades like kindergarten and 9th grade.
For a family in Fairwater weighing private versus public school, what are the key local considerations regarding community, class size, and educational approach?
The key local consideration is the centralized public school district. Fairwater is part of the **Rosendale-Brandon School District**, with children attending Rosendale Intermediate and then Laconia High School. The primary differentiators for private options are: **Religious Education:** A faith-based environment is the core driver. **Class Size:** Private schools like Fond du Lac Christian often have classes of 15-20 students, compared to potentially larger public school classes. **Continuity:** Private schools like Springs and Lourdes offer a single-campus PreK-12 experience, whereas the public path involves transitions between district buildings. The trade-off involves commute time, cost (mitigated by vouchers), and alignment with family values versus the convenience and no-tuition cost of the local public system.
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